Lion dance performance at SAIT’s Lunar New Year celebration on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025. The Chinese Lion dance is normally operated by two dancers, one of whom manipulates the head while the other manipulates the tail of the lion.
"I can feel the drums in my chest syncing with my heartbeat," says Lucy Ng, a Medical Laboratory Technology student at SAIT. "Lunar New Year brings new beginnings and new fortune."
On Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, SAIT welcomed the Year of the Snake, a zodiac sign representing growth, flexibility and wisdom.
Across the world, Lunar New Year is one of the most important celebrations in many Asian cultures, including Chinese, South Korean, Singaporean, Vietnamese and Filipino communities.
Students enjoying Lunar New Year celebration. Lunar New Year is widely celebrated in China, South Korea, Vietnam and other countries.
The SAIT campus was alive with bright red decorations, lion dance performance and the buzz of excited students. A lively crowd followed the parade through campus, watching with curiosity as traditional performances unfolded.
Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is deeply rooted in family traditions. Many families mark the occasion with a reunion dinner, home decorations featuring red lanterns for good luck and the giving of red envelopes, symbolizing prosperity and blessings.
The highlight of the celebration was the lion dance parade, an ancient tradition believed to drive away evil spirits and bring fortune for the coming year.
The rhythmic drum beats, clashing cymbals and powerful movements of the lion dancers captivated students, many of whom stopped to take photos and videos.
"We book our lion dancers a year in advance because of their popularity during Lunar New Year," said Auginne Bunado, student engagement coordinator at SAIT.
Button making station at SAIT’s Lunar New Year celebration. Various booths like zodiac sign reading, calligraphy and origami were set up by SAIT student engagement centre.
Beyond the parade, students had the chance to immerse themselves in cultural activities such as zodiac sign readings, calligraphy, button making and origami. One unique aspect of the event was the Saju fortune-telling practice, a traditional method that uses birth dates to predict one's future.
Man dressed up like buddha leading the lions to the next location of performance at SAIT’s lion dance performance. One person typically dresses as Buddha and wears a hard, helmet-like mask painted with Buddha's face on it.
The celebration took place at the John Ware Building, which was transformed into a festive space with red lanterns, paper snakes and banners displaying traditional Lunar New Year greetings.
A variety of Asian snacks, including sesame balls, rice cakes and dumplings, were offered to attendees, adding a delicious touch to the experience.
"I tried calligraphy for the first time," Bunado shared. "It was easier than I thought, and I loved learning about its meaning in Lunar New Year traditions!"
For many students, especially those away from home, the event was a chance to connect with their culture, share traditions with peers and experience the joy of Lunar New Year together.