Celebrating Lunar New Year at Tulsa Community College 2026
Rex Burnett, Chair of the Tulsa-Kaohsiung Sister City Partnership, joined students, faculty, and community members at Tulsa Community College’s Southeast Campus on Thursday, February 26, for a vibrant celebration of the Lunar New Year. The event was hosted in partnership with TGA’s Kaohsiung Sister City Partnership, the TCC Language Lab led by Roberto Maduro, and the TCC Asia Student Club—an ideal collaboration for a holiday centered on connection, renewal, and shared traditions.
Exploring Lunar New Year Traditions
Rex Burnett opened the celebration with an engaging presentation on Lunar New Year customs, highlighting the cultural etiquette that shapes the holiday. He explained the meaning behind the iconic red envelopes—symbols of good fortune traditionally given to children and employees. Each attendee received a red envelope of their own, honoring the Year of the Horse and offering a small taste of this cherished tradition.
A Meal Rich in Symbolism
Food plays a central role in Lunar New Year festivities, and guests enjoyed a delicious spread provided by Yummy Asia. Each dish carried its own symbolic meaning:
Dumplings representing silver ingots and wishes for prosperity
Spring rolls symbolizing gold bars and wealth
Chicken signifying unity and togetherness
These flavors offered more than a meal—they offered a window into the hopes and blessings families share during the holiday.
Hands-On Calligraphy and Cultural Learning
Participants also had the chance to explore the “Four Treasures” of traditional Chinese calligraphy: paper, brush, ink stone, and ink. With guidance, students and staff practiced writing the character 福 (fú), meaning luck or good fortune. The room filled with focused brushstrokes and proud smiles as attendees created their own keepsakes to mark the occasion.
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