WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Asian Pacific Employees Association wishes all a Happy Lunar New Year! The Lunar New Year started on Feb. 1, 2022, with the new moon. Those cultures that celebrate the Lunar New Year often have a tradition of honoring past ancestors by offering traditional foods to them on a family or temple shrine. And these wonderful foods are also eaten together by families. As well as looking back and honoring ancestors, this can also be considered a rebirth and renewal, as the Spring Festival, where evil spirits are chased away and monetary, good-luck envelopes are given (usually to children).

In addition to the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac, there are also 5 elements associated with the different years. This year, 2022, is the Year of the Water Tiger. As we live in challenging times, the belief is that a Water Tiger year “will bring about new changes and encourage people to overcome all challenges and difficulties” (Dr. Lin quote from ABC Everyday webpage by Rachel Evans). The APAEA Executive Council wishes you the courage and bravery of a tiger to embrace new changes in order to overcome difficulties this year.

We would also like to celebrate Black History month with our sister Employee Resource Group the African American Strategy Group. Please keep an eye out for their programming this month and if you want more info. regarding AASG please email Margaret Hangan. Happy Chinese New Year and Black History month!