At TCU and other university campuses worldwide, students and scholars gather to celebrate the Lunar New Year, a holiday rich in history, tradition and cultural significance. As universities become spaces for both cultural celebration and academic inquiry, the holiday offers an opportunity to explore its historical, sociological and global impact, bridging the worlds of tradition and education. More than just a celebration, Lunar New Year is a time of renewal, reflection and cultural heritage.
Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, marks the start of the lunisolar calendar. The history of the Lunar New Year festival can be traced back to about 3,500 years ago, although the exact beginning was not recorded. Each year is associated with a new zodiac sign. 2025 ushers in the year of the snake. At the start of Lunar New Year, a new zodiac sign season starts. This year is the year of the snake. One of the most significant holidays in China and across East and Southeast Asian communities, Lunar New Year is a time for families to reunite, honor traditions, and look forward to prosperity in the coming year.
A Sociologist’s View: Lunar New Year in a Globalized World
For Assistant Professor of Sociology Yvonne Chen, Lunar New Year has always been about family, food and fortune. From a sociological perspective, Lunar New Year traditions reflect broader cultural and economic forces. She said the theme that stands out to her is commodification, where commercialization, capitalism, consumerism and globalization intersect to transform Lunar New Year goods into marketable commodities.
“Growing up, we would purchase lai see (利是), or red envelopes, from Chinese banks or local supermarkets in Chinatown,” Chen said. “Now, you can find them at mainstream stores like Target or Walmart. High-end luxury brands have also jumped on the trend, like Versace, Prada and Gucci, to name a few.”
Chen emphasizes the importance of businesses and communities understanding and respecting the cultural significance of these traditions rather than merely capitalizing on them for profit.
The Diversity of Lunar New Year Celebrations
While often associated with China, Lunar New Year is widely celebrated across Asia, with each country bringing its own unique traditions. Faith Lee ’26, a member of TCU’s Korean Language and Culture Association and Chinese Club, emphasizes the need to recognize this diversity.
“It’s completely different in Korea, China, Vietnam, etc.,” Lee said. “I think it's good to be informed about the amount of diversity there is in celebrating this holiday.”
For instance, Korea celebrates Seollal (설날), a three-day holiday focused on ancestral rites and family gatherings, while Vietnam’s Tết includes traditions like “first footing” (xông đất), where the first visitor of the year is believed to influence a family's luck. Recognizing these differences deepens our understanding of Lunar New Year as a multicultural event.
Celebrating Lunar New Year on Campus: Challenges and Opportunities
For Kristy Tom ’27, president of the TCU Chinese Club, Lunar New Year has always been a time for family, marked by shared meals and traditional dishes symbolizing luck and prosperity. However, maintaining these traditions has become more challenging since coming to college.
Despite these challenges, she encourages students and faculty to learn about and appreciate Lunar New Year by attending campus events with an open mind.
“Students and faculty who don’t celebrate the Lunar New Year can learn about and appreciate it respectfully by attending our event with an open mind and participating in several cultural activities,” Tom said. “Furthermore, asking questions to Chinese professors about the culture is another good way to learn more.”
Recognizing Lunar New Year: The Power of Acknowledgment
For Jiwon Kim ‘25, a member of TCU’s Korean Language & Culture Association, Lunar New Year has always been a time for family. Since moving to college, Kim celebrates far less than she did at home. She emphasizes that for students and faculty unfamiliar with Lunar New Year, showing respectful acknowledgment is important.
“I think acknowledging the holiday is key,” Kim said. “Embrace the new culture and make yourself stronger. We are stronger and better when we are together.”
Vietnamese Student’s Perspective:
Honoring Tết Far from Home
For Alice Nguyen ‘26, a member of the TCU Chinese Club, Lunar New Year, known as Tết, is the most significant holiday in Vietnamese culture.
“My family’s traditions make this celebration meaningful and joyful,” Nguyen said. “One key tradition is "first footing" (xông đất), where the first visitor of the year is carefully chosen based on their zodiac sign and personality, as their fortune is believed to influence our family’s luck.”
She said the food and activities bring her family together and it’s what she misses most while studying abroad at TCU.
A Time for Reflection and Togetherness
Lunar New Year is more than just a holiday, it’s a celebration of renewal, family and shared traditions. While each country and culture brings its own customs to the holiday, the universal themes of togetherness and hope remain central. For students far from home, the university community plays a vital role in fostering a sense of belonging.
