January 29, 2025, [Harrisburg, PA] – Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro issued an official proclamation extending his best wishes to all Pennsylvanians as they welcome the Lunar New Year. He highlighted the significance of Asian cultural traditions in the state’s diverse social fabric and emphasized that the celebration symbolizes luck, happiness, and prosperity while fostering harmony and unity within communities.
Lori and I hope that this Lunar New Year will bring happiness, health, and prosperity to everyone celebrating across our Commonwealth.
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) January 29, 2025
Happy Lunar New Year, Pennsylvania – we're sending our best wishes for the Year of the Snake!
In addition to the official proclamation, Governor Shapiro shared a message on social media with his wife, Lori Shapiro, saying, “Lori and I hope that this Lunar New Year will bring happiness, health, and prosperity to everyone celebrating across our Commonwealth. Happy Lunar New Year, Pennsylvania – we’re sending our best wishes for the Year of the Snake!”
Governor Shapiro also acknowledged Pennsylvania’s rich cultural heritage and the invaluable contributions of the Asian American community. He noted that the Lunar New Year attracts people from all walks of life to join in the festivities and that Pennsylvania remains a welcoming place for everyone, regardless of their background. The governor also recognized the importance of music, performances, and culinary traditions in preserving and passing down these customs to future generations.
Happy Lunar New Year from the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg! May the new year bring health, happiness and prosperity to everyone!
— Razin M. Karu (@Khaberdaar) January 30, 2025
新年快乐!
새해 복 많이 받으세요!
Chúc Mừng Năm Mới!
#YearOfTheSnake 🧧🐍 pic.twitter.com/wm9MSGQ4iV
Razin Karu, Executive Director of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on AAPI Affairs, also took to social media to share his greetings from the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg. He wrote, “Happy Lunar New Year from the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg! May the new year bring health, happiness, and prosperity to everyone!” His message was further emphasized with multilingual New Year greetings:
- 新年快乐! (Mandarin Chinese)
- 새해 복 많이 받으세요! (Korean)
- Chúc Mừng Năm Mới! (Vietnamese)
He also included the hashtag #YearOfTheSnake to mark the celebration.
To honor the occasion, the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg was illuminated in red and gold, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity. This gesture not only demonstrated the state’s support for the Asian American community but also showcased Pennsylvania’s commitment to embracing cultural diversity.
