Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival - is the biggest holiday celebrated in China. It's history goes back thousands of years, dating back to the Shang Dynasty. Chinese New Year is a happy holiday that focuses on new beginnings, family and the hope of good fortune. A fun part of the Chinese New Year holiday celebration is watching the Chinese Lion Dances and Dragon Dance. Additionally children enjoy all kinds of fun games, including a game of shuttlecock called Jianzi, which can be played by any number of people. Festive occasions provide families with enjoyable opportunities to explore diverse cultures, engage children in enriching activities like reading, storytelling, crafting, and savoring traditional foods.
Teach your kids all about Chinese New Year:
If you or your kids are not already familiar Ni Hao, Kai-Lan is a really cute animated show geared to toddlers through young school age children. The stories follows the adventures of Kai-Lan, a six year old girl and her interactions with her grandfather 'YeYe' and animal friends. She talks about the Chinese culture and traditions along with using Chinese Mandarin words throughout the show. I loved watching this show with my boys, learn more. In addition there are also Kai-Lan books for your kids to enjoy. Please Note: This is an older show so you may need to search YouTube, streaming services or find DVDs, you might be able to find them at a local library or thrift type store.
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Just for Kids:
Lunar New Year
Although Chinese New Year is celebrated by Chinese people around the world, you should know that many other countries all over Asia celebrate a "Lunar New Year" holiday. While the celebrations have a lot of similarities, each country / culture's holiday has it's own name, customs, special foods and even dates. With different countries having their own calendars their "New Year" doesn't always start on the same date as Chinese New Year, but sometimes they do, also most celebrations are shorter than the 15 days of Chinese New Year.
Learn more about how Lunar New Year is celebrated around the world.
For family-fun Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year celebrations in Oak Park, Agoura Hills, Malibu, Calabasas, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village and nearby in Ventura and Los Angeles counties be sure to look at the Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas event and activity calendar.
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Here are 5 fun elements to celebrate Spring Festival:
1. The Chinese Zodiac:
- Learn about the Chinese zodiac and the animals it represents. Each year corresponds to a different animal in the 12-year cycle. Additionally, each animal is associated with one of four elements—wood, fire, earth, and metal. New year predictions are based on the unique combination of the animal and its element, reflecting their distinct characteristics.
2. Start your day with dumplings:
- Dumplings, symbolizing good luck and harmony, are a must-try during the Spring Festival. While some celebrate by enjoying dumplings at every meal, having them once is perfectly fine!
3. Fireworks!
- Fun fact: The Lunar New Year boasts the highest number of firecrackers set off globally. While fireworks might be restricted in certain areas including our own, you can still attend public displays to revel in the festive atmosphere.
4. Give money:
- Red envelopes, a symbol of good luck, play a significant role during the Lunar New Year. Parents, grandparents, bosses, friends, and even businesses exchange these envelopes, often containing money or symbolic items to wish prosperity.
5. Red is a 'Lucky' color:
- Legend has it that a terrible monster Nian feared firecrackers, the color red, and bright light. Hence, red is considered lucky to ward off bad luck during the new year. Red lanterns, combining red and light, are particularly popular for this reason.
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Chinese Paper Lantern Craft
You kids will enjoy this fun paper craft making their own red lanterns to celebrate the Chinese New Year!
Supplies:
- red paper - one for each lantern
- Scissors
- Glue or tape
- A pipe cleaner or some string
Directions:
- Fold the red paper about 1/3 of the way horizontally.
- Cut slits along the fold, being careful to not cut all the way to the edge of the paper.
- Unfold the paper and glue the two short ends together.
- Make a handle with pipe cleaner and attach to the top.
- Make it glow by placing a "flameless" votive inside - you can get them at a dollar type store.
This previously posted article was updated by Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas
