I made one 1-pager which contains 8 (8 is a lucky number for Chinese) Lunar New Year key points on one side and a small stroke order tutorial for the tiger character in Chinese and a fun Word Search activity on the other side . This piece is great for sharing with kids and raising their interest and appreciation at a young age of East Asian cultures celebrating the Lunar New Year!
The information contained in my blog post below is longer and cannot be jammed into a 1-page document about the Lunar New Year. Thanks for reading and sharing!
The largest human migration in the world
Did you know that 3 billion trips are made every year (including return trips) to visit relatives by plane, train and car to celebrate the Chinese New Year? Referred to as chunyun (春运), this is the travel period up to 15 days before China’s week-long Spring Festival celebration (or chunjie (春) and up to 40 days. This is up to 40 days in part due to a lack of options in transportation available for millions to make each one-way journey in the same time frame. after chunjie. This year, chunjie starts on February 9 (New Year’s Eve) and ends on February 25. In modern China, most of the elderly parents still live in the rural villages of their ancestors, while the younger generations work in the cities. Why do they call it the Spring Festival when it takes place during the winter? The Festival marks the end of the coldest days of winter, where people welcome the coming spring by planting, representing new beginnings and new beginnings.
YEAR OF THE DRAGON
Source: Utica College
The Dragon is the fifth sign of the Chinese Zodiac, the ultimate auspicious symbol that signifies success and happiness. In ancient China, the Dragon represented an emperor and power. For centuries, the Dragon has been considered one of the luckiest signs of the zodiac, possessing a mystical side, one that is intuitive, artistic and uniquely lucky. Regardless of the surprises that fate may prepare and any difficulties or difficulties encountered along the road, the Dragon will always get to his feet. Its mystical allure can, however, be a bit otherworldly, making the Dragon difficult to approach.
Dragons are patient and successful. Persistent, because they tend to devote themselves to a great goal or job, determined to see it through to the end. Successful, in that regardless of whether they choose an artistic, medical, political or business career, they will shine. In business, they are honest and forthright.
Although seemingly gentle and pleasant, Dragons can be just as ferocious as the mythical beast on which the sign is based. Intellectually, Dragons are smart, intelligent, and sharp people, but occasionally they will throw all logic to the wind and follow their hunches. Fortunately for them, they are strong in intuition and everything always works out well. Behaviorally, they can be hot-tempered, and quick-tempered—slurring words often before thinking. However, their opinions are worth listening to and their advice is well intended.
The Dragon is not the most domesticated of the Animal signs, preferring outdoor activities to staying at home. Dragons are extroverts who also have a deep love for nature.
Most and Incompatible Signs
Most Compatible Signs: Rat, Monkey, Rooster
Incompatible Signs: Cow, Rabbit, Dog, Sheep
Some famous people born in the year of the RABBIT
| Martin Luther King | Sigmund Freud | Florence Nightingale | Joan of Arc |
| Susan B. Anthony | Grace Kelly | Mae West | John Lennon |
| Bruce Lee | Shirley Temple | Wynonna Judd | Christopher Reeve |
| Keanu Reeves | fruit of Orlando | Colin Farrell | Sandra Bullock |
| Calista Flockhart | Courtney Cox | Courtney Love | Dinah Shore |
| Isabella Rossellini | Julia Ormond | Juliette Binoche | Reese Witherspoon |
My collection of red envelopes saved over the years
More than red Chinese New Year envelopes
Etiquette:
1. Gift crisp, new bills, as gifting dirty or wrinkled bills is not a good idea.
2. Accept a red envelope with both hands and express gratitude using an appropriate phrase. It is considered impolite to accept a red envelope with one hand and not express gratitude using the appropriate phrase.
3. Don’t gift coins.
4. Do not give amounts that start with the number 4, such as $4, $40 or $400. The Chinese number ‘4’ means ‘death’ and is therefore considered unlucky. Even numbers are better than odd numbers. The number ‘8’ is considered lucky, so gifts like $8, $80 or $88 are ideal.
5. Don’t open your red envelope in front of the person who gave it to you.
Taboos and Superstitions
Like almost every other culture around the world, there are many taboos and superstitions that have been adapted over the centuries, all with the goal of attracting good fortune in the New Year and protecting against bad luck.
Things to do:
- Talk about good, fun things to set the tone for the new year
- Pay off your debts before the new year begins
- Wear red because red is the luckiest color
Must not:
- Do not cut your hair during the New Year, as this will cause the connections to be broken
- Do not wear black or white, as both colors are associated with mourning
- Do not wash your hair or wash in 1St or 2n.d new year’s day, because that will wash away good fortune
- Don’t sweep at 1St or 2n.d new year’s day, because that will sweep away accumulated wealth/luck
- Do not cry or argue, as this will bring bad luck
