Roman Yee
A young girl in a red traditional outfit with floral embroidery, holding a stuffed toy, smiles during Lunar New Year celebrations.

Fashion

Year of the Snake

Roman Yee
Roman Yee

This collection is the second in a series of personal explorations of the Lunar New Year celebrations in Chinatown, a community that has shaped my understanding of culture, tradition, and family. Through these images, I aim to capture the energy and connection that define this celebration—one that brings together people across generations, united by shared history, values, and rituals.

At the heart of this work is not the spectacle, but the deeper sense of community that the Lunar New Year fosters. It’s about the families, the traditions passed down through generations, and the ways in which the past, present, and future intersect in these vibrant celebrations. The streets of Chinatown become a canvas where culture is both preserved and reimagined, blending old customs with the modern realities of urban life.

I grew up in this culture, and I’ve seen how this celebration unites people, strengthens cultural identity, and connects generations. This body of work is a reflection of that unity—the intertwining of the old and new, of family, of tradition, and of a community that continues to evolve while staying rooted in its core values.

Through these images, I hope to offer a glimpse into a place where history, culture, and family are woven together, creating a living, breathing celebration that transcends time and continues to shape the future of the community.

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