Chinese Culture Club Hosts Chinese New Year Celebration
The Chinese Culture Club hosted a Chinese New Year celebration in the LU One Lounge Jan. 30 to celebrate the start of the Lunar New Year.
The Chinese Culture Club was joined by the Asian American Association Club, the Japanese Culture and Anime Club, the Hallyu Club and the Chinese Student Christian Association to help plan, advertise and volunteer at the event.
“It gives people the opportunity to learn more about such a big and prominent culture,” Mattaniah Wilson, president of the Chinese Culture Club, said.
Guests were encouraged to wear red or traditional attire to celebrate.
Chinese New Year, also called Lunar New Year, is marked by the lunisolar Chinese calendar and signifies the end of winter. This holiday has been celebrated for thousands of years with legends and traditions related to the festival, which include wearing red and lighting fireworks to scare away the Nian monster.
“Chinese culture is such an ancient culture, and it gives you a lot of insight into our creator because it is such an ancient tradition,” Wilson said.
The lounge was decorated with red lanterns, streamers and tablecloths. In the corner of the room, a photo booth was set up with props, fans and parasols.
Light refreshments of traditional New Year foods were served. Pajeon, a Korean scallion pancake, nian gao, a New Year rice cake, fried rice and fresh fruits were all offered buffet style.
In addition to the food, club leaders offered homemade milk tea and boba.
Later in the night, attendees were able to participate in a Kahoot! game which quizzed players on fun facts of the Chinese New Year. Guests engaged in healthy competition while learning about the history and traditions related to the holiday.
Sophomore Eric Mathemeier noted his personal experience with the Chinese New Year.
“My grandmother always celebrated it with us even though my dad’s side of the family wasn’t necessarily Asian, so she kind of immersed us in the culture,” Mathemeier said.
The night ended with karaoke in the lounge while traditional games were played outside.
Freshman Alaina Sefiane chose to participate in the celebration with her friends.
“I didn’t know much about it and it is more of something my friends like to do so I thought I would like to celebrate with them as well,” Sefiane said.
All of these clubs celebrating Asian culture have their own unique events throughout the semester. To get involved with the Chinese Culture Club, visit its Instagram page @lu_chinesecultureclub.
Twitchell is a news reporter for the Liberty Champion.