It’s finally time to end the chaotic Year of the Rat and welcome the start of a new year (Lunar New Year, that is).
Lunar New Year celebrations will look different this year, with so many beloved celebrations put on hold. But there are still opportunities to mark the event, whether as a celebrant or to learn about this important cultural tradition. Hoodline has rounded up some of what’s happening around the South Bay as the area welcomes the Year of the Ox. Find out how to participate in a Lunar New Year craft, where to get a red envelope, and more.
Red Envelopes at Westfield Valley Fair Mall
Details: Through Fri., Feb. 12.
Celebrate the Year of the Ox with a red envelope. Visit the Concierge desk on Level 1 near Nordstrom and Banana Republic during center hours through Feb. 12 to receive your red envelope, while supplies last. Families can reserve a maximum of four envelopes per household. Reserve your red envelope online.
Lunar New Year in San Jose Talk with History San Jose
Details: Sat., Feb. 13, 1 p.m. Online event; $7.
Join History San Jose in talking with members from the Chinese American Historical Museum and Viet Museum to explore how Chinese American and Vietnamese American communities in San Jose celebrate the Lunar New Year. Even in times of COVID-19, communities find a way to maintain their cultural traditions. This talk will discuss what people eat, do or say, and how these traditions have persisted or been adapted in San Jose/the Santa Clara Valley.
The Chinese American Historical Museum at Ng Shing Gung is part of History Park and hosts exhibits depicting the history and culture of Chinese and Chinese Americans in the Santa Clara Valley. The Viet or Museum of the Boat People & the Republic of Vietnam is a museum focusing on the experience of Vietnamese Americans and their journey from Vietnam to the United States. It is located in Greenwalt House at History Park.
Virtual Lunar New Year Celebration at Filoli
Where: Sat., Feb. 13. Online event by Filoli Historic House & Garden, Woodside; Free.
Join Filoli for a virtual Lunar New Year celebration to learn about the meaning and traditions of this important and festive holiday at the start of the Year of the Ox. Exclusive registrations will be available to participate in virtual talks, demonstrations and more.
Lunar New Year Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Church
Details: Sun., Feb. 14, 2-3:30 p.m. 703 C Street, Union City.
Mass will begin promptly and be live-streamed at 2 p.m. Guests are requested to reserve their seats and arrive early for check-in. Please wear a mask at all times, bring your own hand sanitizer and adhere to social distancing and health guidelines.
Virtual Lunar New Year Celebration at Orchard Valley Christian Church
Details: Sat., Feb. 20, 3-4 p.m. Online event by Orchard Valley Christian Church, Sunnyvale.
*RSVP by Feb. 14 to receive craft materials by mail.
Why do people put red on their doors during Lunar New Year? Why do they eat noodles, fish, and dumplings? How do you greet someone appropriately at this festive time of year? Orchard Valley Christian Church invites you to enjoy an afternoon celebrating the significance of the traditions. Participants will do a simple craft, discover some phrases and learn to write a meaningful Chinese character. Festive wear encouraged.
