By Dean Tan ’18 and David You ’19, Staff Writers

Chinese New Year is a holiday celebrated throughout the world and within the Newark Academy community. It is a time where families spend time together, and money is given out to children. In traditional Chinese families, everyone wears red for good luck, and cleans the house for the new year. This year, Chinese new year was celebrated on January 31, the first day of the lunar year. It also marked the beginning of the year of the horse in the zodiac calendar. Here at the Newark Academy community, Chinese New Year is a lovable holiday that everyone can enjoy and say, “xin nian kuai le! (Happy New Year!)”

    The new year is a time of reunion. Almost all of the interviewees either had friends and family over for a party or went to someone else’s house. To celebrate the new year, many students had a dinner or lunch. They would eat lots of Chinese food for the occasion. One participant had a bigger party than usual, while another person listened to music. Four people did not do anything interesting for this year’s Chinese New Year. However, the new year was very special for one Newark Academy member because he got to celebrate the zodiac year of the horse in which he was born.

    All the participants loved Chinese New Year. No one could resist opening the red envelopes, full of money sent from loving relatives. All of the interviewees said that red envelopes were a huge part of the celebration. Others enjoyed it because of the free food, and the quality time they got to spend with friends and family.

    The Newark Academy community cherished this opportunity. They said that it was a good celebration of the Chinese culture and it allows Chinese people to express their ethnicity and culture. Surprisingly, one student thinks we should have a day off during Chinese New Year to respect all those students celebrating Chinese New Year. In all, it brought the Chinese people together and allows us to express our freedom of religion.

    While not many people celebrate Chinese New Year in the Middle School, it can still be considered a major holiday. Expanding for one month, the Chinese families get their second new year in America, and maybe even more resolutions. Its also a time to make new friends and meet new family.  Finally, its a great way to show the diversity of the Middle School.