Cultural Awareness Group helped Trinity College School students and staff usher in the Year of the Tiger with Lunar New Year celebrations on Monday, January 31st and Tuesday, February 1st. Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the start of the lunar calendar year and is celebrated in many Asian countries, including China, South Korea and Vietnam, as well as by Asian families the world over.
At 11:00 a.m. ET on Monday, which was midnight in China, everyone was invited to say “Happy New Year,” Gung Hei Fat Choy (“Wishing You Prosperity” in Cantonese) or Xin Nian Kuai Le (“Happy New Year” in Mandarin). Click here for a video that explains these and other greetings. Head of Senior School Kristopher Churchill sent an email to the Senior School community to share greetings: “To those who celebrate the Lunar New Year/Spring Festival, let me say on behalf of TCS that we wish you and your families a new year of abundance and prosperity. Please take full advantage of new beginnings, and know that we hope that each of you achieves success in everything the new year holds for you.”
Prior to Monday, CAG members had organized decorations for the Senior and Junior Schools, and both of our libraries joined in the celebration by offering up displays of books honouring Asian cultures.
On Tuesday, Junior and Senior School students were encouraged to take part in a “wear red” dress down day, as red is a colour symbolizing good fortune and success. The culinary services team conjured up an Asian-inspired lunch menu featuring sweet and sour chicken or tofu, fried rice and egg rolls. As well, CAG posted riddles in Cirne Hall and the first floor of W.A. Johnson Classroom Block, with prizes to be won. Riddles have long been associated with the Lantern Festival that traditionally concludes the 15-day Lunar New Year celebrations.
February 1, 2022 to January 21, 2023 marks the Year of the Tiger in the lunar calendar. The third of 12 animal signs of the East Asian zodiac, the tiger is an emblem of strength and bravery, as well as hope and protection from bad spirits.
Wishing a Happy New Year to all of our TCS families who are celebrating!
