SUU welcomes the Lunar New Year with festivity and tradition

As the 2024 Lunar New Year approaches, the Southern Utah University Office of International Affairs hosted a special event for  the holiday on Feb. 8. Students and faculty gathered in the Sharwan Smith Student Center Living Room to celebrate with cultural  activities.

The event was laden with colorful lanterns, and the entrance featured a decorative dragon, the year’s representative zodiac animal. New Year’s music created a festive atmosphere, drawing students to the event. 

In order to expand the tradition, attendees learned more about the meaning of the holiday. International affairs decided to organize this event so that students could experience the joys of different cultures.

Natasha White, one of the organizers of the event, said, “I hope they are able to gain a different perspective on New Year’s.” 

Because Lunar New Year is a major holiday across Asia, the walls were covered with traditions from various countries.The event featured a variety of Chinese food and the traditional Chinese game Mahjong. International students from China, Japan and Korea helped students write their name in their languages as a souvenir.

This event was a great opportunity for students to celebrate and learn about different cultures. To stay up to date on similar culturally enriching events, visit the SUU Office of International Affairs website.  

Author: Wangwei Qian
Photos: Lukas Hassell
Editor: Nick Stein
life@suunews.net