St. Margaret’s Celebrates Lunar New Year with Cultural Activities and Educational Programs

In The Upper School the professional community participated in sharing stories during their division meeting about culture, Chinese zodiac signs, as well as the significance of red envelopes which traditionally symbolize prosperity, good wishes and luck for the new year ahead. There were delicious dumplings also available to sample. The Upper School quad was decorated in red provided by the generosity of St. Margaret’s parents, but also supported by student groups including the AAPI Affinity Group and the Chinese Culture Club. Later in the week Upper School students led a Chapel homily, followed by a captivating performance of the lion dance. 

Upper School student Charlotte Jiang, a member of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) student affinity group, shared her perspective about Lunar New Year as a more meaningful opportunity to reconnect with family and community. She said, “To me, Lunar New Year is about generations of Asian American immigrants and culture; it represents the immeasurable love parents have for kids and the beauty of connecting people who have never experienced the holiday in their mother country with people whose first time celebrating outside of Asia.”

In the Middle School, grade 6 student Amy Weng spoke during Chapel about how the cherished occasion is a time to honor deep-rooted traditions, strengthen bonds with family, and embrace opportunities. A few parents also set up a photo booth for Middle School students in the courtyard to foster community and celebrate during lunch.

In both the Early and Lower School divisions, parents visited a number of classrooms to share about Lunar New Year and their own cultural traditions. Students created traditional crafts, such as red lanterns and dragon masks. 

The festivities also included a lion dance performance that took place on the Lower School playground, as both Early School and Lower School students joyfully watched the performance.

 

The Lunar New Year is celebrated around the world, and is also referred to as the Spring Festival in many cultures. The holiday lasts 15 days until the first full moon of the Lunar Calendar, and its start date ranges from January 29 to February 12.