Revealing the inside scoops of RM couples

by Elli Jacobs SENIOR FEATURES WRITER

Is high school a time to explore your feelings or find your true soulmate?

Students engage in different relationships throughout their high school careers, both romantically and platonically.

Relationships form through mutual friendships, random interactions or simply connections between classmates.

On Feb. 14, students will have the opportunity to express their love for another special person.

“Nian comes every New Year’s Eve and causes havoc by eating people and animals. But one New Year’s Eve, an old man came into the village full of fleeing people and asked to stay at his granny’s house.

“He decorated the house in red papers and couplets and readied some firecrackers. When Nian came that night, it was scared by the abundance of red and loud noises of the firecrackers and fled. The villagers rejoiced the next day, and this tale soon spread throughout all the villages.”

Since then, it has been a custom to dress in traditional red Chinese clothing such as qipaos and hang up spring couplets that express good fortune.

Another aspect of the Chinese New Year is the 12—year zodiac cycle, where each year is repre- sented by a different animal. “Each animal has their own personality, which can predict how the year is going to go,” RM Chinese teacher Ms. Margaret Poo said. tions are common throughout the community as well.

The Year of the Tiger in 2022 symbolized strength and perseverance through rough times, as tigers embody courage and bravery.

“Growing up, I watched festival galas with cool performances, like dragon dances and martial arts. They bring prosperity and good fortune to all,” sophomore Daniel Yi said.

He shared his experience with the tradition of older people giving red envelopes to children.

“Older relatives give young children red envelopes full of money to wish them good luck in the new year, and in return, children wish them longevity and prosperity,” Yi said.

Food is also an important part of celebrating the Chinese New Year, although it varies depending on local customs.

Valentine’s Day originated in Ancient Rome with the celebration of Lupercalia, held in mid-February. This festival celebrated the coming of spring and used a lottery system to pair women with men.

However, at the end of the fifth century, Pope Gelasius I forbade the holiday. Some believe it was replaced with St. Valentine’s Day, which was not celebrated through romance until the fourteenth century.

A common legend states that St. Valentine, a Roman Saint, defied the emperor’s rulings and secretly married couples to spare men from joining the army.

Zoom breakout room…he added me on Instagram, I added him on Snapchat and we just started talking,” Phillips said.

Freshmen couples can also be seen throughout the halls that can often be stigmatized by others.

“You can’t really do that much. You can’t hang out. Parents get in the way a lot,“ freshman Alisa Yonter said.

Communication between partners is a crucial factor in keeping relationships alive and ensuring that each partner gets to voice their thoughts and opinions.

“A big argument blows up and then we talk to each other about it,” an RM junior said.

Once a relationship becomes official, traditions are created that create special bonds between partners.

“Our first date was at a pottery place. For Valentine’s day, we’re doing a pottery class,” Phillips said.

When couples go to college, they can choose to attend colleges in close proximity or engage in long-distance relationships.

But long-distance relationships do not work for everyone. They require a great amount of trust and communication between partners.

“There are a lot of people out there and many potential relationships,” Phillips said.

This year, 2023, is represented by the rabbit, expected to bring hope and prosperity.

RM holds a Lunar New Year banquet each year, where students gather and celebrate Chinese culture. Such celebra-

“At home, my family gathers together at dinner and we eat foods like rice cakes, dumplings, oranges and fish,” freshman Jackson Lou said. The Chinese New Year symbolizes a fresh start of the new year.

With the holiday approaching, RM students are starting to create their valentines and prepare presents for close friends and teachers.

Juniors Lilly Phillips and Devin Day have been dating for 18 months.

“We were in the same math

Seeking a partner can be an interesting roller coaster and rejection can also be a positive sign for some couples.

“Work on yourself. It’s an opportunity to better yourself,” Day said.

GRAPHIC BY CHRISTIANA VUCEA