I Celebrate Lunar New Year!

Most people welcomed in the new year on January 1. My family did too, but we’ll do it all over again when Lunar New Year begins on January 22. The 15-day holiday is celebrated by people in Asian communities around the world. (It’s also known as Chinese New Year.)

My mom and dad are from Taiwan, a country in Asia. They moved to the United States in 2010. My younger sister, Emily, and I were born in the U.S. But we love taking part in Taiwanese traditions, like celebrating Lunar New Year. 

Every year, we have a big party where we play games and exchange gifts. Family members give us red and gold envelopes filled with money. These symbolize good fortune for the new year ahead. 

During Lunar New Year celebrations, my sister and I sometimes wear dresses called cheongsams (chong-SAMZ). Some have beautiful flower or dragon designs on them. 

Food is also a big part of the holiday. We love to help our parents make—and eat—dumplings filled with mushrooms, beef, or pork! 

Not many people celebrate Lunar New Year in our hometown, East Wenatchee, Washington. But I want all kids to learn about it. In fact, we love to share all of our Taiwanese customs with the people in our community. 

My dad owns a shop in our local mall where he sells bubble tea, a drink that is popular in Taiwan. Emily and I sometimes help out. There is a classroom in the store where he offers free classes to teach kids to speak and write in Mandarin. That’s the official language of Taiwan.  

Every country has its own traditions. Learning about other countries’ cultures helps people better communicate, share, and respect each other.