Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
The Eternals Lion Dance team brought ancient traditions to life during Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a dynamic performance at QCC last month, sponsored by the Office of Access, Opportunity, & Institutional Compliance. Led by director and founder Hai Nguyen, the team showcased the cultural significance of lion dancing through an energetic musical and dance performance followed by an informative presentation.
"There are two main pieces to lion dance," explained Nguyen, who has been dancing for over 20 years. "One is to bring good luck, and the other is to chase evil spirits away, so you can go into the new year with a fresh start."
Founded in March 2022, the team has grown from seven to 30-35 members ranging from ages 8 to 20. Their busy schedule can include performing at 50 locations during the Chinese New Year, with appearances throughout New England at venues like Polar Park and Boston's Chinese New Year festival.
"Lions symbolize strength, courage and prosperity," Nguyen noted.
The performance featured a modern acrobatic style with explosive moves while maintaining traditional elements.
Affiliated with nonprofit ROF ICE of Massachusetts, the team combines cultural preservation with community service.
"AAPI month is important for us to spread the culture," Nguyen emphasized. "I'm all about teaching and explaining the traditions. This generation might have a tougher time understanding what we do."
The team continues its mission of keeping ancient traditions alive while making them accessible to new generations across New England.
Jewish Heritage Month
May is also Jewish Heritage Month, which brought Rabbi Eichenholtz to QCC for an engaging discussion about how to support the college's Jewish students and employees.
Rabbi Eichenholtz is part of Congregation Agudat Achim and specializes in small and mid-sized synagogues, where she prides herself on knowing everyone’s name and story. When leading services, Rabbi Eichenholtz brings in her love of song, story, teaching and theater, combined with energy and enthusiasm.
The conversation began with the concept that Jewish identity can mean a multitude of things to different people, including an ethnic heritage, a culture, a religion and a spirituality. While everyone has a unique view of their own Jewish experience, she reminded the group that these conversations can help the QCC community learn more about what the Rabbi described as, "what many of us who are Jewish carry with us."
Eichenholtz led the group through the Jewish calendar of holidays and how the college can be supportive for those observing these special occasions. The Jewish calendar is both solar and lunar, with holidays changing dates and days of the week each year. This means that several holidays can occur during the work week one year but potentially not the following year, and many of them happen during the beginning of the Fall semester.
The Rabbi acknowledged that making accommodations and exceptions should fall within reason, but being flexible and understanding can go a long way. She also noted that many holidays begin at night or require preparation leading up to the actual event, which could be factored into scheduling and expectations. What remains important is treating those observing holidays and traditions with respect and inclusivity.