What is the story of Chinese New Year?
The origins of the Chinese New Year are steeped in legend. One legend is that thousands of years ago a monster named Nian (“Year”) would attack villagers at the beginning of each new year. The monster was afraid of loud noises, bright lights, and the colour red, so those things were used to chase the beast away.
What happens on Chinese New Year for Kids?
Kids receive red envelopes as gifts. Children get these red envelopes from their parents, older relatives, and married family members. These red envelopes called hong bao in mandarin symbolize prosperity and happiness. People give red envelopes to show their goodwill and give blessings for the new year.
What are 5 traditions of Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year Traditions. The main Chinese New Year activities include 1) putting up decorations, 2) offering sacrifices to ancestors, 3) eating reunion dinner with family on New Year’s Eve, 4) giving red envelopes and other gifts, 5) firecrackers and fireworks, and 6) watching lion and dragon dances.
Why did the Rat win the race?
At last, the ox and rat arrived first. The ox was happy thinking that he would be the first sign of the years, but the rat had already slid in front, and became the first lucky animal of the Chinese zodiac. That’s how did the rat win the race.
Why is it called Chinese New Year?
The name ‘Chinese New Year’ likely originated from Western countries wanting to differentiate what the Chinese celebrate as New Year with their own. And the Chinese, being the biggest, and most widespread, ethnic group in the world, tend to be overrepresented among Asians.
How do you explain Lunar New Year to preschoolers?
You can tell your kids: “’Lunar New Year’ is a more general term for the celebration of the new year that starts on the first new moon of the lunisolar calendar (that’s a calendar that’s measured by cycles of the moon and our rotation around the sun).
What are some fun facts about Chinese New Year?
Top 10 Facts About Chinese New Year!
- Chinese New Year falls on a different day each year.
- It is also known as ‘Spring Festival’.
- In China, each year is linked with a different animal.
- The celebrations last for 15 days.
- Guo Nian Hao means Happy New Year!
- Children receive red envelopes with money inside.
Do and don’ts of Chinese New Year?
Avoid lending and borrowing money. Don’t borrow money during Chinese New Year. Money should not be lent on New Year’s Day, and all debts have to be paid by New Year’s Eve, and, if someone owes you money, do not go to his or her home to demand it. Anyone who does so it is said will be unlucky all the year.
What is eaten on Chinese New Year?
Traditional Lunar New Year foods include longevity noodles, a whole steamed fish for abundance, sticky rice balls for togetherness, and more. Below you’ll find some of those lucky foods, along with other traditional dishes like dumplings and rice cakes.
Which animal came in first?
the Rat
Only 12 animals came to bid him farewell. As a reward he named a year after each other one in the order that they arrived. First came the Rat, then the Ox, the Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Thus we have 12 signs today.