Celebrating the Lunar New Year While Honoring Old Traditions
St. Bernard's School was thrilled to celebrate the Lunar New Year, or Seollal, with a captivating Samgomu drum dance performance on February 14, 2024. This traditional Korean dance, characterized by its intricate rhythms and synchronized movements, had all eyes glued to the stage and left the audience amazed by their talent.
Five traditionally dressed 12th-grade students from the Woorigarak Korean Cultural Arts Center in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, led by Ms. Kang, braved the winter weather to share their artistry with the St. Bernard's community. Each female dancer was surrounded by three beautiful drums, which they skillfully played with drumsticks while executing graceful dance moves. The performance was a testament to the dedication and talent of these young performers, who have been training with Ms. Kang since elementary school.
The Samgomu performance was one of the many special ways someone can celebrate and honor the Lunar New Year, which is a joyous celebration observed by many Asian cultures. The festive occasion is filled with vibrant traditions, from the lively lion dances to the exchange of red envelopes filled with lucky money. Families gather together to eat traditional meals, and homes are adorned with red decorations to symbolize good fortune. The year is assigned an animal sign from the Chinese zodiac; each is believed to bring unique characteristics and energies. In 2024, we welcomed the Year of the Dragon, a symbol of strength, power, and good luck.
St. Bernard's extends its sincere gratitude to the Parents Association and the Multicultural Fair Committee for organizing this wonderful event. The school community was truly inspired by the beauty and power of Korean culture. We started the morning enjoying thunderous beats and ended with a stronger sense of community.
