Asian Student Union & Vietnamese Student Association Host Vibrant Lunar New Year Celebration
The Iowa State University campus came alive with vibrant colors, delicious scents, and joyful sounds as the Asian Student Union (ASU) and Vietnamese Student Association (VSA) joined forces to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Held on January 29, 2025, at Pearson Hall, this event was a melting pot of cultural traditions, homemade delicacies, and heartwarming moments that brought the community together in a spirit of unity and festivity.
A Rich Tapestry of Traditions
The Lunar New Year, known as the Spring Festival, marks the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar and symbolizes the arrival of spring. This auspicious occasion is celebrated across the globe, with China, South Korea, and Vietnam being among the countries that hold it in high regard. In accordance with the Chinese zodiac, 2025 heralds the Year of the Snake, signifying renewal and transformation.
ASU and VSA, two prominent student organizations at Iowa State University, took the lead in organizing a memorable Lunar New Year celebration that showcased the essence of Asian culture. ASU, dedicated to raising awareness of Asian identity on campus, and VSA, committed to fostering unity within the Vietnamese community, came together to create an immersive experience for students and staff alike.
A Kaleidoscope of Activities
The event was a cornucopia of activities that catered to a diverse audience, inviting attendees to partake in everything from bingo and karaoke to traditional Vietnamese games like “Bầu cua cá cọp.” The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of homemade delicacies such as crab rangoons and Chè Thái, a refreshing Vietnamese drink that tantalized the taste buds with its medley of flavors.
One of the highlights of the Lunar New Year celebration was the time-honored tradition of receiving red envelopes, or hongbao, from elders. These envelopes, often filled with money or prizes, symbolize good luck and prosperity for the coming year. Participants eagerly engaged in games and activities to earn their own red envelopes, adding an element of lighthearted competition to the festivities.
A Tapestry of Personal Stories
Diego Camarena, a member of both ASU and VSA, shared his reflections on the significance of the Lunar New Year as he embarks on a new chapter in his life with a change of major. For Dong Nguyen, the vice president of VSA, this Lunar New Year marked a departure from his family’s traditional celebrations, offering him a chance to forge new traditions of his own. Anh Le, the president of VSA, fondly recalled the cherished memories of Lunar New Year celebrations with her family, underscoring the deep cultural roots that bind her to this festive occasion.
Ashley Guinto, a member of ASU, expressed her delight at the sense of community and camaraderie that permeated the event, highlighting the importance of celebrating and raising awareness for Asian communities on campus. The Lunar New Year celebration served as a poignant reminder of the rich tapestry of cultures that converge at Iowa State University, uniting students from diverse backgrounds in a shared spirit of celebration and goodwill.
A Celebration of Unity and Diversity
The ASU and VSA Lunar New Year celebration was not just a festive event; it was a testament to the power of unity in diversity. As students came together to revel in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Asian culture, they forged connections, shared stories, and created lasting memories that transcended cultural boundaries. In the words of Diego Camarena, this Lunar New Year symbolized new beginnings—a time to embrace change, growth, and the endless possibilities that the future holds.
As the echoes of laughter and music faded into the night, the spirit of the Lunar New Year lingered in the hearts and minds of all who attended, a timeless reminder of the beauty of tradition, the joy of community, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow. For more information about the Asian Student Union or Vietnamese Student Association, visit their respective links and discover the vibrant tapestry of cultures that enrich the Iowa State University community.
