On Friday, Feb. 7, Asbury will host a Lunar New Year Dinner Celebration from 6-7:30 p.m. It will be held in the CLC Luce Auditorium. All are invited to come and experience cultural foods and conversations related to the holiday.
The tradition of Lunar New Year originated in China as an agricultural festival used to ask for blessings from the gods. The celebration begins on the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends on the first full moon, taking place on Jan. 29-Feb. 12 this year. Events throughout the festival include fireworks, dancing, serving of traditional food and decorating of colorful lanterns. It was said that the color red was used to scare away monsters and beasts.
The event is sponsored by Intercultural Life here at Asbury and in support of the Asian Student Alliance (ASA). Other student alliances and members of the ASA will be decorating and helping with preparations. The dinner includes a small program with music and a game for all attendees.
In addition, students will be participating in the Lunar New Year event at Tates Creek Middle School on Saturday, Jan. 25. It will take place from 2-5 p.m. and is an opportunity for students to learn more about the Lunar New Year traditions. This is coordinated with Professor Yanhong Zheng, a Chinese instructor at Asbury and in the Fayette County School District.
The event is open to all Asbury students. For any questions, contact Intercultural Life at InterculturalLife@asbury.edu.
Photo courtesy of AU Strat Comm.
