SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — The University of Scranton celebrated Lunar New Year on Thursday with an Asian New Year Festival and Workshop. The evening featured handson activities including Japanese origami, Chinese calligraphy on lanterns, a chopstick competition, and shared food, all of which served as fun and educational crafts that highlighted traditions connected to the Year of the Horse.
Dr. Ann Pang-White, director of Asian Studies and professor of philosophy, described the event as a blend of cultural traditions, reflecting on her background as an immigrant from Taiwan with family roots in China and deep Japanese cultural influences.
“I hope everybody who attends this event leaves knowing a little bit more about Asia and a little bit more about Lunar New Year. This is a special year too. It is the Year of the Horse. The horse is symbolized by the element of fire, so this is supposed to be a galloping year of good luck and prosperity for everybody. I am glad everyone is here,” said Dr. Pang-White.
Workshops were led by faculty and assisted by students, giving attendees a chance to create their own artwork while learning the stories behind it. The program included a calligraphy lesson on paper lanterns and an origami activity centered on the horse, aligning the handson crafts with the holiday’s symbolism.
Food played a central role in the evening, reinforcing the event’s emphasis on shared culture and community. Organizers underscored how gathering around traditional flavors helps people learn what different cultures value while enjoying the experience together.
Midway through the program, the room shifted into friendly competition. Tables formed teams for a relaystyle chopstick game that asked participants to carry popcorn and M&M’s from their tables to a central target using chopsticks, a nod to a utensil common across many Asian cultures.
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The Asian New Year Festival and Workshop was cosponsored by the Asian Studies Program and the Department of World Languages and Cultures with support from the Asia Club. Open to students, faculty, staff and the greater Scranton community, the event emphasized both celebration and education through activities designed to explore and appreciate Asian cultures.