Courtesy of Tom family/Chinatown Community Young Lions
Evelyn tries on her lion dance costume.
Around the world, about 2 billion people will soon ring in the new year all over again. February 10 marks the start of Lunar New Year. For the first time, the beginning of Lunar New Year will be an official holiday for public schools throughout New York. It’s the first state to recognize the holiday in this way.
The holiday, also known as Chinese New Year, lasts for 15 days. It’s a time for people in Asian communities to honor their heritage. They eat special meals, exchange gifts, and set off fireworks.
On the Chinese calendar, each year is represented by one of 12 animals. The coming year will be the Year of the Dragon. Many people consider the dragon to be a symbol of good luck and success.
Eleven-year-old Evelyn Tom was born during the last Year of the Dragon. She and her brother, Tristan, who’s 12, are preparing to take part in a Lunar New Year parade in their hometown of New York City.