Honoring Lunar New Year tradition in a new place

 

Wanny Ng, a senior at MSU pursuing a degree in Creative Advertising with a minor in Graphic Design, recently shared her heartfelt reflections on celebrating Lunar New Year and the significance it holds in her life. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Wanny came to MSU for college, a decision that has brought both unexpected challenges and meaningful growth.

"Many people ask me how I ended up here, and honestly, no one warned me about how cold it gets," she joked, reflecting on her journey to Michigan. But beyond the weather, her experience at MSU has been transformative, especially as she navigated being far from her family and the traditions she holds dear.

Wanny’s memories of Lunar New Year are filled with warmth, joy, and family connection. Growing up in the Dominican Republic, where the Chinese population is relatively small, her family would gather with relatives and friends to celebrate in style. “We’d dress up, bring a thank-you gift to the host, and enjoy a big feast while my family shared fond memories of their time in China and the DR,” she recalled.

Cherished memories of childhood celebrations

For Wanny, Lunar New Year as a child was magical. She fondly remembers folding dragon lanterns, playing with other children, and receiving red envelopes filled with money from her relatives. The highlight of the celebration, however, was the lion dance. “Hearing the beat of those big drums and seeing the performers do crazy stunts while the crowd fed them red envelopes and lettuce — it was always the best part. Everyone would stop what they were doing and watch together,” she shared.

It wasn’t until Wanny came to MSU that she truly realized how much she cherished these moments. Being away from her family meant that she could no longer experience the holiday in the same way, which made her appreciate it even more. "You don’t know what you have until it’s gone," she reflected.

Friendship as a foundation for support and belonging

Despite the distance, Wanny found comfort and belonging in her new community at MSU. Her friends, many of whom were unfamiliar with Lunar New Year traditions, joined her in celebrating the holiday, understanding how much it meant to her. “Every year, we go out to dinner, usually at a Chinese restaurant, and I tell them about my traditions growing up and share pieces of Chinese culture with them. It’s their way of showing love and support, and it means the world to me.”

Wanny credits MSU’s diverse student organizations and programs for helping her build meaningful connections and find a sense of family away from home. “The people here, who genuinely care about me and whom I care deeply for in return, have made me appreciate every moment I get to share with them,” she said.

As Wanny reflects on the warmth and togetherness Lunar New Year brings, she feels grateful for the opportunity to share her story and celebrate this cherished tradition with her MSU community. “It makes me so happy to see my found community at MSU embrace this holiday with me,” she concluded.

This story originally appeared on the College of Communication Arts and Sciences website.