Skip to main content

Unit Plan, Primary Source, Video :

Unit Plan, Primary Source, Video The First Lunar New Year Celebration in the United States

  • Grade Level K-2nd Grade
  • Time Period 1950 - 1969
Open Resource (opens in new tab)

Introduction

This lesson covers the first Lunar New Year celebration in the United States, and how Asian Americans adapted throughout the years since to continue embracing their heritage today. This lesson can be completed in one instructional session or over a period of 1 week.

Learning Objectives
Students will:

  • Describe how Lunar New Year was first celebrated in the United States.
  • Identify the changes and similarities between historic and current Lunar New Year celebrations in the United States.

Essential Questions

  • How are Lunar New Year celebrations the same or different from U.S. or Western New Year celebrations that take place on December 31?

  • Why were early Lunar New Year celebrations done secretly? (Why would people have to hide their cultural traditions?)

  • Why did the Chinese American community in San Francisco organize the Lunar New Year festival and parade?

  • How is Lunar New Year celebrated? What are some Lunar New Year traditions?

  • How have Lunar New Year celebrations changed over time since the Gold Rush era?