How to explain Chinese New Year to your students?

Chinese New Year is a very important festival for Chinese people. It is also called the Spring Festival or the Lunar New Year. It is based on the lunar calendar, which means it changes every year. This year is the year of the dragon. Chinese New Year 2024 falls on Saturday, February 10th, 2024.

As a teacher, you may want to introduce this cultural event to your students and help them learn more about the history, customs and significance of Chinese New Year. Here are some tips on how to explain Chinese New Year to your students:

• Start with the basics. Explain that Chinese New Year is based on the lunar calendar, which follows the phases of the moon. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which has a fixed date for each month, the lunar calendar has a variable date for each month. This means that Chinese New Year can fall on different dates each year, usually between late January and mid-February.
• Introduce the zodiac animals. Chinese New Year is associated with 12 zodiac animals, each representing a year in a 12-year cycle. The zodiac animals are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. Each animal has its own personality traits and characteristics, and people born in a certain year are said to share some of these qualities. You can ask your students to find out their own zodiac animal and compare it with their classmates.
• Explain the traditions and customs. Chinese New Year is a time for family reunion, celebration and gratitude. Some of the common activities and practices include cleaning the house, decorating with red lanterns and couplets, exchanging red envelopes with money, preparing and eating special foods, setting off fireworks and firecrackers, watching lion and dragon dances, and visiting relatives and friends. You can show your students some pictures or videos of these activities and ask them to share their own traditions and customs for celebrating new year.
• Discuss the values and meanings. Chinese New Year is not only a festive occasion, but also a cultural expression of values and meanings. Some of the themes and messages that Chinese New Year conveys are hope, prosperity, happiness, harmony, luck and renewal. You can ask your students to reflect on what these words mean to them and how they can apply them to their own lives.

Which Chinese Zodiac Are You? 

What your sign’s personality is like according to the Chinese zodiac? These astrology posts are just for fun. There’s no scientific guarantee that any predictions of the Chinese zodiac will or will not come true.

Rat – People born in the Year of the Rat are quite charismatic. They are clever and charming. They’re curious, but are sometimes too motivated by money.

Ox – People born in the Year of the Ox are direct and know what they want. Those born under this sign are persistent and straightforward. They have strong faith and can be seen as stubborn in their old ways.

Tiger – Anyone born under the Year of the Tiger is thought to be courageous. Tiger people are thought to be brave and independent. They’re respected for their deep thoughts and courageous actions, but sometimes show off when accomplishing something.

Rabbit – People born in the Year of the Rabbit are genuine and like everyone to get along. They’re sincere and avoid conflict. Though they’re sensitive, they also hesitate, which makes them lose out on chances.

Dragon – People born under the Year of the Dragon are spirited and considered lucky. The dragon is a powerful sign, considered to be quite auspicious. People born under this year are energetic and excitable. They hate hypocrisy and gossip and can sometimes be a bit arrogant and impatient.

Snake – People born in the Year of the Snake are creative. Snakes are a symbol of wisdom and wit, often seen as humorous and gifted in literature and art. However, the Snake can be overly suspicious, which makes them a bit paranoid.

Horse – Anyone born in the Year of the Horse is considered pretty laid-back and benevolent. They are seen as warm-hearted and easygoing. Independence is one of their greatest strengths, but sometimes they’re overly frank with others.

Goat – People born in the Year of the Goat are considered artsy. The goat enjoys being alone with their thoughts. They’re creative thinkers and appreciate the arts. Though they’re economic and cautious, they can also be indecisive.

Monkey – Anyone born in the Year of the Monkey is thought to be humorous and optimistic. The monkey love to make people laugh. They’re generally energetic and upbeat, but sometimes lack self-control.

Rooster – People born in the Year of the Rooster are very ethical. Rooster people are honest, observant, and diligent. They seldom rely on other people in daily life, which can make them impatient when dealing with others.

Dog – Just like the animal the year is based on, anyone born in the Year of the Dog is thought to be extremely loyal. They are fiercely loyal and can always keep a secret. They’re not afraid of the hardships in life, but they also tend to worry too much sometimes.

Pig – People born in the Year of the Pig are forgiving and genial. People with this sign are nice and good-mannered. They’re always forgiving of other people’s mistakes, which at times can translate to naiveté and gullibility.