On February 18, 2026, the Columbia School of Social Work (CSSW) community welcomed the Lunar New Year—also known as the Spring Festival—one of the most important and widely celebrated holidays across many Asian cultures around the world. According to the Chinese zodiac, 2026 marks the Year of the Fire Horse, symbolizing energy, vitality, and renewal.
At the Columbia School of Social Work, we were delighted to host a vibrant Lunar New Year Celebration in Room 401, bringing together students, faculty, and staff in a warm and festive atmosphere. The event was co-hosted by the Asian Pacific Islander South Asian American (APISAA) Student Caucus, the Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, the Office of Student Life, and the China Center for Social Policy. Together, we welcomed guests to celebrate the holiday through engaging performances, interactive activities, and a variety of delicious food. The celebration not only honored Lunar New Year traditions but also created a meaningful space for cross-cultural exchange, community building, and shared joy within the CSSW community.
Dean Melissa Begg offered opening remarks that emphasized the significance of the Lunar New Year as a time of cultural celebration, renewal, and community. She shared her enthusiasm for bringing the CSSW community together for this festive occasion and extended warm wishes for a joyful and prosperous Year of the Fire Horse.
Handrew Han (MSW ’26) demonstrated how to write the Chinese character “福” (fu) in traditional calligraphy, symbolizing good fortune and blessings. He also invited a guest to participate in the activity, creating an engaging and interactive cultural experience for attendees.
Sylvan Shan (MSW ’27) performed two folk songs, and her beautiful voice created a resonating moment that moved many in the audience. Her singing served as a magical medium that connected everyone in the room.
The lantern-making activity invited attendees to design their own colorful lanterns, a meaningful Lunar New Year tradition that symbolizes light, hope, and new beginnings, while fostering creativity and connection within the community.
Participants also took part in a Korean name-making activity, where they learned how their names would be written in Korean and assembled the correct characters using chocolate cookie letters, adding a fun and interactive cultural learning experience to the event.
In addition, the calligraphy station allowed participants to practice writing their names using ink brushes or learn to write the character “福” (fu). Many attendees took their calligraphy pieces home as festive decorations symbolizing good fortune for the new year.
Throughout the event, a variety of food, drinks, and boba tea were served for guests to enjoy. The celebration concluded with a lively lucky draw session, during which several winners happily took home gift cards, bringing the event to a joyful and memorable close.
Overall, the Lunar New Year Celebration was filled with warmth, laughter, and meaningful cultural exchange. Student organizers expressed pride and gratification in organizing the event and creating a welcoming and inclusive space where everyone including international students could experience a sense of home while sharing their cultural traditions with peers from diverse backgrounds. Through this celebration, the CSSW community came together to appreciate cultural diversity, foster cross-cultural understanding, and strengthen community connections.
