Thursday, October 1, 2026
Students at Chatterton School welcomed the Lunar New Year with music, movement and lessons on culture during a recent assembly organized by parent volunteers, transforming the school auditorium into a space for both celebration and learning.
The program introduced children to the traditions and symbolism of the holiday, which is observed across many Asian cultures and marks the start of the lunar calendar. Often associated with themes of renewal, family and good fortune, Lunar New Year has roots dating back more than 3,000 years to agrarian societies that celebrated the end of winter and the beginning of a new planting season. Over time, the observance blended seasonal rituals with folklore, including the legend of the monster Nian, which villagers drove away using loud noises, bright colors and lanterns — traditions that live on today through decorations, drumming and festive performances. Because it follows the lunar calendar, the holiday’s date shifts each year, typically falling between late January and mid-February, and similar celebrations are observed across Asia.
Against that historical backdrop, the Chatterton assembly aimed to bring those traditions to life for students in an age-appropriate way. Teacher Cinnamon Green said the program reinforced lessons already underway in the classroom while helping students see how cultural traditions connect communities.
“The event aligned closely with our kindergarten social studies curriculum, which focuses on understanding diverse traditions and how cultural celebrations help build a shared community identity,” Green said. “This collaborative effort among our kindergarten and third grade teams, alongside our families, created an engaging and inclusive learning experience that celebrated diversity, respect, and unity within our school.”
A highlight of the morning was an energetic lion dance performed by students from Townsend Harris High School. Accompanied by rhythmic drumming, the performers maneuvered the colorful costumes across the stage, captivating the audience and illustrating how the dance is traditionally used to bring luck and chase away negative energy. Afterward, younger students eagerly lined up for photos with the lions, extending the experience beyond the performance itself.
The celebration also included the distribution of red envelopes, a cherished custom symbolizing prosperity and well-wishes for the year ahead. For many students, the gesture offered a tangible connection to the traditions they had just learned about.
“This experience extended beyond a classroom read-aloud and provided students with a meaningful opportunity to learn about cultural traditions through the lion dance, red envelopes, and presentations on symbolism and customs,” Green added.
Principal Dana Bermas said the event reflected the school’s commitment to inclusivity and community partnership. She thanked the Hom and Lin families for helping organize the program and sharing their traditions with students.
“Their efforts helped foster cultural understanding, inclusivity, and celebration within our school community,” Bermas said.
