Welcome to the Year of the Rabbit! Golden Bears in each division embraced the celebration of Lunar New Year this week across campus with food and fun. 

Primary School and Lower School students were invited to wear red and all students enjoyed an Asian-themed lunch in the STEM Dining Hall, which was decorated for the holiday as well. 

Primary School students heard stories about the 12 animals of the zodiac and learned about the year of their birth and the corresponding animal. The Atlanta Chinese Dance Company performed on Monday, Jan. 23 for both Primary School and Lower School. Students learned that Chinese dance often uses props, such as fans, ribbons, handkerchiefs and even a teapot, to tell a story. Students were invited to try out both fans and ribbons in a dance demonstration. 

Lower School students visited the PEAK classroom to “tour” Lunar New Year celebrations around the world using the immersive screen. They viewed parades, elaborate decorations and all kinds of food, including noodles which symbolize a long life. They also learned about their own zodiac signs and the history of Chinese New Year, which is a 15-day celebration corresponding with the new moon in January. 

In Upper School, the Asian Cultural Association hosted a buffet with traditional homemade food such as dumplings, egg rolls and fried rice. Each student received a hongbao or red envelope for a raffle drawing. Traditionally, money is placed in the red envelopes to bestow more happiness and blessings on the receivers. The color red symbolizes energy, happiness and good luck in Chinese cultures. It also is said to keep children safe by scaring away the legendary demon Sui. 

“Our students had so much fun learning about Lunar New Year,” Susanna Mees, Lower School reading and writing specialist and Lower School multicultural coordinator, said. “In addition to the classroom activities, students were able to celebrate by wearing all red. They were also treated to a performance by the Atlanta Chinese Dance Company, which educates and entertains through the art of Chinese dance. It was a wonderful way to welcome in the new year, the Year of the Rabbit.”

— Christina Mimms