Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Culture/religion: National observance
Date: January 16

The third Monday of each January is dedicated to commemorating the achievements of Martin Luther King, Jr. King advocated the use of nonviolent means to end racial segregation, first coming to national prominence during the bus boycott of African Americans in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955. In 1963, King led the March on Washington and was instrumental in the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964. King is considered the most influential African American civil rights leaders of the 1960s. King was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1964.

Sources:

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Encyclopedia Britannica

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Lunar New Year

Culture/religion: Chinese heritage
Date: January 22

With a history of over 3,000 years, Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is the most important celebration for families.

Chinese New Year marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It is the start of a new year on the lunar calendar and represents the desire for a new life.

The main activities of Chinese New Year include putting up decoration, reuniting with family for a reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve, firecrackers and fireworks and giving red envelopes and other gifts. Public celebrations also include dragon dances, lion dances and imperial performances like an emperor’s wedding.

2023 is the Year of the Rabbit.

Sources:

Chinese New Year (Dates, Traditions, Animal Signs), China Highlights