Sierra Canyon School commemorated the Lunar New Year with a weeklong celebration.
Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is celebrated across many cultures with festive gatherings, symbolic decorations, and traditional foods. This year welcomes the Year of the Snake, a sign associated with wisdom, transformation, and resilience.
The Lower Campus was decorated in vibrant red and gold, colors that symbolize good fortune, prosperity, and luck in Chinese culture. Students enjoyed traditional Chinese snacks, such as tanghulu (sugar-coated fruit skewers), and engaged in activities like Ring Toss, where they received small prizes. Continuing a cherished tradition, a parent dressed as the mythical God of Wealth distributed red envelopes containing small "gold" coins. Upper Campus students Alysa M. '28 and Betty C. '25 also created the Chinese character "Fu" (Good Fortune), which they shared with students as keepsakes. Traditionally displayed on doorways, they are believed to bring luck and blessings into the home.
On the Upper Campus, the Chinese Cultural and International Leadership Clubs, in collaboration with the Chinese Heritage Parents Association (CHPA), organized a vibrant presentation to commence the Lunar New Year festivities. Club leaders Heidi Z. '27, Betty C. '25, Max Z. '28, Guannan L. '25, and Alysa M. '28 provided insights into the holiday's significance and shared the story of the snake's role in the Chinese Zodiac. The presentation also featured traditional Chinese dance and music performances. Sierra Canyon student musicians—Charlie C. '26, Nathan W. '26, Lynn R. '28, Sophia R. '26, and Taylor H. '28—performed alongside esteemed Guzheng artist and composer Annie Zhou, showcasing traditional Chinese instruments. The celebration continued with cultural activities such as a Chinese dance masterclass, Mahjong, and calligraphy, and each student received a festive treat to mark the occasion.
Students, faculty, and staff on both campuses received traditional gift bags, extending wishes of good fortune for the new year. Each bag included festive treats, a card highlighting the significance of the Chinese Zodiac, and a small commemorative keepsake.
Sierra Canyon wishes our families a joyful and prosperous new year.
We are deeply grateful to the CHPA, the Chinese Cultural and International Leadership Clubs, and the Parents of Asian Pacific Islanders for their enthusiasm and dedication in making this weeklong celebration a success. Special thanks to CHPA parent representative Jiaoni Zhu (Echen '36 and Shinyi '38), Michelle Liem (Owen '38), Xiaoyang Yin (Sunny '35), Li Wang (Rena '35 and Rachel '31), and Summer Bao (Pax '37 and Devin '38) for highlighting the significance of the celebration, to Miranda Xue (Zerric '31) for teaching the Chinese dance masterclass, and to Susan Hsu (Laura '24 and Taylor '28), Laura Xu (Charlie '26), and Wendy Shen (Nathan '26) for their leadership and hard work in organizing the Upper Campus Assembly
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