2021 is the Year of the Ox, according to the Chinese zodiac. 

Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in China and other Asian countries. It is when friends and family gather to share joy and count their blessings. 

Missouri State University is a home away from home for many Chinese and other Asian students who will celebrate the New Year with their Bear family this year.  

“This year’s Chinese New Year celebration will be a much-needed and expected occasion for many Missouri State students,” said Peng Zhang, business instruction specialist for research and economic development at MSU. “It will give students a chance to get connected and rejuvenated again while being socially distant during this pandemic.” 

To maintain social distancing guidelines, the office of China programs, the office of international programs and the Chinese Students and Scholars Association will host a week-long social media campaign Feb. 8–12.  

More about Chinese New Year

The week of celebrations 

While Chinese New Year at MSU will look different from the typical vibrant, in-person festivities, this year offers opportunities to learn about Chinese New Year traditions through online discussions.  

There will be daily, theme-oriented videos on Instagram and Facebook recorded by the MSU Chinese community in the U.S. and China. 

Daily themes  

Social media posts will begin at 10 a.m. each day and continue throughout the day.

Feb. 8 

Chinese New Year Introduction: My favorite Chinese New Year celebration activities  

Feb. 9 

Chinese New Year Preparation Traditions 

Feb. 10 

Chinese New Year Celebration and Traditions 

Feb. 11 

Chinese New Year Greetings: Chinese New Year greetings from MSU students, alumni, partner universities and friends 

Feb. 12 

Chinese New Year Celebration in the U.S.: My Chinese New Year memories at Missouri State University 

Join in the Events  

Follow International Programs’ Instagram and Facebook page and subscribe to their YouTube channel to celebrate Chinese New Year 2021 and other cultural events.