Guests can experience live music and booths at the Asian American Student Association’s annual Lunar New Year celebration.

Lunar New Year begins on the lunar calendar’s first new moon through the first full moon 15 days later. The two-week celebration includes food, fireworks, parades and parties. Homes are decorated with red, symbolizing good luck for the new year. 

The calendar is composed of 12 animals, marking this year the year of the snake, symbolizing intelligence, resilience and love. 

The Lunar New Year celebration will include student organization booths, a performance by singer-songwriter hongjoin and student performances. Guests can try Asian dishes for free from Wing It, Mr Hui and Thai Delight.

Adam Huynh is the Lunar New Year chair for AASA. Beginning preparations for the celebration in the fall, Huynh and his Lunar New Year committee work on decorations and itineraries. 

With Lunar New Year falling in the spring semester, the Asian American Student Association hopes to provide a space for international students to celebrate their culture and give back to the Asian community.

“I always like to consider the international students at OU because people can’t go home and celebrate with their families,” Huynh said. “I really want to give them this time to celebrate with people who share the same beliefs. I want students to have a home away from home for the Asian community here at OU.” 

Huynh has found community in AASA and hopes to give Asian students similar experiences.

“Growing up as an Asian American, I have never had a connection to Lunar New Year,” Huynh said. “I always went to Temple when I was younger, but as I grew up, we didn’t go as frequently. Coming to OU, I found this community that really shows me how to embrace my Asian identity, and it has been such a good environment for me. It fostered a pride in my own cultural identity.” 

The Lunar New Year celebration is free to attend from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday at the Jim Thorpe Multicultural Center. Cultural and semi-formal attire is encouraged. More information on AASA can be found on their Instagram.

This story was edited by Madisson Cameron. Avery Avery copy edited this story.