WHEREAS, February 10, 2024, marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year, which is celebrated by Asian American communities across the United States and, especially, North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, the Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is based on the Lunar calendar, which includes the Chinese zodiac, or Sheng Xiao, a repeating 12-year cycle of animal signs and their ascribed attributes; and
WHEREAS, this Lunar New Year is the Year of the Dragon and is universally celebrated by these communities as a time to renew family ties and to start the new year with a clean slate; and
WHEREAS, the Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) community has contributed to the social, cultural, civic, economic, and academic success of the state; and
WHEREAS, the celebration of the Lunar New Year in communities throughout North Carolina illustrates the state's rich cultural history and commitment to racial, religious, and cultural diversity; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina encourages residents to join our friends and neighbors in celebration of the Lunar New Year and take the opportunity to learn about the rich traditions of this special holiday, and the past and present contributions of the AAPI community to our state; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina welcomes the Lunar New Year, wishing you and your family happiness, prosperity, fortune, and good health in the Year of the Dragon;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim February 10, 2024, as “LUNAR NEW YEAR” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.