Ask the Expert: What You Might Not Know About the Lunar New Year

Lotus Perry sits in her office with a tea set on a table behind her.

Lo Sun “Lotus” Perry has taught Chinese language and culture at Puget Sound since 1986 and serves on the board of the Chinese Reconciliation Project Foundation in Tacoma.

LUCKY FOOD

Language makes meals symbolic. “There are lots of different written words in Chinese, but they sound the same,” says Perry, explaining that perhaps 400 different sounds exist for 40,000 different characters and words. Sweet rice cake, a popular Lunar New Year’s dish, is eaten for prosperity because the character for “cake” sounds like a word that means “high” or “tall.” Long noodles are served for longevity and a whole chicken or duck represents wholeness and family being together.

“YEAR OF THE …”

Every year, a different zodiac animal is ushered in. But there’s more to it than the rotation of animals. “We have five elements—metal, wood, water, fire, and earth—that also intermingle,” says Perry. So, 2023 isn’t just the Year of the Rabbit—it’s the Water Rabbit, a zodiac alignment that happens every 60 years, bringing peace and luck. Each of the 12 animals has its own forecast; 2024’s Year of the Dragon, for example, has such a “fortunate” meaning that baby booms are expected.

CAMPUS CONNECTION

Perry helped to organize a party last year for about 80 students and staff—many of whom can’t fly home for the holiday—with traditional favors from bubble tea to Vietnamese candies. She also puts cultural artifacts on display in Wyatt Hall around the time of the festival.

GET YOUR DUMPLINGS

The new year is a good time to explore local Asian markets and the specialty foods being sold—but check schedules first, since many stores close during this period of rest.

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