Lunar New Year

As 18-year-old Katarina wandered through the streets of China, wearing her favorite white t-shirt and jeans (also white) on February 17, 2026, she was shocked and surprised when she saw the glowing lanterns, lion dances, and red 对联 (house signs) on all the houses’ doors. Confused, she walked into her luxurious apartment and asked her coordinator, birthday twin, and roommate, 花玫what was happening. Her English name is Laurel, direct translation “Flower Rose”.

“Ah! Is big Lunar New Year celebration you are seeing?” Laurel asks. Her English isn’t the best, but she is bilingual which is hard! 

“Ohhhhhh! So, can you tell me more about it?” Kat begs.

“Okay. Is one of the greatest and most po-pop-” Laurel tries.

“Popular.”

“Yes. Is one of the most popular festivals in China and sometimes US.” Laurel explains.

“So you’re saying that it happens in America, too?”

“Yes. Also, when it happens, there is good food, and everyone happy. We exchange and give red packets to each other. It is encouraged to give gift, but do not gift books, since the word ‘book’ is pronounced the same way as the word ‘lose’.”

“Noted. Sooooo, we should maaybe go shopping? You know. For gifts and stuff.”

“Hmm. If you are to change your clothes to something red, or any other color but white because white is bad luck and means death in China.”

“Oh no! I am sorry!”

“It is okay. I am need to do shopping for presents for my family also.”

After Kat changed into her red plaid school-style skirt and collared shirt, they stepped out into the busy streets of Beijing, China. As she watched people walking by, chatting, she thought about the diversity and culture. When they arrived at Beijing ParkView Green mall, Laurel left to go to the Apple store to buy an iPhone for her older sister, Katie, who was 23.

“You do not know Mandarin well. You can come with me or do your own shopping, but limit conversation with individuals, since you are unfamiliar,” Laurel tells Kat.

Katarina blinked. Struck with worry. She didn’t know if she should go with Laurel, but if she did, would Laurel think that she was weak? No, she wasn’t going to let anyone think that about her.

“I can handle it on my own.” Kat breathes.

“OK. Call me if you need anything.”

As she wandered around the mall, she noticed the vibrant colors of Lunar New Year. It was such a sight that she bumped into at least 10 different people! Admiring the lanterns and firecracker chains, she stumbled into a store that sold kawaii stuffed animals, figures, and accessories. She decided to buy a phone case for her mom, since her old one was broken and she needed a new one. Next, she settled on a lantern figure that reminded her of Lunar New Year for her little brother, and a firecracker one for her dad.

Finally, she was thinking about what to buy for Laurel. She knew much about her, but if she were to just buy food or something simple, it wouldn’t have that much meaning, would it now? She looked at 5 different shops before finalizing her decision to buy a glass rose with petals that looked like it was blooming from the heart. Just then, she saw Laurel waving at her from a mall bench.

“So, did you buy much?” Laurel asked, looking at the small bag in Katarina’s hand.

“No, not really, just some small things for my 家人(family).”

“See, look! I told you that your Mandarin is improving!”

“Right. See, I got you a present, too. For being such a good friend to me. 太感谢了(Thank you so much)!”

“Oh. Thank you so much Katarina. I love it very much.”

“Yes, it does. That’s why I chose it!”

“It is beautiful. Yes, this reminds me! I got you a little something as well!”

Laurel rustled around in the huge bag with her and pulled out a small model of the Chinese streets during Lunar New Year.

“Oh, thank you so much!”

“You have lately been obsessed with both Douyin (TikTok) and Lunar New Year traditions, so I was debating between a glass TikTok logo or this.” Laurel laughs.

The two girls embraced in a hug and walked home, giggling and talking the whole way to the local lion dance happening right outside their apartment.

Background Knowledge on Lunar New Year! 

• ⅕ of the world celebrates Lunar New Year, including China, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore, and many other countries!

• Lunar New Year is different from the Solar New Year (Starting Jan. 1st) because in China and many other countries, the Lunar Calendar follows the moon instead of the Sun!

• Each year is represented by one of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs! 2026 IS… *Drum Roll* YEAR OF THE HORSE🐎!!!

• Unlike the Solar New Year, the exact date of the Lunar New Year changes every year, depending on the moon!

• Lunar New Year typically lasts for 14-16 days, ending with the lantern festival, where people carry lanterns in a parade-like style.