SACRAMENTO, CA — The California Asian American and Pacific Islander Caucus (AAPILC) wishes everyone a Happy Lunar New Year!
February 10th, 2024 marks the beginning of this year’s Lunar New Year, the Year of the Wood Dragon. In the Chinese lunisolar calendar, each year is linked to a specific animal and element, and this year, the Year of the Dragon corresponds with the element of wood. Wood symbolizes creativity and liveliness, and the dragon represents intelligence and power. The combination of the two foresees a year of abundance and good fortune.
Lunar New Year is a significant celebration to many Asian American & Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in California, representing prosperity, tradition, and community belonging. SR-54, authored by Senator Min, and HR-67, authored by Assemblymember Low, recognizes the celebration of Lunar New Year alongside the 2.5 million Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and lu-Mien residents of California that observe the holiday. The resolution was celebrated on the Senate and Assembly floor on February 12th, and members were given a traditional money tree plant. According to Chinese legend, the money tree symbolizes auspiciousness and wealth.
Two years ago, on September 9th, 2022, AB 2596 was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, declaring Lunar New Year as a state holiday. The bill was authored by Assemblymember Low to consider Lunar New Year as a statewide holiday and to allow state employees to receive up to eight hours of holiday credit for the celebration. AB 2596 was a momentous step towards uplifting the AAPI community and recognizing how important the celebration of the Lunar New Year is to the AAPI community in California. This year, Governor Gavin Newsom’s leadership continues to support the community by proclaiming February 10th, 2024, as Lunar New Year.
The AAPILC wishes everyone a joyful holiday with their family and loved ones.
