I have recently read the article on the Iowa State Daily, “Chinese New Year symbol animals” by Matthew Rezab, published Feb. 13, 2015. I also noticed that there were 234 student reporters who used the term “Chinese New Year” after searching the word on the webpage of the Daily. However, as an international student from South Korea, I strongly believe that student reporters should use the term “Lunar New Year” instead of “Chinese New Year.”

It is true that the Chinese community seems to be the most active ethnicity during Lunar New Year. In addition, I do not deny the fact that Lunar New Year was originated from ancient Chinese cultures. However, China is not the only Asian nation that celebrates Lunar New Year — it is also a very important festival in other Asian nations, such as Korea, Mongolia and Vietnam.

According to CNN, many different Asian countries are celebrating Lunar New Year in their own ways. This indicates that Lunar New Year is celebrated differently even though it was originated from China. For example, if a Korean student attended the Chinese New Year festival, he or she will find the culture of Chinese New Year slightly exotic since the language and food are totally different.

Hence, it is not legitimate to say that Lunar New Year is only for Chinese. Since many Asian nations have their own unique festivals for Lunar New Year, lots of Asians can be offended if Americans consider Lunar New Year as Chinese New Year. 

Just as it is inappropriate to consider America as Caucasians’ nation, it is also improper to consider Asia as Chinese continent. In addition, claiming that Chinese New Year is the proper terminology is similar with saying Christmas is only for Italians since it was originated from Rome. Because multicultural nations like the United States should even respect the culture from small communities, I hope student reporters at the Iowa State Daily use Lunar New Year rather than Chinese New Year.