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Close of Lunar New Year Celebrated at West Orange High School
WEST ORANGE, NJ – The Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year as it is also known, was celebrated in style in a diverse program held at West Orange High School on Feb. 15 that was sponsored by the school district and United Asian Voices of West Orange.
United Asian Voices was formed in response to increased violence against the Asian Community. Their goal is to educate and unite the community in support of its diversity. About 56 different ethnic groups celebrate the holiday, considered one of the most important on the Chinese Calendar. 2022 is The Year of the Tiger, and each different year and character is determined by a Lunisolar system and parts of the calendar that include the Chinese zodiac.
Traditions include housecleaning to sweep away ill-fortune and make way for good luck, decorating windows and doors with red paper cutouts of good fortune and happiness, lighting firecrackers, and giving money in red paper envelopes.
World Languages Supervisor Felix Plata, Chinese instructors from Edison, Liberty, Roosevelt, and West Orange High Schools, and students in all grades worked together with UAVWO to transform the Tarnoff Gym. Steeped in tradition, colorful posters and decorations filled the hallway, students manned craft tables and games, and a program was presented that included Chinese songs and dances, all performed by the students.
The event represented not only the celebration of the Lunar New Year, but the hope it also brings. The large turnout of enthusiastic community members and their families brought smiles to all that attended.
Reach United Asian Voices of West Orange via their Facebook page HERE.
See the program HERE.
See photos and video clips HERE.
Chinese teachers from WOHS, Edison, Liberty, and Roosevelt.
Below: Members of United Asian Voices of West Orange Caroline Lan-Jan Harris, Fannie, Fannie Chan Jarvis, and Sage Gajawarala.
Feb. 18, 2022