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SCR137 • 2025

RECOGNIZING AND CELEBRATING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR 2026.

RECOGNIZING AND CELEBRATING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR 2026.

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Sturgeon
Last action
2026-03-10
Official status
Passed 3/10/26
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source does not specify the exact date of the Year of the Horse celebration beyond February 17, 2026.

Recognizing Lunar New Year 2026

Delaware's General Assembly passed a resolution to recognize and celebrate the Lunar New Year in 2026.

What This Bill Does

  • Recognizes the start of Lunar New Year on February 17, 2026.
  • Honors the cultural significance of the holiday for Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
  • Celebrates traditions associated with Lunar New Year.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Delaware residents who celebrate Lunar New Year
  • Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in Delaware

Terms To Know

Lunar New Year
A holiday celebrated by many Asian cultures, marking the beginning of a new year according to the lunar calendar.
Year of the Horse
The seventh animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle, symbolizing strength and progress.

Limits and Unknowns

  • This resolution does not require any financial funding or changes to laws.
  • It is a symbolic gesture with no legal requirements for individuals or organizations.

Bill History

  1. 2026-03-10 Delaware General Assembly

    Passed In House by Voice Vote

  2. 2026-01-29 Delaware General Assembly

    Introduced in Senate

  3. 2026-01-29 Delaware General Assembly

    Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES

Official Summary Text

RECOGNIZING AND CELEBRATING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR 2026.
This resolution recognizes and celebrates the Lunar New Year 2026 and honors the cultural significance of the holiday.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Sen. Sturgeon & Rep. Michael Smith

Sens. Huxtable, Pinkney, Sokola, Townsend, Wilson; Reps. Heffernan, K. Johnson, Morrison, Osienski, Ross Levin, Wilson-Anton

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 137

RECOGNIZING AND CELEBRATING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR 2026.

WHEREAS, Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, begins in 2026 on February 17 and is celebrated through March 3 in accordance with the lunar calendar; and

WHEREAS, 2026 marks the Year of the Horse, the seventh animal in the Chinese zodiac, symbolizing strength, resilience, energy, and progress, as well as values of independence and perseverance; and

WHEREAS, the Lunar New Year is a time for families and communities to reunite, honor ancestors, observe longstanding cultural traditions, reflect on the past year, and welcome health, good fortune, and prosperity in the year ahead; and

WHEREAS, Lunar New Year celebrations culminate with the Lantern Festival, a joyful and symbolic event featuring lantern displays, lion and dragon dances, cultural performances, parades, and fireworks that represent unity, hope, and renewal; and

WHEREAS, Lunar New Year is observed by millions of people around the world and is celebrated by many Asian cultures, including but not limited to Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Malaysian, Filipino, Indonesian, and other Asian and Pacific Islander communities, each with distinct traditions and customs; and

WHEREAS, Delaware’s Asian American and Pacific Islander communities have made significant and lasting contributions to the cultural, civic, educational, and economic life of the State, strengthening its diversity and vibrancy; and

WHEREAS, community organizations, cultural institutions, and civic leaders across Delaware promote cultural exchange, education, and community engagement, fostering greater understanding and inclusion of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities; and

WHEREAS, the General Assembly recognizes the importance of celebrating cultural heritage and promoting inclusivity, respect, and representation for all communities within the State.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 153rd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that the General Assembly recognizes and celebrates the Lunar New Year 2026 and extends its best wishes for health, happiness, peace, and prosperity to all who observe this tradition.

SYNOPSIS

This resolution recognizes and celebrates the Lunar New Year 2026 and honors the cultural significance of the holiday.

Author: Senator Sturgeon