No school Wednesday? Here's why public schools are off across New York State
(WETM) — Parents across New York might wonder why their kids don't have school on Wednesday, Jan. 29. Well, the Lunar New Year is to thank for that and a declaration by Governor Kathy Hochul in 2024.
To honor the rich heritage of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities (AAPI), all public K-12 schools will be closed on Wednesday to recognize the Lunar New Year, according to the declaration made by Governor Hochul on January 31, 2024.
"It is an historical achievement and meaningful opportunity for children in the AAPI community to celebrate an important part of their ancestry and for others to learn about and share in one of the most beautiful holidays celebrated around the world," Hochul said.
So what is the Lunar New Year?
The Lunar New Year begins with the new moon on the first day of the first lunar month, with the 29th being the first new moon of 2025. Celebrations are held for 15 days up to the first full moon.
Communities and people worldwide celebrate the Lunar New Year with feasts and dances, brightly colored decorations, tributes to celestial deities, gift exchanges, and special expressions of remembrance and respect for ancestors who've passed.
Each year of the lunar calendar is represented by one of 12 zodiac animal signs along the sun's path through the universe, with 2025 being the year of the snake, the sixth sign in the cycle that represents intuition, wisdom, slyness, and charm.
This year marks Lunar New Year 4723, and the first time schools in New York State will be off for the holiday.
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