Most people celebrated the new year on January 1. But 12-year-old Angelina Peng and her family will do it all over again when Lunar New Year begins on January 22. The 15-day holiday, also known as Chinese New Year, is celebrated by people in Asian communities around the world.
Angelina’s parents are from Taiwan, a country in Asia. They moved to the United States in 2010 and now live in East Wenatchee, Washington. Though Angelina and her younger sister, Emily, were born in the U.S., they love taking part in Taiwanese traditions, like celebrating Lunar New Year.
The Pengs have a big party where they play games and exchange gifts. The girls receive red and gold envelopes filled with money to symbolize good fortune for the year ahead.
Food is also a big part of the holiday. The girls and their parents make—and eat—dumplings filled with mushrooms or meat.
Not a lot of people in their hometown celebrate Lunar New Year, but the Pengs try to share their customs with their community.
“Every country has its own culture and traditions,” says Angelina. It’s important to learn about celebrations around the world, she says, “so everyone can communicate, share, and respect each other.”