TULSA, Okla. — Lunar New Year is quickly approaching, and some Tulsans are making preparations for their celebrations.
Mily Nguyen is preparing for her family’s Lunar New Year party this weekend.
“Mango, papaya, pomelo,” she said while filing her shopping cart. “We’re gonna eat rice cakes and play Vietnamese cards.”
To ensure she has everything she needs, Nguyen shops at Nam-Hai International Market in Tulsa’s Global District. Owner Quan Do said he’s noticing a trend that stretches beyond the local community.
"We have a lot of people, not only from Tulsa, but from different states, they all come here to shop for the new year,” said Do. “You have people come from Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas.”
The front of the store is lined with bouquets of yellow flowers. According to Do, they symbolize prosperity and good fortune. Shopper Angelina Nguyen purchased as many as she could carry.
The store’s front bins are filled with rice cakes, party favors, gift baskets, games, and red envelopes. There’s also an extra supply of fruit.
“The cherimoya, the coconut, the papaya, and the mango,” said Do, explaining popular holiday choices.
He said they represent abundance for the new year. Nam-Hai will host its annual Lunar New Year celebration on Feb. 11. Do said he was unable to find lion dancers who weren’t already booked for the weekend.
“We even tried Dallas, Texas,” said Do. “But they’re all booked up as well.”
Do said the party will have plenty of music, raffles, and red envelopes.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere --
- Download our free app for Apple, Android and Kindle devices.
- Sign up for daily newsletters emailed to you
- Like us on Facebook
- Follow us on Instagram
- SUBSCRIBE on YouTube
