BY ANUSHA PERINKOLAM
The National Chinese Honor Society held its 3rd annual Lunar New Year Celebration on February 15, starting at 5pm The NCHS transported attendees to China with cultural activity stations, an authentic Chinese dinner catered by Shanghai Bun, and performances that continued until a fire alarm abruptly ended the event early.
The organizers introduced a new part of the program not included in previous celebrations: six cultural activities stations. “My favorite cultural activity station was the yo-yo station because I enjoy teaching and learning new tricks,” said Patrick Chuah, Treasurer of the NCHS. The yo-yo station had yo-yos attendees could use while learning different tricks.
“My favorite station was the dumpling station because it was heartwarming to see students bonding and chatting as they made dumplings,” said Anika Dugal, Co-President of the NCHS. At the station, attendees had the chance to make vegetarian or chicken dumplings from scratch.
To mark the Lunar New Year, people customarily eat dumplings, fish, and noodles, all of which the caterer, Shanghai Bun, provided. Dumplings, resembling money pouches, symbolize fortune and prosperity for the upcoming year, making them a popular choice.
“Everything was very good, but I especially loved the fried fish with green chilies,” said Dugal. Eating fish symbolizes well-being and prosperity, as the Chinese word for fish signifies abundance.
Noodles stand out as an important part of the Lunar New Year dinner, representing longevity and good health with every lengthy strand consumed. “My favorite dish was the noodles; they were so flavorful and delicious,” said Rafaella Bagacay, the Co-Director of Events and Captain of the K-Pop team.
Historically, the Chinese believe that beating drums during the Lunar New Year will bring good luck and prosperity, as fire and loud noises drive away bad luck. The NCHS kicked off the performance part of their celebration with a drum piece performed by Level 2 Mandarin students. “Even though I was nervous because it was my first time playing the drums, I was also excited because I got to perform in front of an audience,” said Aasmaa Damani.
Celebrants commonly perform a Dragon Dance during the Lunar New Year. Students and staff, selected from the audience held sticks attached to what looked like a dragon’s body, while another performer controlled a “ball of light” that the dragon chased, swerving in all directions.
The Lion Dance, a main part of the Lunar New Year Celebration every year, involved five performers, two in each costume, and one performer guiding the lions. The peak of the performance came when each lion raced into the crowd and stunned the audience. “My personal highlight was performing the Lion Dance; it’s always fun to see the crowd’s reaction,” said Xavier Medalle, the NCHS Co-Director of Events.
LEERA, the C-Pop team of team that consists of Loksze Wang, Echo Prado Roberts, Emmielee Ramos, Rafaella Bagacay, and Adrianna Hui, performed a routine for the celebration as well. “For me, the highlight of the event was my first time performing as a whole group and getting to do my solo,” stated Prado Roberts, the Director of Fundraising.
Kimberly Tuazon, the winner of this year’s talent show, also performed a piano piece from the movie Mulan, accompanied by a ribbon dance performed by Kaavya Sheth. “At first it was nerve wracking, but when I started playing the piece while Kaavya was dancing, everything just flowed, and I think it was amazing,” said Tuazon.
After a Chinese yo-yo performance, the NCHS took a small break to have the members run the Dragon Dance together when the fire alarm went off. Unfortunately, during a basketball game in the main gym, someone set off the fire alarm, and everyone evacuated the building. After waiting for 30 minutes, guests re-entered the building just to learn the event would end without finishing the remaining performances.
Although this disappointed the performers and attendees, the NCHS hosted a general meeting a week later to finish the performances, which included the Ribbon Dance, the Instrument Ensemble of Jasmine Flower, and the Mandarin Level 4 and AP class Dance. The National Chinese Honor Society will host more events, so make sure to check them out at obhschs and follow the K-Pop team at obhs_kpop.
Posted on 3/13/24
Photos by Anusha Perinkolam and Aasmaa Damani
Knight Life 