For many, it’s that time of the year when families get together to celebrate a time of festivity. Whether with food or certain games, grandparents handing you money or wishing you good luck and even better fortune in life, all of these traditions are typical ways to celebrate the start of the Lunar New Year.

In the Chinese Zodiac, February 17 signifies the start of the Year of the Horse. Many associate the year with blessings of speed, perseverance, breakthrough, and success. It’s a blessing that resonates within our community, too, here in Stockton.

Junior Aubrey Sovuth feels the same. “I love how me and my family go out and attend events to get food or just buy souvenirs,” she said. Some of the food that are included with this time of year are conventional Chinese food such as dumplings or snacks like sesame seed balls.

“It’s interesting how my family incorporates Lunar New Year into our culture but it makes me feel like I have a second culture,” Sovuth said.

Zi Han (梓涵) a student from Lincoln, is one of the many people who live here and honor the holiday. Traditions play a big part in something that many families here participate in. “My favorite tradition is gathering with family and giving or receiving red envelopes because it symbolizes good luck and blessings for the new year.”

People connect even without the red envelopes in many other ways. “I also love eating traditional foods together and especially dishes that are shared family style. It’s less about the food itself and more about everyone being together at the table,” Han said.

Traditions may stay after so many years, but things can change, and it’s how people perceive it now that truly makes an impact on what Lunar New Year’s means to people. “As I’ve grown up, I understand the meaning more like honoring elders and wishing prosperity for the year ahead. Sometimes celebrations are simpler now, but I value family time more than I did before.”

EDIT 2/19/2026: Minor spelling and grammar edits.