TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today signed a joint resolution AJR201/SJR111, designating the first new moon of the first month of the lunar calendar as Lunar New Year in New Jersey. The date of Lunar New Year changes in concurrence with the cycles of the moon. The holiday has been recognized and celebrated internationally for thousands of years by Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders to welcome good fortune in the new year.

“I am proud to sign this resolution today to designate the annual recognition of Lunar New Year here in New Jersey,” said Governor Murphy. “New Jersey is home to the third-largest per capita population of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the nation, which is why it is important to honor and embrace the rich traditions of our diverse AAPI community. I especially look forward to joining this year’s festivities alongside all who celebrate, as New Jersey recognizes the Year of the Dragon with purpose, reflection, and renewal.”

Primary Sponsors of AJR201/SJR111 include Senators Richard Codey and Renee Burgess, and Assemblymembers Ellen Park, John McKeon, and Raj Mukherji.

"Lunar New Year is an important holiday for many New Jerseyans, and it has been celebrated in various cultures for thousands of years,” said former Governor Codey. “This resolution will recognize that holiday, and in doing so recognize a part of the unique traditions and cultures that make up our state's diverse communities."

“Lunar New Year has been celebrated across the ages, all over the world, said Senator Burgess. The holiday remains a festive celebration for many families in New Jersey, and is a culturally and historically significant tradition for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Commemorating Lunar New Year in New Jersey recognizes the importance of this day for many New Jersey residents, and the value of those who celebrate the occasion in this State.”

“Officially recognizing Lunar New Year as a state is more than just celebrating a holiday, it’s embracing a culture and it tells our AAPI neighbors that they are not only accepted, but welcomed and celebrated,” said Assemblywoman Park. “The AAPI community is the fastest growing population in the state and a law like this, while seemingly small, is an acknowledgment of their contribution to the fabric of our society. This is the America we should always fight to be and I am so grateful to see this bill become law.”

“Recognizing the Lunar New Year in New Jersey affirms the cultural tapestry of our diverse population and provides an opportunity for all New Jerseyans to celebrate a joyous occasion that has been celebrated for thousands of years,” said Senator and former Assemblyman John McKeon.

"The Asian American community is grateful to Governor Murphy and our legislative champions, in particular Assemblywoman Ellen Park, for passing the Lunar New Year resolution into law,” said Amber Reed, President, AAPI New Jersey. “In just a few weeks, 400,000 Asian Americans from across the diaspora will ring in the Year of the Dragon in New Jersey, and we are thrilled by the newfound pride that state-level recognition of Lunar New Year will bring for our children and families. Resolutions like this one, and others like Kimchi Day, celebrate New Jersey’s diversity, affirm our sense of belonging, and create opportunities to share our cultures in schools and with friends and neighbors in our wider communities."

"As the founder of the Asian American Youth Council, I wholeheartedly commend Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey legislature for their historic decision to designate the Lunar New Year as an annual celebration in our state,” said Brian Jon, Founder of the Asian American Youth Council. “This significant move not only honors the cultural heritage of the approximately 10 percent of New Jersey residents of Asian descent, but also proudly showcases the state's commitment to embracing and celebrating the diversity of cultures within our community. Recognizing Lunar New Year officially is a powerful affirmation of New Jersey’s dedication to inclusivity and respect for the rich tapestry of traditions that Asian Americans bring to the state’s cultural fabric. It's a momentous step towards fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Asian American heritage among all communities. At the Asian American Youth Council, we are elated by this recognition and reaffirm our commitment to promoting cultural awareness and unity across diverse backgrounds."

"The Vietnamese American Community Association (NJVACA) is very happy and grateful to Governor Murphy and our legislative champions, in particular Assemblywoman Ellen J. Park, for passing the annual Lunar New Year resolution into law," said Tony Hoang Nguyen, NJVACA Chairman. "This recognition will bring pride and create more opportunities for the Asian communities to share our traditions and cultures with others, embracing New Jersey’s diversity. May this bring us all good fortunes, great health, happiness, and prosperity." 

"I feel so proud that New Jersey is one of the first states to officially recognize Lunar New Year and I am honored to have advocated for this bill,” said Ziran Yuan, Student Advocate and Founder of NJ Lunar New Year Project, NJLunarNewYear.org. “Through these past 12 months, I have met wonderful people I would never have known: Chinese, Korean, Taiwanese-Americans and more. But beyond our community, what has surprised me is the kindness of people who might have never celebrated Lunar New Year. Before this bill has even become law, it is already bringing us closer together. It has shown me that New Jerseyans care for each other, and are willing to help each other. And that’s the significance of this bill. It ties us together, and shows us that we are a family."