Chinese New Year

Sharing Another Family Tradition

Did you know that on Friday, many people will celebrate Chinese New Year?

Michael's mom, Diana, joined us today to tell us a little more about this special holiday that Michael and his family celebrate together. 

Diana told us that Chinese New Year is based on the cycles of the moon (Lunar New Year).

On the Chinese calendar, each year is represented by a symbol. The symbols are animals! Currently, it is the year of the rat. On Friday, the new year will be the year of the cow/ox. 

Diana also shared with the children that they too have their own Chinese zodiac symbol based on the year they were born. If they were born in 2017, like Michael, they are the year of the rooster! If they were born in 2018, they are the year of the dog. 

What do Michael and his family do to celebrate the New Year?

2021 - Year of the Ox / cow

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​Diana told us that families who celebrate like to clean their homes to start the new year.
They also wear RED because red is a lucky color!


Michael wore red to school today and we noticed other friends wearing red too!

She then went on to share that on Chinese New Year's Eve, their family will have dinner together and eat special foods that bring them good luck, long life, and happiness. 

​Oranges look similar to the shape of a round gold coin and represent wealth! 

Long noodles represent a long life. 

Fish represents abundance and prosperity. 

Dumplings are bent like an old Chinese coin and also bring wealth! 
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Michael shared red envelopes with everyone today. Inside is a Chinese coin! Check your child's cubby bag to find theirs.

​Another tradition is receiving red envelopes! 
Envelopes are given to children and single adults by "elders" or married couples.
There is usually money inside of the envelopes!

Cape asked Ms. Diana, "Who are the elders?"

She told us, "elders are the older people or grown ups like grandma and grandpas. They are more mature and wiser!"

​Michael also brought everyone beautiful Chinese fans made out of sandalwood. You can also find your children's fans with their envelopes in their cubby bags.

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Diana even taught us how to say "Happy New Year" in Chinese!
Xīnnián kuàilè
(pronounced shin nee-an kwai le)

To finish the tradition sharing, Diana read us a book called, "Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas"
​by Natasha Yim. 

Michael was kind enough to bring in two additional stories to share with all of us that we were able to read together at snack time today!

Children were fascinated by both Lion and Dragon dancing as part of the new year celebration!

We watched the following video together of a beautiful Lion Dance

Children enjoyed using their fans to play along to the beat of the music. 

​After we said goodbye to Ms. Diana, we offered an additional new year themed activity to anyone interested in -
making Chinese lanterns!
This was such a fun opportunity to practice a lot of patience and cutting skills.

Try making your own lanterns at home. The ability to cut a straight line is not necessary!

​Look at our beautiful lanterns now hanging up in our classroom! 

Thank you, Diana and Michael, for teaching us so much about this exciting holiday and your family traditions.