Lunar New Year is on Tuesday, Feb. 17. China, Vietnam, Korea, and other countries in Asia celebrate it. Many people carry out traditions to celebrate Lunar New Year, including students at Mark Keppel High School. With a 68.0% Asian population at this school, a large amount of students partake in it. Here are some customs for Lunar New Year.

“I think of money, family, and eating with my family,” Jonathan Tang, a junior at Mark Keppel High School, said. “I like the red envelopes because it brings me joy and it sustains me for the whole year.”

“It’s usually hot pot. You cook 10 dishes,” Yueqiu Hou, a senior at Mark Keppel High School, explained. “There’s usually jiaozi, tangerines, and steamed fish with lemongrass and scallions.”

When asked about family traditions or activities, Emily Huang, a senior at Mark Keppel High School, shared, “We exchange red envelopes, play mahjong, and play poker.”  

In February, Alhambra and Monterey Park hold festivals with rides, food, and cultural performances. The community comes together to welcome a new year of good fortune and prosperity. Celebrated among East and Southeast Asian cultures, Lunar New Year symbolizes the end of hardships from last year, beginning of new opportunities, and hope for the future.