On February 3, the Southeast Asian Cultural Club (SEACC) hosted a vibrant and informative celebration of Lunar New Year during lunch in room 7-14. The event, filled with educational insights, fun activities, and cultural traditions, gave students an opportunity to explore the significance of the holiday across various Southeast Asian cultures.
The club’s president and senior, Karen Truong, kicked off the event with a warm welcome. “If you haven’t joined our Instagram or Remind yet, make sure you do! It’s the best way to stay connected with our events,” Truong said. As part of her role, she emphasized how participating in the club and holding leadership positions, such as being president, helps build a strong college application. “Being president looks great on college applications. It shows leadership and commitment, which is exactly what colleges look for,” she added.
The day’s highlight was an insightful presentation by senior Chris Garland, who took the audience through the rich history of Lunar New Year. “The Lunar New Year dates back to the 9th century BC,” Garland explained, “where it started as a way to mark the beginning of a new year in the lunar calendar, often celebrated with the consumption of lamb.” Garland also touched on how the holiday’s customs spread across Asia, particularly to Vietnam, where it remains a significant festival today. Garland went on to share a popular myth that explains the origin of the Chinese Zodiac. “The Jade Emperor, ruler of the heavens, wanted a way to measure time. So, he created a race with 12 animals to decide which would be part of the zodiac,” Garland said. He recounted the story of the clever rat, who won the race by riding on the back of the ox, and the other animals’ unique and often humorous race tactics. Garland added, “It’s a fun story, but it’s important because it shows how every animal in the zodiac is connected to its characteristics, and each year corresponds to one of these animals.”
After the history lesson, the club members explored different Lunar New Year traditions across several countries. According to Truong, the foods associated with the holiday carry deep symbolism. “In China, they eat long noodles for longevity and dumplings for wealth and prosperity,” she explained. “In Vietnam, one of the most iconic dishes is Bánh Tét, a rice roll that symbolizes family unity and a full harvest.” Garland added, “In Korea, people enjoy tteokguk, a rice cake soup, which represents family and prosperity.” The conversation then shifted to how the holiday is celebrated worldwide. “It’s celebrated in many parts of Asia,” said Truong, pointing out that, “Countries like China, Vietnam, Korea, the Philippines, and Thailand all have unique traditions. In Vietnam, it’s known as Tết, and in Korea, it’s called Seollal. But one thing is common — the focus on family, community, and good fortune.” Truong also shared that festivities like the Dragon Dance Parade are a major part of Lunar New Year celebrations in places like Chinatown and Koreatown. “The parades, big feasts, and giving of red envelopes with money are all part of the festivities,” she said. “It’s about wishing luck, prosperity, and good health to others.”
To wrap up the event, the club hosted a game of Bầu cua cá cọp, a traditional Vietnamese game, where students rolled dice featuring animals, such as a crab, rooster, fish, and tiger. The game was a hit, with both students joining in the fun. Moriah Beard, a junior member of the club, enthusiastically commented, “It was a very very fun way to get everyone involved and learn about different aspects of the culture in a fun and interactive way. I honestly really enjoyed it.” The Southeast Asian Cultural Club also shared important information about upcoming leadership opportunities within the club. With all four current officers, including Truong and Chris, set to graduate this year, the club is actively encouraging underclassmen to consider taking on leadership roles. “If anyone is interested in running for president or another position, now’s the time,” said Karen, urging students to apply. “It’s an opportunity to leave your mark and continue the legacy of this amazing club.”
The club provided a fun and educational break for the students, leaving everyone with a greater understanding and appreciation of Southeast Asian cultures. The club’s efforts to make cultural traditions accessible and enjoyable to everyone was evident in the turnout and the positive energy throughout the event.
SEACC plans to hold more educational and cultural events throughout the year, and students are encouraged to follow the club on Instagram for updates. With leaders like Truong and Garland at the helm, it is clear that SEACC will continue to thrive and provide meaningful experiences for students interested in learning more about Southeast Asian cultures. For anyone interested in joining or getting involved, be sure to attend the next meeting — there are plenty of exciting opportunities to make new friends, learn about diverse traditions, and contribute to the vibrant school community. Even you can stay connected with the club by joining the Remind group using the code @rhsseacc or following them on Instagram at @rhs.seacc!
