SR0775 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0775 LRB103 39487 LAW 69683 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate wish to recognize the celebration of the Lunar New Year as a major holiday celebrated by Asian American communities in Illinois and the United States as well as Asian communities around the world; and

WHEREAS, The Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the year using the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar or a variant; and

WHEREAS, The Lunar New Year starts on the second new moon after the winter solstice, falling between January 21 and February 19 on the Gregorian calendar used in the United States; and

WHEREAS, The Lunar New Year began being celebrated in East Asia and Southeast Asia more than 4,000 years ago; today, it is observed worldwide among people of Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese heritage; and

WHEREAS, The Lunar New Year is known as the Spring Festival in China, Seollal in Korea, and Tet in Vietnam; and

WHEREAS, While Lunar New Year celebrations vary in length from culture to culture, ranging from three days to two weeks, celebration commonalities include gathering with family and friends, honoring ancestors and elders, watching and participating in traditional dances, settling disputes, exchanging gifts, and enjoying feasts; and

WHEREAS, The Lunar New Year occurs in a 12-year cycle, with each year being represented by one of 12 animals from the zodiac; and

WHEREAS, In Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebrations, the 2024 Lunar New Year is the Year of the Dragon, symbolizing courage, good fortune, honor, prosperity, and success; and

WHEREAS, This year, the Lunar New Year will begin on February 10, 2024; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the cultural and historical significance of the Lunar New Year to Asian American communities, express our deepest respect for Asian Americans and people throughout Illinois and the world who celebrate the Lunar New Year, and wish those who celebrate a happy and prosperous new year.