Here are a few fun facts about Chinese New Year for kids:
Chinese New Year is the most important traditional holiday in China, so there are so many fascinating Chinese New Year facts for kids to learn about. It is celebrated at the turn of the Chinese calendar, which is based on the lunar calendar. This festival is also celebrated in many other countries in Asia, where it is known as Lunar New Year. The date of the holiday varies each year, but it usually falls between January 21st and February 20th. In 2023, which is the year of the Rabbit, it falls on Sunday 22nd January.
1. Chinese New Year Length
Chinese New Year is a 15-day long celebration. The celebration starts on Chinese New Year’s Eve and ends on the Lantern Festival, which is the 15th day of the new year. Each day of the celebration has its own customs and traditions, and people often participate in different activities such as visiting family and friends, giving red envelopes and eating special foods.
2. Zodiac
The Chinese zodiac has 12 animals, and each year is named after one of the animals. These animals are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. Each animal is associated with certain characteristics and is believed to influence the personality and destiny of people born in that year. The year 2023 is the year of the Rabbit.
3. Lucky Colour
Red is considered to be a lucky colour in Chinese culture, so many people decorate their homes with red lanterns and banners. Red is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.
4. Red Envelopes
People also give red envelopes filled with money to children as a New Year’s gift. The money inside is usually new and crisp, and it is considered a symbol of good luck and wealth for the coming year.
5. Dragon & Lion Dance
Dragon and lion dances are performed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits. The dances are usually performed by teams of trained dancers and are accompanied by drums, gongs and cymbals. The dragon represents power and good luck, while the lion represents courage and strength.
6. Time of Reunion
Chinese New Year is a time of reunion. Many people travel long distances to be with their families for the New Year’s Eve dinner, the most important meal of the year, and the first day of the New Year. It is a time for families to come together, catch up with each other, and celebrate the new year together.
7. Sweeping the New Year
It’s a tradition to clean the house before New Year’s Day to sweep away bad luck and make room for good luck in the new year. This is called “sweeping the New Year out” and it is a way to prepare for the new year and start fresh.
8. Fireworks
Fireworks are also a major part of Chinese New Year celebration. Fireworks are believed to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck. They are usually set off at midnight on New Year’s Eve, and they continue to be set off throughout the first day of the new year.
9. Spring Festival
Chinese New Year is also known as the Spring Festival because it marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The Chinese calendar is based on the lunar calendar, which is why the date of the holiday varies each year. It is also why it’s celebrated around the same time as the start of spring, which is a time of new beginnings and renewal. To celebrate this, people traditionally wear new clothes, eat dumplings and rice cakes, and decorate their homes with bright colours and symbols of good luck to welcome in the new year.
10. Big Feast
The Chinese New Year’s Eve is the most important part of the New Year’s celebration. It is a time for families to gather together and have a big feast, usually with traditional foods such as dumplings, fish and rice cakes. This is often considered the most important meal of the year, and it is a time for family members to catch up with each other and wish each other good luck for the coming year.
These are some of the most fascinating Chinese New Year facts for kids, which is such an interesting festival to learn about. Why not extend your learning by checking out our Chinese New Year crafts for kids blog.
This website has detailed information about Chinese New Year, including customs, traditions and other facts that you can use to learn more about this celebration.
