FRISCO, TEXAS — The time has come to celebrate the Chinese New Year, when students, no matter how far from their hometown, celebrate the coming year. From dressing up to virtual family gatherings, students embrace old traditions in new ways.
According to the National Museum of Asian Art, the Lunar New Year is “a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar… it is the time of the year to reunite with immediate and extended family.”
Centennial High School junior Michelle Wu shared her thoughts on the celebration. “I miss celebrating with my family in Taiwan, but being with friends here who also celebrate makes it special.” She added, “What I miss most about Chinese New Year is collecting red envelopes!”
With some help from family members, the tradition of collecting red envelopes persists. Many send care packages with red envelopes filled with money to children and friends. This year, Mrs. Yip, the parent of Centennial junior Emma Yip, continued the tradition by handing out red envelopes to Emma’s friends, keeping the celebration and tradition alive.
No matter where or how it’s celebrated, the essence of the Lunar New Year remains the same—honoring traditions, cherishing connections, and anticipating a fresh start. Whether through small gestures of celebrations or family gatherings, students and parents keep the spirit of the holiday.
