How lucky we are to get multiple chances to ring in the New Year!
While much of the world marks January 1st as the start of a fresh chapter, millions of people celebrate the Lunar New Year, following the lunar calendar. It’s one of the biggest holidays in countries like China, Vietnam, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and beyond, each with its own rich traditions. In China, it’s known as Chūnjié (Spring Festival) and lasts for 15 days, filled with family reunions, feasts, and firecrackers. Vietnam celebrates Tết, where red envelopes, peach blossoms, and special foods mark the occasion. In South Korea, Seollal brings families together to honor ancestors and enjoy traditional games.
No matter where or how it’s celebrated, the heart of the Lunar New Year is the same: renewal, gratitude, and connection. It’s a time to leave behind the old, welcome new beginnings, and wish for a prosperous year ahead.
This year, I had the chance to celebrate with a friend at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, where they hosted a Lunar New Year event.

Beijing opera singer performing at the AKG Auditorium
It was a beautiful experience – watching performances and being surrounded by people, meeting new people, tasting food, embracing the traditions of the holiday. Even though this isn’t a tradition I grew up with, I felt a deep sense of connection. It brought back memories from my three-month trip to Thailand many years ago – though Thailand officially follows the Thai solar calendar, which marks the New Year in April with the Songkran Festival.
Moments like these remind us that belonging isn’t just about where we come from, but about sharing each other’s cultures and experiences, open ourselves to new traditions, and find common ground with other people. As we step into the New Year once again and welcome the Year of the Snake, it’s a great time to reflect on what makes us feel like we belong.
Did you know that our sense of belonging changes as we go through life? With that in mind, if you’re over the age of 18, I’d like to invite you to take a few minutes to fill out a Human Belonging From Friends Across Lifespan Survey from the University of Wolverhampton. It’s completely anonymous.
May all your wishes come true in the Year of the Snake! 🐍✨