Please fill the following petition to urge New Jersey State House to officially recognize Lunar New Year in New Jersey by having the Governor issue a proclamation annually and call on educational and cultural institutions to observe the holiday with appropriate events and activities. The Lunar New Year is one of the most celebrated holidays among Asian Americans and holds a great significance for many Asian-Americans, as it evokes memories of childhood, represents cultural heritage, and brings a sense of nostalgia for the past.
Given the rise in violence and discrimination towards Asian Americans since the start of the pandemic, officially recognizing Lunar New Year in New Jersey would be a powerful gesture of support and inclusion. This recognition would also acknowledge the cultural diversity and contributions of Asian Americans to New Jersey.
Thank you!
PETITION
To the Senate and General Assembly of New Jersey: -
WHEREAS: Lunar New Year remains culturally and historically significant to many Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders living in New Jersey.
WHEREAS: Given the rise in violence and hatred towards Asian Americans since the start of the pandemic, officially recognizing Lunar New Year would be a powerful gesture of support and inclusion. This recognition would also acknowledge the cultural diversity and contributions of Asian Americans to New Jersey.
WE the undersigned petition the Senate and General Assembly of New Jersey as follows: -
Please consider supporting Bill AJR201 & SJR111 to recognize Lunar New Year in New Jersey.
About Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year is a festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar calendar. Observances traditionally take place from Lunar New Year's Eve, the evening preceding the first day of the year, marking the end of winter and the beginning of the spring season.
Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays in many Asian culture, including the Chinese New Year（Chinese:春节），the Korean New Year (Korean: 설날; RR: Seollal), the Losar of Tibet (Tibetan: ལོ་གསར་), and the Tết of Vietnam, as well as the annual celebration in Okinawa, Japan. It is also celebrated worldwide in regions and countries, especially in Southeast Asia. These include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. It is also prominent beyond Asia, especially in regions and countries that house significant East Asia and Southeast Asia populations, the United States, Canada, Mauritius, New Zealand, Peru, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, as well as various smaller European countries.
To learn more about how different countries around the world celebrate Lunar New Year, watch the following video: "How The World Celebrate Lunar New Year".