Traditional crafts and food marked the Asian Student Association’s celebration of the Year of the Horse, symbolizing adventure and vitality.
The annual event took place from 4:30-5:45 p.m. in Hunsaker Lounge on Wednesday, Feb. 11. ASA President Chi Luu ‘26 greeted people at the door with red “Lucky Money envelopes.” In this famous Asian tradition, Luu explained, elders give red envelopes to family members as a blessing of good fortune and happiness.
“These red envelopes play a significant role in maintaining family bonds and expressing love during this auspicious holiday,” she said.
Hunsaker Lounge was arranged with a food table and areas for calligraphy, origami and mingling. The calligraphy and origami were new additions to ASA’s annual celebration, as they wanted to introduce more traditional components of the holiday.
Luu explained that calligraphy is often used to celebrate the Lunar New Year, with the “Luck” or “Fu” (福) Mandarin symbols on red paper often being placed on doors, walls and windows to ward off evil and welcome good luck. Hongwei Lu, the ASA advisor and Asian Studies Department chair, instructed people on how to make specific designs. At the origami table, ASA Vice President Lily Phanthavong assisted people in making miniature horses, lanterns and goldfish.
With more than 100 people in attendance, Luu said this year’s celebration went better than expected.
“I think this speaks for the hard work of this year’s cabinet, as well as the strength of our tight-knit community that always come to support diversity clubs and organizations on campus,” she said.
The official start of the Lunar New Year is today, Feb. 17. Luu said they decided to hold their celebration early to be mindful of approaching midterms and since Wednesdays are their club meeting time.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of ASA Lunar New Year celebrations and the club itself. Their upcoming events include the March 14 Night Market and March 25 Holi celebration. More information is available on the club’s Instagram page, @asaredlands.
McKenzie Rose, a sophomore double-majoring in Environmental Studies and Journalism, serves as the Redlands Bulldog Editor-in-Chief this semester. McKenzie first dabbled in the world of journalism during high school by working as a freelance reporter with the municipal Hermiston Herald and regional East Oregonian newspapers near her hometown of Echo, Oregon. She enjoys running (participating in the university’s track & field and cross country teams), spending time with her pets, traveling and listening to good ‘ol country music!
