Lunar New Year is the most important holiday in many Asian cultures. Although the Lunar New Year is 15 days long, the first day of the holiday is the most important because this day is used by families to meet up and participate in different rituals. 

Asian Americans have played a vital role in shaping our nation while continuously facing discrimination and violence in U.S. History.  Amidst all the hate crimes Asians face, creating a public holiday such as Lunar New Year will increase awareness of Asian culture, history, and tradition. The Lunar New Year has been celebrated for thousands of years and much like other public holidays resembles unique importance and tradition. This holiday is one of the most important traditional holidays amongst the Asian American communities. 

The State of New York is composed of residents with a wide array of cultural backgrounds and people with Asian heritage represent a large percentage of New York State’s population. It is imperative for a state as inclusive as New York to recognize and acknowledge that diversity. Therefore, we urge the state legislature to make Lunar New Year an official holiday in New York State. This will allow families with Asian heritage to keep their tradition by celebrating and observing an important cultural day.