Every year, I go to all the Chinese Club events that I can possibly make it to. This year, my favorites have been Chinese New Year (春節) and Lantern Festival (元宵節). We started off the year strong with the Chinese New Year event put on by AASA and co-hosted with a whole bunch of orgs, including the Chinese Club. I helped at the Chinese Club table for part of the night, but I also enjoyed some time just hanging out with friends and eating food! We also did lots of calligraphy, some of which is still hanging in my house.

I always enjoy celebrating with the Chinese Club and my professors because they like to celebrate with us in ways that they would at home in China or Taiwan. Like many Chinese holidays, food is very important at 春節. People eat fish because the word for fish (魚 yú) sounds the same as the word for “surplus” or “abundance.” Dumplings are a common occurrence at the dinner table as well. 餃子 jiǎozi or dumplings look similar to old Chinese currency, symbolizing wealth coming into the new year. These are usually handmade, with all generations of the family taking part in the making of dumplings. Moon-shaped rice cakes (年糕 Niángāo) and glutinous rice ball soup are all common foods during the Spring Festival.

In Mandarin, people say “新年快樂 Xīnnián kuàilè,” which means “Happy New Year.” Another common phrase is “恭喜發財 Gōngxǐ fācái,” which people say to mean “may your new year be rich, happy, and prosperous.” Red envelopes, which contain money, are also given to children and unmarried young people during this holiday. 

Both the food we eat and the things we say and do are important during this holiday, and my Chinese friends and professors make sure I do them! Since I have been learning Chinese, I have celebrated with my classmates and teachers, many of whom have been from China and Taiwan. I have always loved getting to celebrate and share their culture. One thing I have always loved about celebrating the Spring Festival is how excited people are to share their experiences and culture with others. Because I have celebrated 春節 for many years, it has become something I treasure, and I am always excited about this time of year.

Thank you for reading!
Your sincere friend, Rose Crawford.