Lunar New Year festivities are nothing short of bright, lively and full of well wishes to ring in the new year. The university’s Asian American Alliance put on a huge event to celebrate the cultural traditions of the time of transition; here are some highlights.
- The schedule for the Lunar New Year celebration was planned out to the minute, jam packed with performances and activities.
- The university’s Taiko Drumming group performed for around 15 minutes, displaying the skills they have learned for the traditional Japanese method of instrumentation. The rhythmic precision and choreography has been practiced since as early as 10,000 BC in cultural events from religious ceremonies to battlefield marches.
- While elaborate paper folding has a rich and extensive history, modern origami was developed in the 20th century and has softer, more naturalistic lines with less cutting of paper. President David Kennedy led a three-part demonstration with which participants could make numerous creations, including a paper plant pot and a ball.
- The executive board for the Asian American Alliance started working on this event last semester and they could not be happier to see it come together (from left): Treasurer Leela Ramey, Social Media Chair Savannah Weaver, President David Kennedy, Group Advisor Ishan Thapa, Vice President Catherine Pierce and Secretary Trinity Wade. Students who are interested in joining the executive board next year can reach out to the current members or direct message their Instagram at @aaa.capital for more information.
- The Ohio State University’s Oriental Dance Troupe performed two dances to a variety of cultural music. Their moves were fluid and synchronized and the flowing fabric of their sleeves mesmerized the audience.
- Taiko drums come in many sizes but are generally large to produce an explosive percussive sound. The sticks used to play taiko drums are called Bachi and can be made with 5 different types of wood of varying thicknesses for the various sizes of drums.
- The main soloist from The Ohio State University’s Oriental Dance Troupe had an entrancing solo during the group’s performance which slowed down the pace. Each move appeared deliberate and planned.
- 2024 is the Year of the Dragon, symbolizing power, energy and vitality. The Asian American Alliance demonstrated these characteristics with a giant balloon animal. Vice President Catherine Pierce nicknamed the beast “Pete.” Students and community members clamored to get pictures with Pete in the background to commemorate the celebration.
- Attendees of this event had the opportunity to win one of four raffle baskets full of different Asian snacks, drinks and other treats. Each basket was worth $50 and was passed out by a graduating senior member of the executive board as a commemoration of their time in the organization.
- The Lion Dancers entertained the crowd to no end, dancing around, leaping, miming the movements of an actual lion and walking up to members of the audience. Lion dancing is a traditional way to celebrate Lunar New Year, believed to bring good luck for the coming months. At the end of the dance, the dancers held a sign from the lion’s mouth that wished everyone health and prosperity.
- Members of the lion dancing group performed highly choreographed moves with martial arts, props like those pictured here and intense music to hype up the audience. The performers soaked in the energy and excitement of the celebration.
