The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year, is a colorful and exciting celebration that marks the start of a new year on the lunar calendar. Unlike the New Year we celebrate on January 1st, the Lunar New Year is based on the moon’s phases and usually happens between January 21st and February 20th. Let’s learn about the traditions and fun activities that make this holiday special!
The Lunar New Year is based on the lunar calendar, which follows the moon’s phases. In Chinese culture, there is a cycle of 60 years, and every 12 years is represented by a different animal from the Chinese zodiac. Here are the twelve animals:
For example, 2019 was the Year of the Pig. People believe that each animal gives special traits to those born in its year.
While it’s often called the Chinese New Year, the Lunar New Year is celebrated in many countries like Korea, Vietnam, Laos, and Singapore. It’s a big holiday in these places, showing how important it is to many people.
The Lunar New Year celebrations last for 15 days, making it the longest holiday in many cultures. Families often take time off work, and kids might get a month off school to join in the fun. This long celebration allows for many different traditions and activities.
Before the Lunar New Year, families clean their homes thoroughly. This cleaning is meant to get rid of bad luck from the past year. On the first day of the New Year, sweeping is not allowed because people believe it might sweep away good luck too!
On the eve of the Lunar New Year, families come together for a big dinner with traditional foods like dumplings and a special New Year cake. After dinner, many families watch a popular TV show with performances for everyone. At midnight, fireworks light up the sky to scare away bad spirits and welcome the new year.
The first day is usually spent at home or shopping. It’s a time for families to relax and enjoy being together.
On the second day, families visit the wife’s parents, share meals, and exchange red envelopes filled with money, which symbolize good luck and prosperity.
Day three is another day for families to relax and spend time together.
On the fourth day, families light candles and incense to welcome good spirits into their homes.
The fifth day is celebrated with a feast to honor the God of Fortune, marking a day of wealth and happiness.
During these days, people follow different traditions like getting rid of old clothes to chase away poverty and celebrating the birthdays of various gods. Day seven is special because it’s considered the day humans were created.
The Lunar New Year ends with the Lantern Festival. Families walk through towns with glowing red lanterns. Some lanterns have riddles, and solving them can win you prizes. This festival is a time for community fun and marks the end of the New Year celebrations.
The Lunar New Year is a wonderful mix of traditions, family gatherings, and cultural importance. From the lively celebrations to the meaningful customs, it’s a time to think about the past year and look forward to the new one with hope. Whether it’s through giving red envelopes or enjoying delicious foods, the Lunar New Year shows the values and beliefs of those who celebrate it. Happy Lunar New Year!
Create Your Own Zodiac Animal: Using craft materials like paper, markers, and glue, create your own zodiac animal. Think about what special traits your animal might have and why it would be important in the Lunar New Year. Share your creation with your family and explain why you chose that animal and its traits.
Lunar Calendar Observation: Keep a moon journal for one month. Each night, observe the moon and draw what it looks like. Notice how it changes shape over time. Discuss with your family how these changes relate to the Lunar New Year and why the moon is important in different cultures.
Family Traditions Interview: Ask your family members about any special traditions they have for celebrating the New Year or other holidays. Write down their stories and compare them to the Lunar New Year traditions. What are some similarities and differences? Share your findings with your class or friends.
