Central’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Studies Program hosted a whimsical celebration in the Student Center on Feb. 12 to usher in the 2025 Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake.
The Lunar New Year is celebrated on the first new moon of the year and is based on the traditional Chinese calendar. The celebrations are a time of bringing good fortune for the year ahead and special moments are to be made with family and loved ones.
Dr. Nghi Thai, Co-Director of the Asian American, Asian, and Pacific Islander Center, said this holiday holds a great deal of importance for her.
“As a Vietnamese American, the Lunar New Year, or Tet, is the most significant holiday for me. I received red envelopes while growing up and other traditions that I follow include cleaning the home, preparing different fruits and flowers as an offering, and wearing red and/or new clothes for the Lunar New Year,” Thai said. “Representation beyond the home shows that we matter in a community, whether at the university or the greater community. We all become further enriched by these experiences and opportunities for education and cultural exchange.”
The serene, mystic snake symbol was at the forefront of the festivities, among other traditions known within the Sinosphere region. It is said that the snake will bestow qualities of wisdom and versatility to those born during any Year of the Snake, according to Chinese folklore.
Deputy Consul General Suguru Minoya from the Consulate General of Japan in Boston and New Britain Alderwoman Candyce Scott came to show their support alongside attendees.
Julie Kim, Co-Director of AAAPI, said that events such as the campus Lunar New Year celebration emphasize the weight and rarity behind sharing a larger part of oneself.
“Members of minority groups often share their unique cultural practices and heritage within their own communities but are frequently pressured to assimilate into the dominant culture, rather than holding on to their traditions and customs,” Kim said. “I think cultural events that blend celebration and education are important not only to highlight the uniqueness of each culture, but also to break down misunderstandings of minority groups and, ultimately, to build a more diverse and inclusive community for all.”
Kim said that there is a nuanced appreciation for cultures outside of one’s own that can only be gained if they are willing to challenge stereotypes and prejudice, and to appreciate the diversity that shapes the world.
Students from Montessori School of Greater Hartford performed a ferocious lion dance, and Fei Fei Yang, dual Global Music award winner, played alluring traditional Chinese ballads on the erhu, a two-stringed bowed musical instrument.
AAAPI’s very own K-Pop group also had a number during the event and Central student Sean Millare said their performance was a special way to reach the community.
“The creation of the group was kind of spontaneous as three of us just decided to do a dance at the end of the semester but it’s something that we can bond over,” Millare said. “It was a little nerve-wracking to be up on the stage, but when I got up there, I toned out the nerves and we rocked out.”
