It’s an overwhelming sense of togetherness & gratitude. Beyond the parade itself, I saw and felt how much the Lunar New Year is a time to celebrate our culture, give thanks to our ancestors, and to wish both family & fellow neighbors good fortune and health as they usher in the new year. It wasn’t until I participated in the 2019 San Francisco Lunar New Year Parade where I felt the sense of pride and community in the city while witnessing all the beauty the festivities entailed, from costumes to dancing. Growing up, as a first-generation Chinese American, I didn’t quite understand what all the Lunar New Year fuss was about – even if I did enjoy it. And, of course, all the children waiting for family to arrive to receive their red envelope 红包 (“Lai-see”) and open them all up at the end of day and count all our lucky money! As we celebrate the Chinese New Year, I’m reminded of memories my family created, especially my grandmothers who kept the family together. I also recall the celebration of the new year bringing the distinct smell of incense all around the house as my mom and aunties could be heard “constantly shooing” excited kids from the kitchen. Similarly, my siblings and I were told to wash our hair the night before, because we didn’t want to wash away our forthcoming good luck. It all began with my family preparing the house until it was spotless, since we were not allowed to sweep at the start of the year, because it is said that you will sweep away your wealth. CNY Parade helped re-establish my love for Lunar New Year By Tiffany Pham, T-MobileĪs a young girl growing up in San Francisco, I have so many vivid memories of the Lunar New Year.

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