Chinese new year 2018 for kids

Happy Chinese New Year!

Here are some fun facts and activities for kids to learn about Chinese New Year 2018:

What is Chinese New Year? Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday that marks the beginning of the new year on the Chinese calendar. It's a time for families to come together, exchange gifts, and celebrate with food, decorations, and festivities.

When is Chinese New Year 2018? Chinese New Year 2018 falls on February 16th, 2018.

What is the significance of Chinese New Year? Chinese New Year is a time to:

• Welcome the arrival of spring and new beginnings
• Honor ancestors and elders
• Celebrate good fortune, prosperity, and happiness
• Spend time with family and friends

Fun Facts about Chinese New Year:

1. The Year of the Dog: 2018 is the Year of the Dog, which is the 11th animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle. People born in the Year of the Dog are known for their loyalty, honesty, and hard work.
2. Red is a lucky color: Red is a symbol of good luck and prosperity in Chinese culture. You'll see many red decorations, clothes, and gifts during Chinese New Year.
3. Lion and Dragon Dances: These traditional dances are performed to bring good luck and chase away evil spirits.
4. Food plays a big role: Traditional Chinese New Year foods include dumplings, fish, niangao (sticky rice cake), and sweet treats like sesame balls and rice cakes.
5. Gift-giving: It's customary to give red envelopes filled with money to children and seniors as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.

Activities for Kids:

1. Make a Chinese New Year craft: Create a paper lantern, dragon, or lion mask to decorate your home.
2. Learn Chinese New Year songs and dances: Watch videos or practice traditional dances like the Lion Dance or Dragon Dance.
3. Cook Chinese New Year treats: Help your parents make traditional snacks like sesame balls or rice cakes.
4. Play Chinese New Year games: Try games like Mahjong, Chinese chess, or card games with your family and friends.
5. Watch Chinese New Year parades and performances: Many cities and towns host Chinese New Year parades and performances, featuring traditional music, dance, and costumes.

Chinese New Year Traditions:

1. Clean the house: Clean your home to sweep away bad luck and make room for good fortune.
2. Wear new clothes: Wear new clothes to symbolize a fresh start.
3. Give and receive red envelopes: Exchange red envelopes filled with money as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
4. Eat traditional foods: Enjoy traditional Chinese New Year foods, such as dumplings and niangao.
5. Visit family and friends: Spend time with loved ones and wish them good luck and prosperity.

Chinese New Year Vocabulary:

• Gong Xi Fa Cai () - "Happy New Year" in Mandarin Chinese
• Xin Nian Kuai Le () - "Happy New Year" in Cantonese Chinese
• Nián Nián Yuán () - "Every year, you will have a surplus" (a common Chinese New Year greeting)

I hope you and your family have a wonderful Chinese New Year celebration!