On Feb. 11 and 12, students at Hamilton Bicentennial Elementary School (HBE) in Cuddebackville, New York, welcomed the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year through a series of engaging Chinese Cultural Program sessions held across multiple classrooms. The programs focused primarily on first-, second-, and third-grade students, with more than 100 children participating throughout the day.
Organized in collaboration with the Minisink Kindness Rotary Club, the event introduced students to the history, traditions, and values behind one of the world’s most widely celebrated holidays. In 2026, the Lunar New Year begins on Feb. 17, marking the start of a new year according to the lunar calendar.
Learning the meaning behind the Spring Festival
Jin Pang of the Minisink Kindness Rotary Club led the main presentation, guiding students through the origins of Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year. She explained that the celebration lasts 15 days, beginning with the new moon and ending with the Lantern Festival.
“Although it takes place in winter, it’s called the Spring Festival because it celebrates renewal and the coming of spring,” Pang shared.
Through storytelling and visual aids, students learned about the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac and discovered that 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse, symbolizing energy, movement, and determination. Pang also introduced common customs such as cleaning the home before the New Year to wash away bad luck, honoring ancestors, and gathering with family.
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Students were especially excited to learn about traditional foods, including dumplings, which are shaped like ancient Chinese coins and symbolize prosperity and good fortune.
Stories, symbols, and red decorations
Pang also shared an ancient legend about a monster frightened away by red colors, bright lanterns, and loud firecrackers, helping students understand why these elements remain central to Lunar New Year celebrations today. She displayed traditional decorations such as lanterns, paper cuttings, Chinese knots, and the Chinese character “福” (Fu), meaning good fortune.
Chopsticks, red envelopes, and hands-on fun
The cultural experience continued with a lively chopstick game led by Angela Lee, president of the Minisink Kindness Rotary Club. Students practiced using chopsticks in a friendly competition while learning that chopsticks are shared across many Asian cultures.
Lee also introduced the tradition of red envelopes, explaining that they represent blessings, peace, and happiness for the year ahead, encouraging students to practice kindness, patience, and compassion.
A continued commitment to cultural exchange
This year’s program builds on HBE’s ongoing efforts to connect students with Asian culture. In February 2024, the school hosted an Asian Lunar New Year Assembly, featuring Lion and Dragon dances performed by students from the Northern Schoolhouse in Middletown and the Shen Yun Assessment Center. The exchange concluded with HBE students singing their school alma mater, celebrating cultural sharing and mutual respect.
Through programs like these, HBE Elementary School continues to foster curiosity, cultural understanding, and joyful learning， one celebration at a time.
BE Elementary School recently welcomed the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year with a series of engaging Chinese Cultural Program sessions held across multiple classrooms. The programs focused primarily on first-, second-, and third-grade students, with more than 100 children participating throughout the day.
Organized in collaboration with the Minisink Kindness Rotary Club, the event introduced students to the history, traditions, and values behind one of the world’s most widely celebrated holidays. In 2026, the Lunar New Year begins on February 17, marking the start of a new year according to the lunar calendar.
