SOMA Living February 2022

LUNAR NEW YEAR Lunar New Year typically begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and is celebrated by many countries around the world. Since the lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, the Lunar New Year dates vary slightly from year to year. This year, it is on February 1. 2022 also represents the Year of the Tiger, an animal that symbolizes strength, power and prosperity in the Chinese zodiac. In my home country of China, the celebration is called chun jie, which means Spring Festival. Approximately 10 days before the beginning of the lunar new year, people thoroughly clean their houses to remove any bad luck that might be lingering inside. Traditionally, chun jie is a time to return home, reunite with family, and honor ancestors. Children receive red envelopes (hong bao) containing small amounts of money, and everyone wears new clothes to symbolize new beginnings. The color red is also signifigant as it represents good luck and happiness. There are lots of dances and fireworks throughout the holidays, ending in the Lantern Festival, which is celebrated on the last day of the New Year’s celebrations. On this night, lanterns light up homes, and traditional foods such as yuan xiao (sticky rice balls symbolizing family unity) are served. While Lunar New Year is not celebrated by all, many members of SOMAsian, a Facebook group that connects the Asian community in South Orange and Maplewood (SOMA), are getting ready for the holiday. It has become a local device to bring people together in support of diversity. This year, many SOMAsian members participated in Lunar Fest NJ, a celebration in Maplewood, organized by a local non-profit SOMA Cross Cultural Works (SOMA CCW). This past Sunday on January 23, the community and friends gathered to celebrate Lunar New Year together at The Woodland in Maplewood. Lunar Fest NJ was filled with joy and good cheer as attendees enjoyed performances by local artists, kids crafts, local food vendors, and the popular lion dance. There was also an option to participate from home by picking up a kids crats kit with online instructions and watching the performances live online. Whether it be in-person or at home, it is wonderful for the community to come together and share our cultures through events like Lunar Fest NJ. For myself as a first time mother, it was a great way to introduce the magic of Lunar New Year to my daughter, and I look forward to taking part in many more events like this to come! Keep in touch with us on FB to stay updated on more community building events: https://www.facebook.com/crossculturalworks https://www.facebook.com/groups/somasian https://www.facebook.com/groups/314249758936442 (SOMA Masala) Wishing everyone health, happiness, and prosperity in the Lunar New Year of the Tiger!

John B. Houston Funeral Home, Inc. “When you want the best for your loved ones’’

• Professional Pallbearers On Demand • Honorary Casket Guards • White Glove Services • Superior Restorative Art

John B. Houston Executive Director

Ran Wei Baker is the founder of project: presence (www.projectpresence.me), where she coaches women on confidence and communication. She is a lifelong advocate of diversity and inclusion, and has co-founded several Employee Resource Groups supporting DE&I at companies throughout her career. Ran lives in Maplewood with her husband Austin and daughter Lily. She enjoys hiking and curling up to a great book with a warm cup of tea.

“Serving with Excellence”

Cushnie-Houston FUNERAL HOME 102 Sanford Street, East Orange, New Jersey 07018 Voice 973.678.1790 Fax 973.678.8023

JOHNB. HOUSTON FUNERAL HOME 236 Ellison Street, Paterson, New Jersey 07501 Voice 973.881.8200 Fax 973.881.8207

Triboro Funeral Home 2274 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd., New York, New York 10030 Phone: 718-335-5613 Fax: 973.678.8023

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