Recognizing January 29th, 2025, as the Lunar New Year and celebrating the cultural and historical significance of Philadelphia's Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

WHEREAS, The Lunar New Year, Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival is a major traditional Chinese holiday, falling on the 29th of January 2025 and the 1st day of the 1st month in the Chinese lunar calendar, and is also celebrated in many other East Asian and Southeast Asian countries; and

WHEREAS, The Lunar New Year honors the arrival of the New Year (year of the snake), bringing together family and friends, removing bad luck, welcoming all that is good and prosperous, and celebrating joy and hopeful wishes; and

WHEREAS, The Lunar New Year celebration in Philadelphia brings together communities from all backgrounds to share tradition, celebrate culture, and symbolize hope; and

WHEREAS, The year of the snake brings traits of wisdom, intuition, and caring, as to be intelligent and good problem-solvers; and using the color red during the celebration, appearing in decorations and clothing which symbolizes luck, prosperity, and happiness into the home for the new year; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia’s Chinatown community comes alive in the streets for two Lunar New Year parades led by The Philadelphia Suns. Embracing people with incredible lion dancing, music, drumming, and firecrackers all meant to bring good fortune to the local community and our City; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia’s Asian American and Pacific Islander community is a vital part of our City, bringing together unique perspectives and experiences that diversify and enhance Philadelphia as a whole. Their presence is a reminder of the importance of inclusivity and the power of diverse voices in shaping our future; and

WHEREAS, As we celebrate the Lunar New Year or Chinese New Year, we embrace its spirit by appreciating the rich cultural tapestry that connects us and allows us to share traditions, happiness, and a stronger sense of community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognize January 29th, 2025 as Lunar New Year and recognize the cultural and historical significance of Philadelphia’s Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

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