Peck’s Lunar New Year celebration was filled with excitement, tradition, and a few surprises!
The day began with a dynamic World Cultures Assembly featuring a vibrant dragon and lion dance and a mesmerizing bian lian (face-changing) performance. Parent volunteers meticulously planned the event, ensuring an immersive cultural experience.
“We started preparing in September,” said parent Amber Zhao. “The dragon and lion dance props, along with some decorations, were airlifted from China. When they arrived, they were even larger and heavier than expected! For Lower School students, the props were still quite heavy, but they practiced diligently—lifting and carrying them was a real achievement!”
As students entered the assembly, each received a red envelope—a Lunar New Year tradition symbolizing good luck and prosperity. While traditionally filled with money, Peck’s version held a customized keychain with the New Year's greetings on it in both Mandarin and English.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, Peck’s instrumental ensemble performed Gong Xi, a traditional song often played during the Lunar New Year. Sixth-grade emcees Becky Y. and Eloise C. kept the energy high, sharing insights about the holiday and introducing performers. “This is the Year of the Snake,” Becky noted. “Snakes are smart, wise, calm, and sensitive.”
Lower School students brought the celebration to life with their spirited Dragon and Lion Dance, parading through the assembly with colorful costumes and a long, golden dragon puppet. Upper School students shared bai nian—New Year’s greetings—in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English. “Bai nian means wishing others a good year, in wealth, education, and health,” explained Eloise.
The highlight of the morning was a breathtaking bian lian performance—an ancient Sichuan opera act where the performer rapidly changes masks in the blink of an eye.
“Bian lian means ‘face changing,’” Eloise told the audience. “This dramatic art originated around 1700 as part of Sichuan opera. Historically, it was rarely seen outside of China because non-Chinese were not permitted to learn the technique.”
Master performer Li Peng dazzled the Peck community with his swift transformations, shifting from one ornate mask to another in an instant. Students gasped in amazement as he incorporated parasols, fans, and even fire into his act.
Born into a family of magicians, Li has performed across the U.S. since 1999. He has also introduced innovative face masks representing Chinese culture, including depictions of Sun Wukong and the Panda.
The celebration was a joyful, shared experience—deepening our appreciation for global traditions while bringing the Peck community together to welcome the Year of the Snake.