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Celebrate Lunar New Year at Panda Express

February 5, 2019 marks the beginning of Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, and the Year of the Pig in the Chinese zodiac. The celebration dates back thousands of years and more than 20% of the world celebrates the holiday.

Lunar New Year is marked by the coming together of family and friends to feast and welcome the new year. A variety of lucky foods are traditionally eaten for their symbolic meaning surrounding either their Chinese pronunciation or physical appearance—with individual dishes representing specific aspects of good fortune to come in the new year. For example,

  • Egg rolls symbolize wealth
  • Chow mein noodles symbolize long life
  • Shrimp symbolize happiness

Another tradition of Lunar New Year is the giving of red envelopes, called hong bao in Mandarin. These monetary gifts are presented at social and family gatherings to children and unmarried adults during Lunar New Year. The color red symbolizes good luck and is said to ward off evil spirits.

To bring good fortune to your family this year, visit your nearest Panda Express location to celebrate Lunar New Year beginning February 5. You can also make your own red envelope donation to kids treated at CHOC Children’s at the register!

In 2018, Panda Express employees and customers donated more than $457,000 to CHOC Children’s, helping us ensure each patient and their family receives the best care and hospital experience possible. From the healing expressions of music and art therapy, to the smiles and laughter our pet therapy dogs bring to our patients, CHOC’s partnership with Panda Express helps us promote and sustain an environment that supports education, recovery, healing and charitable care. Thank you, Panda Express for your continued support of the children in our community. Wishing you a wonderful Lunar New Year and another great year of partnership!