OVER THE MOON— ACA members left to right: Sophomore Alex Keen-Tellez, first-year Heba Khan, sophomore Jessica Leyder, junior Hannah Kelly-Quigley, sophomore Sana Ahmed, sophomore Pratigya Thakur, sophomore Christine Hill and sophomore Thomas Tang
By Kayla Brown, Staff writer
Chinese food was served, trivia was played, lanterns were made, and prizes were won as the Asian Cultural Association (ACA) honored numerous Asian cultures as part of their annual celebration of the Lunar New Year on Feb 9.
The Lunar New Year, often thought of as the Chinese New Year, is celebrated by many Asian nations from the first new moon to the first full moon, including South Korea, Vietnam, Japan and others.
In Korea, the holiday is known as Seollal. In Vietnam it is known as Tet, and in Tibet it is known as Losar, according to Britannica Encyclopedia.
Each year is given one of twelve zodiac animal signs: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. 2019 is the year of the pig: the 12th animal in the cycle.
The ACA explained pigs would likely gain wealth, prosperity and happiness this year. 2018 was the year of the dog and 2020 will be the year of the rat.
Around the world, the Lunar New Year is celebrated with decorations, parties, games, and food.
At this year’s celebration, Susquehanna paralleled those traditions. There was buffet-style food and drinks: General Tso’s chicken, chow mein, homemade dumplings, sweet and sour chicken, numerous types of rice, pineapple cake, aloe juice, sauces, and fortune cookies.
By the end of the night, the only things remaining on the tables were rice and spoons.
Beginning at 7 p.m., every half-hour, there was a game of Kahoot! with trivia regarding the Lunar New Year. The questions ranged from common sense or answers found in the room.
In between eating and trivia, there was socializing and arts and crafts. At one table, people made lanterns just like the ones found around the room, and at another table, people attempted to fold origami pigs.
The steps were quite complex, which led to some people choosing an easier route, but most people ended up with pigs.
Around each of the tables, people, of all cultures and age groups, engaged in conversations, spanning from Harry Potter to last semester’s classes.
People helped each other with trivia questions, shared their fortunes and had a good time with not only old friends but with new people they had just met that evening.
The ACA was able to build on the advertisements, the amount of food, decorations and activities this year due to a good turn out for the same event last year.
This was emphasized when junior and Vice President of the ACA Hannah Kelly-Quigley said, “The more people who show up, the more we can do.”
While the event entertained people of all different cultures, the requirements to be part of the association are still unclear to many people.
Sophomore and Vice President of the ACA Sana Ahmed said, “I always get the question, ‘Isn’t it only for Asian
people?’ No, it’s not just for Asian people. It’s for anybody who wants to learn about different cultures.”
The event was successful in providing an environment for people to get together and learn about other cultures in a casual way.
“I think it’s awesome that this organization was able to put this event together,” said sophomore Justin Strumpf. “I had a great time and learned a lot about Asian culture.”