For the first time in the United States, Lunar New Year will be celebrated as an official state holiday in California.
The festival falls on this Sunday and preparations and celebrations have already begun for the festival in China and several countries in East Asia and across the world. The Lunar New Year falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice. This year, when the moon enters a new phase, we enter the year of the Rabbit.
Though the Lunar New Year has always been celebrated annually with great festivities across the US, specifically in Chinatown. This is the first time in history that the state government will recognize the holiday thus making it an official state holiday.
Last year, a bill was signed by Governor of California Gavin Newsom declaring it as a state holiday. He wrote in his signing message that this declaration is “a way to “acknowledge the diversity and cultural significance Asian Americans bring to California.” The holiday is quite significant in China, and other East Asian countries such as South Korea and Vietnam. It is one of the most well known and celebrated festivals amongst Asian Americans.
The holiday will not, however, be a paid day for state employees. This is the fourth state holiday that doesn't come with a paid day off out of 11 in California.
This festival being recognized by the State Government plays a significant role in recognizing and celebrating the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. It also impactful after the wave of hate crimes targeting Asian Americans during the Pandemic.
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