Ursuline welcomes the Year of the Fire Horse

Lunar New Year officially begins on February 17 during Ursuline's Winter Recess, but that didn't stop students in the Asian Club and Mandarin Club from celebrating together. Seeing an opportunity to honor Chinese traditions and culture, students planned an early, student-led celebration centered on community-building.

Club members took the lead in planning the after-school Lunar New Year celebration, working closely with Mandarin Club moderator Mr. Howard Mo and Asian Club moderator Mr. Pa-Momodou Sallah to bring it to life.

On February 11, students gathered after school in the Murphy Commons for a celebration featuring traditional red envelopes, games, and special treats. "These moments matter," Sallah said. "When students take the lead in sharing their cultures, it creates connection, a real sense of belonging."
 

"When students take the lead in sharing their cultures, it creates connection and a real sense of belonging."
- Mr. Pa-Momodou Sallah, Asian Club moderator

Lunar New Year 2026 marks the beginning of the Year of the Fire Horse, a high-energy cycle that occurs once every 60 years. In Chinese culture, the horse symbolizes nobility and courage, representing intelligence, strength, talent, and success. The Fire element intensifies enthusiasm and innovation, driving a year of ambition and progress.

The Year of the Fire Horse is often seen as a time of rapid transformation, encouraging individuals to overcome obstacles, act with confidence, and embrace independence. Those born under the Horse sign are traditionally viewed as energetic, charismatic, and driven, though the year also serves as a reminder to balance passion with patience.

The Lunar New Year season concludes 15 days later with the Lantern Festival, a celebration centered on renewal, reflection, and community.

At Ursuline, celebrations like Lunar New Year reflect the school's mission to educate the whole person while honoring the dignity and diversity of every individual. By creating space for students to share traditions, lead experiences, and invite others into meaningful cultural learning, the Asian Club and Mandarin Club exemplify Ursuline's Core Values of respect for all and educating the whole person. The celebration was another opportunity to extend learning beyond the classroom.