Jameson Fowler photos
Music and cheers rang throughout the Trojan Center ballroom as the
celebrations for Chinese New Year began. The celebration was rich with
culture shared by students from varying nations.
Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, follows the lunar
calendar instead of the Gregorian calendar. The year follows 12 moon
cycles and starts on the first new moon of the year.
Trojan Center’s ballroom was decorated in red and gold, the colors that
represent fortune and prosperity. Students performed vocal and instru-
mental music while others presented traditional dances.
“A domestic student can learn so much from an international student,”
said Sohail Agboatwala, the senior vice chancellor for student services
and administration. “Our beloved community gets together to strengthen
this university.”
The songs performed varied from slow and reflective to upbeat and
exciting, reflecting the feelings students had towards one year ending and
a new one beginning.
One student rapped, and another put on a sword dance. One perfor-
mance towards the end of the night featured the GuZheng, a 2,500-year-
old instrument that originated from China.
Students also watched an informative video on the mythology behind
the Year of the Snake. The Chinese zodiac follows a 12-year cycle.
Audience members cheered on the performers, often waving their hands
or phone flashlights to the songs. Students were seen laughing and enjoying
the company of each other as they listened and ate dinner together.
For many Chinese international students, this is their first Chinese New
Year away from home.
“This is possibly the first time they leave their hometown and their
families,” said Silvia Li, the director of Chinese operations. “This is
our way of saying that we recognize their culture, and we have ways to
celebrate despite them being away from home.”
“It’s important for their families, too,” Agboatwala said. “It’s important
for the parents to know that something is happening here for their children
and to recognize their culture.
“Troy is Alabama’s international campus; you have international
students in the classroom. Get to know them, talk to them and learn their
culture.”
At the end of the night, students were left smiling, knowing they were
able to have a little part of their home here in Troy.
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