Why Trinity Celebrates Lunar New Year

In embracing one another’s traditions, we strengthen the bonds that hold our church family together. 

Trinity Church’s Lunar New Year celebration is an invitation to honor a day cherished by many families with Asian heritage. Launched by lay leaders in 2023, the gathering reflects Trinity’s commitment to appreciating the cultural richness of our congregation. Over the years, it has grown into a beloved expression of our community life and an opportunity for intergenerational connection, creativity, and joy. 

Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the next year in the lunisolar calendar (a system that uses both the moon and sun to track time) and is one of the most significant holidays across East and Southeast Asia. Families gather to share symbolic foods, honor elders, and pray for health and prosperity in the new year. While traditions vary — every country, region, and even household has its own customs — the heart of the celebration is universal: It’s a time to come together, give thanks, and welcome renewal.  

The Rev. Yein Kim, priest and associate director for Sacramental Life and Membership, treasures her childhood memories of Lunar New Year, known as Seollal in Korea. “Everyone would gather as a family,” she recalls. “Our grandparents, their children, our cousins, even third cousins you’d only see once or twice a year — everyone came together.” 

Food was central to the festivities, especially tteokguk, the steaming Korean rice cake soup eaten to symbolize a fresh start and turning one year older. Mother Yein’s most vivid memories are of sebae, a ritual where young people perform deep, formal bows to elders as a sign of respect. In return, elders share words of wisdom and offer new year’s blessings, as well as envelopes with cash. 

With the busyness of modern city life, it’s become much rarer for extended families to gather in such large groups, Mother Yein said. That shift is part of why Trinity’s Lunar New Year celebration feels so meaningful to her. For many, the Trinity community has become a chosen family — a place where generations meet, stories are shared, and life is experienced in community. 

“People are looking for spiritual health, for a home,” Mother Yein says. “We’re trying our best to meet them where they are, whether they want beautiful worship, Sunday School for their kids, Bible study, prayers, a visit in the hospital. We’re a family, so we’re here for all of it.” 

This year’s Lunar New Year celebration — welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse — promises to be especially vibrant. The festivities will include calligraphy and paper-lantern crafts, festive foods, music, and storytelling, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere. The coffee hour after the 11:15am service will feature a lion dance, a tradition that ushers in good luck and prosperity. The event is designed to invite the entire Trinity community into the joy and meaning of the holiday.  

The Rev. Jorge Ortiz, priest and associate director for Community Engagement, sees the celebration as a powerful expression of Trinity’s values.  “Lunar New Year is one of the many ways we embrace diversity and recognize the unique worth of every person in our church,” he says. “In a world where differences often pull us apart, we begin Lent by remembering we are united in the family of God — where all races, gender expressions, and cultures contribute to our faith and our shared humanity.” 

Join us for Trinity’s Lunar New Year festivities on Sunday, February 22, during the coffee hours following our 9am and 11:15am services.