Lawrence University’s Lunar New Year celebrations for 2025-26’s Year of the Snake kicked off on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 6:30 p.m. in Warch Campus Center. The celebrations were sponsored by the Chinese Student Association, Korean Culture Club, Lawrence International, Pan-Asian Organization, Vietnamese Student Association, Diversity & Intercultural Center, International Student Services and Spiritual & Religious Life. The celebrations began with cultural presentations and musical and dance performances in the Esch Hurvis Room on the second floor of Warch. The celebrations were followed by a cultural exhibition and dinner in the Somerset Room on the third floor of Warch.
The musical performance of the “Butterfly Lovers Concerto” showcased the prodigious talent of Jenny Wang. The concerto is a renowned Chinese classical music piece that tells the tragic love story of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai, often referred to as the “Chinese Romeo and Juliet.” In this tale, Zhu disguises herself as a man to pursue her education, where she meets and falls in love with Liang. After their secret love is revealed and Zhu is forced into an arranged marriage, Liang dies of heartbreak. In a poignant finale, Zhu joins him in death, and they are transformed into butterflies, symbolizing their eternal love and unity in the afterlife. The concerto, through its powerful melodies and emotional depth, captures themes of love, sacrifice and the struggle against societal expectations.
Wang is a dedicated violinist and current student at Neenah High School. Under the guidance of Associate Professor of Music Wen-Lei Gu at Lawrence University, she has honed her craft over the past eight years. Wang’s highest honors include serving as the associate concertmaster of the Fox Valley Youth Symphony, being named concertmaster of the Wisconsin Middle-Level Honors Orchestra in 2023 and receiving an honorable mention in the 2024 Stars of Tomorrow competition by the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.
The evening’s program also featured a captivating performance by the Duab Ci Dance Academy, a vibrant dance group founded in 2024 by Duabci Vang. The academy’s name, which means “light” in Hmong, symbolizes both the hope and challenges of life, mirroring the duality of human experience. This meaningful representation shines through in their artistic expression. Concluding the showcase was the mesmerizing Lion Dance, a treasured traditional art form originating in China nearly 5,000 years ago. Revered as one of the most significant traditions of Lunar New Year celebrations, the Lion Dance is performed to usher in prosperity and good fortune for the coming year. The lion itself embodies power, wisdom and superiority in Asian culture, and its vibrant movements serve not just as entertainment, but as a symbol of strength and auspicious beginnings. Together, these performances created a rich tapestry of cultural expression, illustrating the beauty of musical and dance traditions that unite communities and celebrate shared heritage.
Lunar New Year is a vibrant celebration that resonates deeply across a multitude of Asian cultures. This joyous occasion marks the arrival of the first moon of the lunisolar calendar, a traditional system that reflects the rhythms of both the moon and the sun, grounding communities in cycles of nature. This year, Lunar New Year fell on Wednesday, Jan. 29, welcoming the Year of the Snake — a symbol of wisdom, intuition and transformation in Chinese zodiac tradition. This period invites a time of reflection and new beginnings, honoring ancestral ties while embracing hopes and dreams for the future.
Typical preparations for the Lunar New Year begin well in advance, as families partake in a myriad of rituals aimed at banishing bad luck and welcoming prosperity. Homes are meticulously cleaned to sweep away any lingering misfortune and are adorned with red decorations representing good fortune. Families gather to share festive meals, often featuring delicacies such as dumplings, fish and rice cakes, each carrying its own significance and blessings. In the spirit of togetherness and joy, vibrant parades fill the streets of many cities, showcasing traditional lion and dragon dances that symbolize strength and good luck. Fireworks light up the night sky, heralding the new year and driving away evil spirits.
Each of these practices not only enriches the cultural tapestry of the celebration but also strengthens the bonds between families and communities. Beyond its festivities, Lunar New Year is also a time for introspection. Many turn to traditional practices like feng shui to align their spaces for the coming year. It is a moment to set intentions, seek balance, and cultivate prosperity while honoring the lessons of the past. As the Year of the Snake unfolds, anticipation builds for what lies ahead. The snake is not just a creature of transformation but also one that encourages wisdom in navigating life’s complexities. For many, this year invites introspection and growth, emphasizing the need to harness innate abilities and embrace change.
In essence, Lunar New Year encapsulates the spirit of connection — connection to heritage, to family and to the changing cycles of life. As the moon waxes and wanes, so too do the stories, hopes and dreams of millions as they celebrate this cherished time, steeped in tradition and bursting with possibility.