Joe Zhao | Contributing Photographer / The Daily Orange

Two students cut folded paper to make three-dimensional versions of the Chinese word “春,” which means Spring. Another name for Lunar New Year is the Spring Festival, so the template to cut out “spring” was displayed on the tables.

Joe Zhao | Contributing Photographer / The Daily Orange

A student draws Chinese characters using tracing paper offered at the event. The tracing paper provides students with little to no experience drawing Chinese characters an opportunity to try their hand at it.

Shuyang (Sky) Zhuang | Contributing Photographer / The Daily Orange

Chinese Students and Scholars Association hosts their annual Lunar New Year Gala in Goldstein Auditorium on Jan. 27. The event was open to any and all students and invited guests to learn more about Lunar New Year traditions.

Joe Zhao | Contributing Photographer / The Daily Orange

In partnership with Sigma Psi Zeta and the Center for International Services, Orange After Dark hosts a Lunar New Year Celebration for students Jan. 27, 2023. Students participated in various activities like origami and character drawing.

Shuyang (Sky) Zhuang | Contributing Photographer / The Daily Orange

Two of the members of CSSA host the evening. The two students announced their peers as they took the stage to perform throughout the night.

Joe Zhao | Contributing Photographer / The Daily Orange

A variety of Chinese dishes and foods were offered at the event for students to try. Students sat eating their food as Otto the Orange made an appearance at the event and joined their table.

Shuyang (Sky) Zhuang | Contributing Photographer / The Daily Orange

Students part of the group “Waiting” perform a dance at the gala Friday night. In addition to learning more about the Lunar New Year, students watched a variety of other student performances.

Joe Zhao | Contributing Photographer / The Daily Orange

A “wishing tree” is displayed on the third level of the Schine Student Center. Attendees were encouraged to write a wish or resolution on a card and hang it from the tree or take it with them.

Shuyang (Sky) Zhuang | Contributing Photographer / The Daily Orange

One student showcases his musical talent by playing his guitar on stage at the event. The gala provided students with a platform to dance, perform songs or play musical instruments of their choice.

Joe Zhao | Contributing Photographer / The Daily Orange

A table is covered in red envelopes and a sign inviting students to take one. Traditionally filled with lucky money and given to children from the elders as a Spring Festival blessing, the envelopes were offered to students to dispel evil and ensure safety.

Joe Zhao | Contributing Photographer / The Daily Orange

Students pose at a photo booth set-up with fun Lunar New Year themed accessories. 2023 is the year of the rabbit, so rabbit accessories were among the pile to choose from.