EDISON, NJ – Residents of all ages are invited to join the Edison Public Library as they celebrate Lunar New Year.
Lunar New Year is celebrated in many east Asian countries, including China, Korea, and Vietnam, with the 12 honored animals rotating on a fixed Chinese Zodiac cycle. 2025 marks the Year of the Snake – the wood snake to be specific – and on Saturday, Jan. 25, the North Edison Branch will serve as the host site for a Lunar New Year Celebration designed to provide patrons with the opportunity to experience different facets of Asian culture.
“Events like our Lunar New Year Celebration are important as they offer an opportunity to share and experience cultural traditions within the diverse community of Edison Township,” said Caroline Aversano, supervising librarian for programs and services at the Edison Public Library.
The festivities will kick off at 10 a.m. with an hour-long Chinese Calligraphy Demonstration & Introductory Lesson for adults led by Zhiyuan Cong, professor and director of the Center for Chinese Art at William Paterson University. Then, at 11:30 a.m., Chef Maricel Gentile from Maricel’s Kitchen will lead a Filipino Cooking demonstration to provide attendees with the tools to prepare Pancit, a traditional noodle dish.
Adults are also invited to attend an Introductory Tai Chi class led by an instructor from Tai Chi USA at 1 p.m. followed by a traditional Chinese dance performance by the Rutgers Chinese Dance Troupe at 2:10 p.m. Additionally, for children, an introductory martial arts class led by a sensei from Satori Martial Arts Academy will take place at 2:30 p.m.
The Edison Public Library’s Lunar New Year Celebration will conclude with a traditional Chinese music performance by Zhengming Guzhen – the zither and pipa playing duo of Junling Wang and Guo Ran – at 4 p.m.
“The Edison Public Library is dedicated to providing experiences that engage, educate, and foster personal growth in a welcoming and inclusive environment,” Aversano said.
For more information about the Lunar New Year Celebration, click here; to learn more or register for upcoming programs and events, visit the Edison Public Library website.
