ćĺçźč˛Ą! Happy Year of the Snake! Growing up, I always looked forward to the Lunar New Year more than the Calendar New Year. Chinese New Year means better food, good fortune, and, of course, the hĂłngbÄo: red envelopes with money inside, meant to represent luck (shoutout to my uncle, Tom, for mailing my siblings and I our envelopes from two states away). Iâm sure many other college students share the sentiment that itâs difficult having to move away from both family and family traditionsâ for me, the Lunar New Year is one of those traditions. This year I wonât be home to cook wontons, receive hĂłngbÄo, or hear my grandma talk about how my brotherâs talent derives from how he was born in the Year of the Golden Pig (but Roosters are supposed to be way luckier than Pigs this year, so jokeâs on you, Jack!). Whether youâre feeling homesick, missing your familyâs traditions, or looking for something fun on January 29th, these ideas are great ways to connect with those around you, remember how fortunate you are, and find more fortune this coming Year of the Snake.
- Wear red
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Coming from a Chinese family, we are the MOST superstitious folk around. We donât chew our noodles because they represent our lifeline, so chewing them will shorten your life. Washing or cutting your hair on the Lunar New Year brings bad luck. You should not align your bed to the door or against a window. Actually, aligning your bed to your door is fine, as long as you have something blocking the doorâs energy. Subtle brag, but after I used feng shui when deciding on my dorm layout; it looked amazing so Iâm a firm believer in the door nonsense. The belief that the color red is lucky is the most common and apparent Chinese superstitionâ red represents life through the sun, blood, and fire. Wearing red will not only bring good fortune, but itâs an easy way to celebrate the new year.Â
- Check Out College Culture AssociationsÂ
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Countless colleges have student associations for those with similar cultures, whether it be a Chinese Student Association, a Multicultural Student Association, or something else. These clubs often do get-togethers and celebrations for the new year and other holidays, so theyâre a great place to check out if youâre looking for somewhere to celebrate. There are often activities and free food, making cultural associations a great place to celebrate with friends and meet new ones.Â
- Mahjong
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No, not that one mobile game. Real mahjong. Mahjong emerged in the 1800s during the Qing Dynasty. If the Qings had anything figured out, it was how to make fun games. This is a friend-group favorite. I took a set with me on a trip with friends last year and it was what we spent all our time doing when we werenât out of the house. Mahjong involves four players and is a game of strategy and deceptionâ itâs so much fun to play with friends and I canât recommend it enough. (If you really want to put on a true college twist, look up Beerjohng).Â
- Eat!
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I’m not sure if this is a common thing for Asian families, but my family members and I are chronic over-orderers. Leftovers at home or boxed-up meals that could feed an entire village after restaurants are required for any get-together. All occasions can and should involve a lot of food. Bonding over dinner tables and amazing food is the best kind of bonding. Grab some friends, go out for food, or have a potluck. No matter how you do it, the time spent being close to those you love mattersâLunar New Year or not.Â
No matter what you celebrate or how you celebrate it, find time to connect with others. In college, itâs easy to feel homesick and isolated, but taking steps to share traditions, celebrate life and good fortune, and order too much food is time well spent. You can even start some traditions of your own. May this Lunar New Year bring you lots of good fortune and time spent with those you loveâ and donât forget to wear your red! ćĺçźč˛Ą!