Although your new year celebrations may be long over, that is not the case for all students.

Every year, senior Lucy Lin and her family celebrate the Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival.

This celebration takes place annually on the 23^rd day of the 12^th lunar month in the Chinese calendar and lasts for approximately 23 days. This year, the Chinese New Year falls on Feb.16.

Lin views the holiday as an opportunity to spend time with loved ones and properly ring in the new year.

“It’s just a tradition in our culture,” Lin said. “It’s a way to connect and hang out with friends. I also think it’s a time to appreciate family. It’s all about bringing good vibes for the new year.”

Among Lin’s favorite new year traditions are receiving red envelopes with “luck” money and eating traditional foods.

Lin also enjoys viewing and setting off fireworks, even though she cannot do so in the United States.

Celebrations that take place in China are far more extravagant than offshoots held stateside. The Spring Festival is a Chinese national holiday, so most businesses, schools and government offices are closed to make time for the festivities.

“(In China) There are parades, firecrackers in the streets and thousands of lanterns,” Lin said. “My family back in China dresses in all red or traditional clothing.”

This holiday is chock full of tradition and meaning. Usage of red is important to the holiday, as it represents good luck and happiness in the Chinese culture. Garments made of red fabric are often worn during the Spring Festival and red decorations are common.

Each new year is represented by a different animal of the Chinese zodiac. This year is the year of the dog.

Lin feels as though more Americans should familiarize themselves with the traditions and customs of the Chinese New Year.

“I think it’s important (for Americans to be educated about the celebration),” Lin said. “I just think it’s a good idea to learn about other cultures and their holidays.”

18lgregory@usd489.com