MMA Cadets Celebrate Lunar New Year 2025 with Cultural Presentations and Festivities

Cadets at Missouri Military Academy (MMA) welcomed the Lunar New Year with a vibrant celebration of traditions, cultural presentations and a special trip to a sold-out performance in St. Louis.

On January 29, cadets from Mongolia, Vietnam and China shared insights into how their home countries celebrate the Lunar New Year. Their presentations included cultural customs, festive traditions and symbolic meanings behind the holiday. Additionally, cadets from Ms. Chien’s Chinese class highlighted Lunar New Year celebrations in San Francisco and New York, offering a perspective on how the holiday is observed in different parts of the United States. The class also showcased their calligraphy work.

The following cadets took part in the event:

• From China: Lijie Shan ’26 (Beijing), Hao Wang ’26 (Hangzhou City), YiChen Chen ’27 (Shenzhen), Mu Ye ’25 (Ruian City)
• From Vietnam: Long Bui ’27, Triet Bui ’25 (both from Kom Tum City), Quang Dang ’26 (Tan An), Hai Dinh ’26 (Da Nang), Nguyen Minh Duc Ho ’26 (Ho Chi Minh City), Hung Ly ’26 (Can Tho), Hoang Bao Ngo ’26 (Go Vap), Thien Nguyen ’27 (Binh Duong), Tri Ong ’25 (Ho Chi Minh City), Huu Thai ’26 (Nghe An), Ho Khoa Tran ’27 (Da Nang)
• From Mongolia: Batbileg Bataa ’25 (Ulaanbaatar)
• From the United States: Janos Shelemba ’26 (Brooklyn, New York), Frederico Cordero ’29 (McAllen, Texas)

To further immerse themselves in the celebration, a group of MMA cadets attended a Lunar New Year performance at Washington University in St. Louis on Saturday, February 1. The event, which was sold out, featured traditional dances, music and performances that captured the essence of the holiday.

A total of 34 cadets from Mongolia, Vietnam and China participated in the festivities, along with cadets currently enrolled in Ms. Chien’s Chinese class. They were accompanied by Ms. Chien and Activities & Recreational Specialist Elliot Goodwin. 

What is Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice, falling between January 21 and February 20. This year, the new moon occurred in China on January 29, marking the official start of the new lunar year.

The celebration is one of the most significant holidays among East and Southeast Asian cultures, including Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean communities. The festivities often last up to 15 days, featuring family reunions, festive meals, fireworks and cultural performances.

This year marks the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac, a symbol of wisdom, intuition and mystery. Those born under this sign are believed to possess calmness and introspection, guiding them through life with patience and intelligence.

MMA’s Lunar New Year celebration not only provided cadets with an opportunity to honor their cultural heritage but also allowed the entire Academy community to learn more about the traditions and significance of this global holiday.