In most Asian countries, Lunar New Year has been part of the tradition for a long time. However, thanks to technology- it is now more widely known and accessible than ever. People from all over the world may now learn about and take part in the celebrations in places like New York. By showcasing customary practices like lion dances, red envelopes, and local cuisine, social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok raise awareness. People worldwide may now participate in celebrations even if they live far away from friends and family thanks to online streaming and events. To make the Lunar New Year relevant to both school and life, communities and schools have begun using technology to educate students about it.
One of the biggest attractions of Lunar New Year celebrations in New York City is the Lunar New Year Firecracker Ceremony in Chinatown. This event will take place with performers dressed in traditional lion costumes, dancing through the streets to bring good luck for the new year. With loud drumbeats and clashing cymbals, the dance attracts thousands of people each year. Social networks and streaming have eased even larger groups of viewers enjoying the lion dance on YouTube, and it is an activity that can be enjoyed and experienced anywhere in the world. Online streaming and videos have eased educating future generations about the cultural value of the lion dance, and in the process, preserve the practice.
At John Dewey High School, students can celebrate Lunar New Year through a special school event. The Multilingual Student Advocacy Council (MSAC) is hosting a Lunar New Year Celebration on Friday, February 7, 2025. Students can purchase tickets in advance for $3 or at the door for $5 in Room 137 with Ms. Escalera. For outside students, tickets are $5. The event includes performances, traditional Lunar New Year activities, and giveaways. Social media platforms like Instagram and the JDHS website help spread the word about the event, making it easier for students to learn about it and get involved. By posting updates and sharing information, these platforms help create awareness and encourage more students to join the celebration.
John Qiu, a senior at JDHS, shared with me how social media has helped students find out about the Lunar New Year event. “Social media makes it so much easier to find out about events like the Lunar New Year celebration. With posts on Instagram or updates on the JDHS website, students can quickly get the details they need and make plans to attend. It’s really helpful because it gets the word out fast.” According to him, social media plays a key role in connecting students to school events, ensuring more participation and engagement in celebrations like this one.
Another senior, Weikang Liu, shared how technology helped promote the school’s Lunar New Year activity. “Because of social media and group chats, students know about the activity in a shorter span, and recruiting volunteers is easier. We can post photos and videos in real-time, and even students who cannot join in for the activity can enjoy part of the celebrations.” This shows how technology not only spreads awareness but also helps make events more engaging and interactive for students. By taking photos and videos of Lunar New Year celebrations and sending them out, students preserve and promote heritage and introduce it to fellow students, and in the process, make practice even more widespread and valued.
Another major impact of technology on the Lunar New Year is seen in the way food is shared and enjoyed. Traditionally, family and friends sat down together and prepared traditional meals, but with cooking tutorials, one experiences Lunar New Year feasts in a whole new way. YouTube and TikTok provide cooking tutorials that help families recreate special recipes at home. This means that even those who may not have access to traditional ingredients or cooking skills can still participate in the culinary aspect of the holiday. Plus, with digital red envelopes on apps like WeChat, people can now send lucky money to their family and friends online, making it easier to keep this tradition alive no matter where they are.
As technology advances, so is the way we celebrate Lunar New Year. No matter where they are in the world, people may now participate in the festivities thanks to technology. With the help of technology, communities, schools, and individuals may preserve customs and even spread them to new generations. As technology continues to advance, it’s critical to strike a balance between implementing new ideas and maintaining long-standing traditions to give the celebrations significance for all. Technology has undoubtedly made the Lunar New Year a truly worldwide celebration, as evidenced by things like digital red envelopes and celebrations.
