The month of February at MICDS was filled with lions and dragons, reds and golds, and yo-yos and dances. What was all of it for? Our MICDS Lunar New Year celebrations, of course!
From February 17 through March 3, 2026, Lunar New Year celebrations around the world have been taking place, including some on our very own campus and with several of our students in the St. Louis community. For 15 days, vibrant events galloped in the new year of the Fire Horse.
Lunar New Year dates back to ancient Chinese agricultural traditions over 3,500 years ago. It first marked the end of winter and the start of spring. Eventually, the lunar-based, 12-year zodiac cycle was adopted throughout Asia, with each lunar year being represented by an animal (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat or Sheep/Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig). The new year signifies the transition between the 12 animal signs in the zodiac.
How do you determine your Chinese zodiac sign? It is based on your birth year in the 12-year lunar cycle. Additionally, a Chinese element (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, or Water) is associated with a lunar year and is said to determine the year’s energy, fortunes, and personality traits. The element, which changes every two years, is also said to influence personal traits, one’s career, and compatibility. Figure out your zodiac sign and element here!
At MICDS, Lunar New Year was celebrated across all three divisions. Check out some highlights of the vibrant festivities below.
A Parade and Lion Dance in the Lower School
Beasley students enjoyed a performance by the Upper School Lion Dance team as well as the traditional first-grade Lunar New Year parade. First graders wore red, decorated red parchment paper that represented the body of a dragon, and beat cymbals as they marched through the South Gym while holding a dragon head at the front of the parade.
Lion Dance Performance Visits Middle School
The Lion Dance team and percussionists performed at a Middle School assembly in Mary Eliot Chapel. Also, as part of the Lunar New Year celebrations, students decorated a bulletin board with Chinese characters on red paper.
Upper School Lunar New Year Assembly
In the Upper School on February 20, students enjoyed a Lunar New Year assembly in Brauer Auditorium. First, the MICDS yo-yo group performed in a grade-level competition. Next, the Upper School Lion Dance team performed, which culminated with Beth Miller, Chief Financial and Operating Officer, feeding red envelopes to the lions. The performers wore special Lion Dance t-shirts created in the Upper School Maker Space. Following, the yo-yo club at Washington University, YoWU, performed. There were many laughs as students were in awe of the talented performers and the bright celebrations.
On Friday, February 27, Upper Schoolers partook in a Lunar New Year Celebration during activity period. Hosted by the Asian Student Association and the International Council, the celebration included Mahjong, Chinese yo-yo, origami, paper cutting, and more.
St. Louis Art Museum: SLAM Social—Lunar New Year Event
Beyond campus, our MICDS Lion Dance performers took the stage in Sculpture Hall at the St. Louis Art Museum. They performed the traditional Chinese lion dance twice for attendees of the SLAM Social—Lunar New Year event. Lily Childs, Upper School Mandarin Teacher, was proud of their dancing. “Our students delivered a spectacular Lion Dance performance at the St. Louis Art Museum for the Lunar New Year celebration last weekend,” she exclaimed. “Their energy was electric, especially in how they drew in a crowd and interacted with the audience. We are so proud of their hard work and the way they captivated the attendees, sharing this cultural tradition beyond our school community!”
Watch a bit of the SLAM Lion Dance here!
This year’s Lion Dance performers from the Upper School included:
- Cade Miller ’26
- Oscar Sun ’26
- Lucas Cheng ’27 (cymbal)
- Milton Duckworth ’27
- Eddie Feng ’27 (gong)
- Isaac George ’27
- Michal Kenigsberg ’27
- Meg Coverdell ’28
- Bella Froedge ’28
- Nolan Ma ’28
- Emmaus Tzeng ’28
Duckworth, a three-year Lion Dancer, shared that the performers practiced for four hours this year, but in his first year, they practiced for six or seven hours. He also states that sharing the dance with others is a big highlight: “You get to perform for the students, including the Lower and Middle School, and we were even invited to perform at the Art Museum, which was loads of fun!”
Miller has been in the Lion Dance for four years. “The highlight for me about being a Lion Dancer is making bonds with our WashU student mentors and performing at the Art Museum,” he says. “The Art Museum is always packed, and it is so much fun to perform in front of that many people.” What a special experience for all of the SLAM and MICDS students!
A happy Lunar New Year of the Fire Horse to all!