Celebrating Asian Americans: Bill calls for Lunar New Year to get official nod in NJ
The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year, is usually celebrated sometime between Jan. 20 and Feb. 21 around the world. State Assemblywoman Ellen Park wants to make sure that it is officially acknowledged in New Jersey.
Park is the primary sponsor of a bill that passed in the Assembly on March 30 that would call upon the state to issue a proclamation annually marking the holiday. The starting date for the Lunar New Year usually corresponds with the second new moon after the winter solstice.
The holiday is usually marked by outdoor celebrations at which participants partake of traditional foods and see elaborate firecracker displays and traditional dance exhibitions. East Asian cultures such as the Chinese, Taiwanese, Koreans, Vietnamese, Thai and Cambodians celebrate the holiday, which runs for 15 days.
Sizable Asian American population in district
Park, an Englewood Cliffs resident, is a South Korean native and the only East Asian in the state Legislature. She represents the 37th District, which covers parts of 13 Bergen County towns. Some of the towns, including Fort Lee and Palisades Park, have sizable Asian American populations and large Lunar New Year celebrations.
Park said the resolution, introduced in December, came about because there were similar resolutions already on the books in New York, California and other states with large Asian American populations.
Asian Americans make up 11% of the Garden State's population.
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"New Jersey thus far does not have a resolution," Park said. "It's about recognizing and acknowledging Lunar New Year throughout the state for different towns and municipalities, and to celebrate Asian Americans that live in their towns.
"It is the highest-celebrated holiday in all of Asia, and to have that recognition in New Jersey is definitely a step for non-Asians to be familiar with our culture and our traditions," she said.
Up for vote in Senate
Park said the resolution will be up for a vote in the Senate, but she does expect it to be passed without pushback since it passed unanimously in the Assembly. She expects it will then be signed by Gov. Phil Murphy before the Legislature's session ends in June.
Ricardo Kaulessar is a culture reporter for the USA TODAY Network's Atlantic Region How We Live team. For unlimited access to the most important news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: kaulessar@northjersey.com
Twitter: @ricardokaul
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Bill passed in Assembly to recognize annual Lunar New Year in NJ
