Chinese New Year, also called the Spring Festival, is a colorful and exciting celebration full of traditions and stories. Let’s learn about where this festival comes from, why it’s important, and the fun customs people enjoy during this time.
A long time ago, there was a scary creature named Nian. Nian would come to villages during the darkest nights of the year, especially when there was a new moon. The villagers were very scared of Nian because he had sharp teeth and claws.
But one day, a wise man found out that Nian was afraid of three things: loud noises, fire, and the color red. So, the villagers decided to make lots of noise by banging drums, set off firecrackers, and wear red clothes. When Nian saw and heard all this, he got scared and ran away, never to return. This victory over Nian marked the start of Chinese New Year, showing how good can win over evil.
Another fun part of Chinese New Year is the Chinese zodiac, which has 12 animals. According to a legend, the Jade Emperor held a race for the animals. The first twelve to reach his palace would have a year named after them. The animals are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
The clever Rat won the race by getting a ride on the kind Ox’s back across a river. This story teaches us that being smart and using strategy can help us achieve our goals. Each animal is thought to influence the personality of people born in that year. It’s fun to find out which animal represents your birth year!
Chinese New Year celebrations last for 15 days, making it one of the longest holidays in the world. Before the New Year starts, people clean their homes to get rid of bad luck and welcome good fortune. On New Year’s Day, it’s considered bad luck to sweep because it might sweep away good luck.
New Year’s Eve: Families come together for a big feast with yummy dishes like dumplings and New Year cake. At midnight, fireworks light up the sky to welcome the new year.
Day 1: This day is for spending time with family, shopping, and relaxing.
Day 2: Families visit their relatives and enjoy meals together. Kids receive red envelopes with money, which is a sign of good luck.
Day 3: A day to relax after all the fun.
Day 4: Families light candles and incense to welcome good spirits.
Day 5: This day celebrates the God of Wealth with more feasting and fun.
Day 6: People visit temples and relatives.
Day 7: Known as the birthday of mankind, it’s believed that humans were created on this day.
Day 8: Celebrated as the birthday of millet, an important crop in China.
Day 9: The birthday of the Jade Emperor, the God of Heaven, is celebrated with big ceremonies.
Days 10-13: These days are filled with more feasting and family gatherings.
Day 14: People start getting ready for the Lantern Festival.
Day 15: The Lantern Festival marks the end of the New Year celebrations. People walk around with bright red lanterns, creating a joyful atmosphere.
Chinese New Year is a time for happiness, family gatherings, and cultural traditions. The stories and customs of this festival not only celebrate the new year but also teach us about unity, cleverness, and family respect. As you learn about Chinese New Year, find out which zodiac animal represents your birth year and think about how these stories can inspire you. Happy New Year!
Create Your Own Nian: Using clay or playdough, create your own version of the creature Nian. Think about what makes Nian scary and how you can use colors and shapes to show that. Once you’ve made your Nian, share with your family how the villagers scared him away using loud noises, fire, and the color red. You can even try making some noise or using red paper to see if your Nian gets scared!
Zodiac Animal Hunt: Find out which Chinese zodiac animal represents your birth year. Then, go on a hunt around your house or neighborhood to find objects or pictures that remind you of your zodiac animal. For example, if you are a Dragon, look for things that are dragon-shaped or have dragon designs. Share your findings with your family and explain why each item reminds you of your zodiac animal.
Family Celebration Plan: Imagine you are planning a Chinese New Year celebration for your family. Think about the different traditions you learned about, like cleaning the house, having a big feast, or lighting lanterns. Create a simple plan or draw a picture of how you would celebrate each day. Share your plan with your family and see if you can try out some of these traditions together!
