New York State has designated the Asian Lunar New Year as an official public school holiday, following the signing of a bill by Governor Kathy Hochul. This historic decision, marking February 10, 2024, as the inaugural holiday, is a significant recognition of the state’s diverse Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
Emphasizing the cultural importance of this holiday, which is celebrated in various Asian countries like China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Myanmar, Governor Hochul highlighted the significance of this legislation. “This isn’t just a day off school. It’s an opportunity for our children to learn about and celebrate diverse cultures and traditions,” she remarked.
The Lunar New Year, symbolizing fresh beginnings, is steeped in traditions varying across cultures. In China, it involves house cleaning to sweep away bad luck, while in Korea, it’s marked by a special recognition to elders, rewarded with money in colorful envelopes. Vietnamese celebrations include dragon dances to ward off evil spirits.
Grace Lee, Democrat of the 65th district and Co-Chair of the New York Assembly’s Asian Pacific American Task Force, lauded the law as a step towards diversity and inclusion. “This holiday allows our children to cherish our heritage and pass it on,” she stated.
The new holiday also addresses the challenges faced by Asian communities, particularly during a time when discrimination is prevalent. Wei Qin, president of the Chinese Community Center in Latham, equated the Lunar New Year to a combination of Thanksgiving and Christmas, emphasizing its deep-rooted significance in Asian cultures.
A 2021 Pew Research Center report revealed that New York hosts the nation’s second-largest Asian community, a demographic that represents the fastest-expanding racial and ethnic group in the U.S., boasting 1.9 million individuals.
The establishment of the Lunar New Year as a public school holiday in New York State not only honors the Asian American community but also fosters a broader understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity within the state.
“It can happen in America. God bless America,” Qin said. “I’m so proud to be an American.”
