Students set the stage in the dining hall in preparation for the Lunar New Year dinner

February 2, 2012

Students arrived at the Elm Street Dining Hall Sunday evening, January 22, to see an array of colorful decorations, complemented by traditional Asian foods for them to sample – all part of this year's Lunar New Year celebration.

January 23 was the official start of the new year, according to the Chinese lunisolar calendar. Flamboyant Lunar New Year festivities celebrated the day all over the world for those who are Chinese or whose cultures are heavily influenced by Chinese culture, from Beijing to New York City to Manila, Hong Kong, Seoul and Bangkok.

On campus, this special evening was a way for PEA's Asian students to join together while sharing a part of their cultural heritage with their fellow students. Emily '13, newly arrived from Beijing this year, says, "I had many fond traditions that I shared with my family and friends back home. Celebrating Lunar New Year at PEA wasn't entirely different. Everyone here is so open and curious about different cultures that it isn't just a matter of 'showing.' I am still sharing my culture with a community whom I care about. Making this an all-school event really made me feel comfortably immersed within the community's appreciation for my traditions."