Lunar New Year is a sacred time of renewal, reflection, and reconnection with family and heritage. For Kim Nguyen, social worker at Lafayette Elementary School, this celebration holds deep personal significance—an opportunity to honor her ancestors, embrace long-standing traditions, and share the joy of the season with loved ones.
A Journey Through Tradition
Growing up in a Vietnamese household, Lunar New Year was a highly anticipated time for Kim and her family. The celebrations would begin with a visit to their local Buddhist temple on New Year’s Day. There, they would pray and offer gratitude to their ancestors, seeking blessings for prosperity, health, and happiness in the coming year. The temple was always adorned with red and gold decorations, with the air filled with the scent of incense and the soft murmur of prayers.
The weekend that followed was a whirlwind of family reunions. The Nguyen family would first travel to Philadelphia to celebrate with Kim’s mother’s side of the family before continuing their journey to New Jersey to see her father’s relatives. These gatherings were marked by laughter, storytelling, and a feast of home-cooked dishes passed down through generations. For Kim, these reunions were a way to reaffirm the familial bonds that distance and time could never weaken.
Honoring Ancestors Through Rituals
One of the most cherished traditions in Kim’s family is the preparation and offering of food to their ancestors before the new year begins. As a child, she would watch in awe as her mother and grandmothers meticulously prepared an array of dishes, placing them carefully on the family altar. This sacred act served as a bridge between the past and the future, a moment of gratitude for the guidance and protection of those who came before them.
Once the prayers were completed, the family would gather around to enjoy the meal together. This tradition was not only an expression of respect but also a reminder of the interconnectedness between the living and the departed. The act of offering food, bowing in reverence, and sharing hopes for the new year created an unbreakable bond between generations.
In addition to honoring their ancestors, Kim’s family also adhered to customs meant to ensure good fortune in the coming year. Cleaning the house before the new year symbolized sweeping away bad luck and making room for new blessings. Wearing new clothes and getting fresh haircuts signified a fresh start, while decorating the home with yellow flowers and red ornaments brought a sense of warmth and festivity.
A Taste of Home
For Kim, Lunar New Year would not be complete without the delicious dishes that defined her childhood celebrations. Her favorite among them is Bánh Chưng, a traditional Vietnamese rice cake wrapped in banana leaves and filled with a savory combination of mung bean and pork. She loves the comforting texture and flavor, especially when it is sliced and pan-fried to crispy perfection.
Another dish that holds a special place in Kim’s heart is Bò Chiên Bơ, buttery fried beef, which always reminds her of the joyous gatherings at her grandparents’ house. The aroma of sizzling beef, the sound of animated conversations, and the sight of her loved ones enjoying each other’s company made these moments unforgettable. “It was always a time of laughter, smiles, and full bellies,” Kim recalls fondly.
Keeping Traditions Alive in Lancaster
Despite the changes that come with time and distance, Kim remains dedicated to preserving her Lunar New Year traditions in Lancaster. She continues to visit the Buddhist temple in Columbia with her family, taking a moment to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the future.
At home, she embraces the festive spirit by decorating with yellow flowers, red lanterns, and intricate paper cuttings. These decorations not only bring good luck but also create a nostalgic atmosphere that transports her back to the cherished celebrations of her childhood. “One of my favorite traditions is helping my mom decorate the house,” Kim shares. “It brings me so much joy and makes the new year feel special.”
As a proud Vietnamese American, Kim also sees the importance of sharing her culture with others. She has taken it upon herself to introduce Lunar New Year traditions to her students, inviting them to learn about the holiday’s customs, food, and significance. “Lunar New Year is for everyone to celebrate,” she emphasizes. “It’s a time to embrace renewal, hope, and community, regardless of background.”
A Wish for the New Year
As Kim looks ahead, she carries with her the valuable lessons Lunar New Year has taught her. She sees this time of year as an opportunity to reflect on the past, learn from experiences, and set new goals for personal growth. “I like to look at the new year as a fresh start,” she says. “It’s a moment to pause, appreciate how far I’ve come, and think about what I want to achieve next.”
When asked about her wish for the upcoming year, Kim’s response is heartfelt and simple: “I wish for everyone to have a healthy, happy, and prosperous new year, filled with good luck and joyful moments.”
As Lancaster’s diverse community continues to evolve, stories like Kim’s remind us of the richness of cultural traditions and their ability to bring people together. May this Lunar New Year bring renewal, reflection, and happiness to all who celebrate—near and far.