It’s the Year of the Rabbit, and thanks to the Center for Global Engagement’s Lunar New Year celebration, students at the Campus Center on Tuesday were able to enjoy the festivities and learn more about the culture surrounding the Lunar New Year. The event was sponsored in partnership with the Asian American Pacific Islander Club, and was funded by the Campus Activities Board using the Student Activity Fee.

Besides learning about the celebration, participants also had the opportunity to play games and win prizes, which included riddles, word searches, and the chopstick game, in which students had to move popcorn into a cup with chopsticks before the timer ran out. Students also had the opportunity to learn how to make dumplings and write their names in Chinese. The celebration gave students a chance to meet new people and try new things.

The Year of the Rabbit began on January 22, 2023, and will end on February 9, 2024. The rabbit is one of 12 designated animals celebrated in the Chinese culture based on the lunar calendar. It is seen as a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity. The Lunar New Year, commonly known as “Guo Nian,” marks the beginning of Spring and the arrival of the new year. For CSI students, it was a chance to come together to celebrate, eat, and have fun. It was a wonderful way to start the semester. 

By: Emily Jimenez