NEW YORK, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- U.S. congresswoman Grace Meng Friday introduced a resolution that urges the House of Representatives to officially recognize Lunar New Year.

For the Asian American community, Lunar New Year is the most important holiday of the year and it is also a time to celebrate the important heritage of Asian Americans, said Meng, New York's first Asian-American member of Congress, in a press release on Friday.

"As Lunar New Year continues to grow in popularity, it is important that more to be done to acknowledge this annual observance, and official recognition by the House would go a long way towards further appreciating the holiday," she said.

"I look forward to this resolution passing soon and I wish a happy, healthy, prosperous and peaceful New Year to all who celebrate the Year of the Dog," she said.

The Lunar New Year is named after zodiac animals, with a total of 12 zodiac signs on a circle -- Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.

In addition to the resolution, Meng marked the anniversary of Lunar New Year becoming a school holiday in New York City, a school holiday that she played a role in creating in 2016.

The Congresswoman first proposed closing New York City schools for Lunar New Year when she was a member of the New York State Legislature in 2009.

Meng's resolution has been referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform where it is awaiting further action.