How We're Celebrating Lunar New Year in 2025 at St. Agnes

At St. Agnes, we pride ourselves on celebrating our community's diversity and rich traditions. This year, on January 29, we'll honor the Lunar New Year in 2025, marking the Year of the Snake, with an array of festivities that highlight the significance of this cherished cultural celebration.

From vibrant performances to delicious food and meaningful traditions, our campus will come alive with activities that embrace and educate about the values and heritage of Asian cultures. 

Celebrating the Lunar New Year allows our students to engage with these meaningful traditions and strengthen our inclusive community. Find out what we have planned for the Chinese new year!

Before we dive into the celebration, let’s review why this event matters to so many members of our student body.

The Lunar New Year celebration at St. Agnes is more than just an event; it reflects our commitment to fostering cultural appreciation and understanding.

By engaging in these traditions, our community can learn about the values of family, prosperity, and unity central to Asian cultures.

These celebrations also allow us to build connections and create an inclusive environment where all students feel seen, valued, and celebrated.

In the Chinese zodiac signs, 2025 marks the Year of the Snake. Those born under this sign are often associated with qualities such as wisdom, intuition, and charm.

This year’s zodiac animal sign, the snake, symbolizes transformation and renewal, making it a fitting representation of the new beginnings and aspirations that the Lunar New Year embodies.

By celebrating the Year of the Snake, we acknowledge the zodiac's rich cultural significance and its role in guiding the hopes and expectations for the year ahead.

At St. Agnes Academy, students will experience a vibrant Lunar New Year festival during lunch, featuring games, food, and traditional customs. This interactive event is designed to be fun and educational, offering students a glimpse into the traditions that Asian cultures have cherished for centuries.

Games have always played a significant role in Lunar New Year celebrations, symbolizing joy, togetherness, and the start of a prosperous year. At our festival, students can participate in traditional games that bring luck and laughter.

One of the highlights is the giving of red envelopes, or "lai see," which symbolize good luck and blessings for the year ahead. Inside the red envelopes, recipients often find small monetary gifts, a practice that reflects wishes for prosperity and success.

Food is essential to Lunar New Year festivities, symbolizing family unity and hope for abundance. To honor this tradition, students can enjoy a lunch from Kim Son Restaurant, a local favorite known for its authentic Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine.

This special meal on the day of the Lunar New Year festivities will allow students to experience the culinary delights that are integral to this celebration on the Chinese calendar.

Students are invited to wear a red top paired with their uniform bottoms as part of our celebration. Red holds deep significance in Asian cultures, symbolizing happiness, success, and protection from evil spirits.

By incorporating this vibrant hue into our day, we honor tradition and create a festive and spirited atmosphere that reflects the joy of the Lunar New Year.

A highlight of our celebration will be the captivating performance by the Soaring Phoenix Dragon & Lion Dance Team. This traditional art form, featuring dynamic movements and vibrant costumes, is a cornerstone of Lunar New Year festivities.

The lion dance, in particular, is believed to bring good luck and drive away bad fortune, making it an essential part of the celebration. As the dancers bring the lion and dragon to life, students will be immersed in a cultural experience embodying energy, creativity, and tradition.

We are thrilled to invite the St. Agnes community to celebrate the Lunar New Year in 2025. Whether you're tasting the delicious cuisine from Kim Son Restaurant, marveling at the skill of the Soaring Phoenix Dragon & Lion Dance Team, or enjoying the festive games and red envelopes, this celebration promises to be a memorable and enriching experience for all.