There are a wide range of Asian cultures that have Lunar New Year. For example, Chinese call it “Chun Jie” (Spring Festival), Koreans call it “Seollal” and Vietnamese call it “Tết!” There are many different traditional ways of celebrating as well. Celebrations traditionally run from the evening preceding the first day, up until the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first calendar month. In 2019, the first day of the Lunar New Year falls on February 5th, initiating the year of the Pig.
Join San Mateo County Libraries as we celebrate Lunar New Year!
Some Event Highlights
Flower Arranging With Jen Yeung
Come join us for a 1-hour workshop in designing your own floral arrangement/centerpiece to take home for Lunar New Year!
Leung's White Crane Lion Dance
The famous SF Leung's White Crane, opens a new window will bring you a traditional lion dance to celebrate Lunar New Year. The colorful and spectacular lion will give you a unique experience of East Asia.
Lunar New Year Banquet Around the World
Chef and Sommelier Miggi Demeyer, opens a new window will not only talk about Chinese food and wine pairing, but she will also share the stories about how original Chinese ingredients influence the whole world and how Chinese celebrate Lunar New Year compared to the rest of the world.
Red Panda Acrobats
Celebrate Lunar New Year with professional acrobat performer, Wayne Huey, as he amazes you with his spectacular skills of juggling, balancing objects, and handstands.
There are a lot more events so make sure you visit your local library and bring in the Year of the Pig with fun!
New Online Chinese and Japanese eMagazines Service
If you are looking for something to read this New Year, San Mateo County Libraries’ collection of eMagazines is growing! Now you can read popular magazines from Japan, such as Discover Japan or 25ans, as well as magazines from Hong Kong, like men’s uno HK, and Taiwan, such as Taipei Walker. You no longer need to go to a specialty store to seek these out -- you can get them instantly on your mobile phone, tablet, or computer! All you need is your library card to start reading.
This eResource is available in Chinese and will soon be available in English as well. An app is also available on the Apple App Store, opens a new window and Google Play, opens a new window. It is available in four languages: English, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Live 24/7 help is also offered in these languages.
How will you celebrate Lunar New Year? Share with us in the comments below.
