Chinese New Year arrives early this year. Due to the lunar calendar it is set to coincide with the second new moon after the winter solstice ~ that means this year it starts on January 23rd! Time to begin preparations for this most important holiday in the Chinese calendar as well as the most joyous. Chinese New Year serves as a celebration of life’s renewal, heralding the coming springtime as a time of reunion for family and friends.
2012 is The Year of the Dragon. Occupying the 5th position in the lineup of Animals of the Chinese Zodiac, the Dragon is the mightiest of the signs … a symbol of power and strength as well as good luck!
Open EDSITEment Lesson Lions, Dragons, and Nian: Animals of the Chinese New Year to prepare your class for this spirited celebration.
In the first activity students learn the major differences between Eastern and Western dragons and discover why Eastern dragons are associated with Chinese New Year. They will hear a story about how the dragons came to rule major rivers of China.
In the second activity, students learn about the Chinese New Year Dragon Parade and discover why firecrackers are used to drive off evil spirits, especially one called the Nian.
In the third activity students see images of parading dragons, including sound-enhanced video and read poems about the New Year.
In the fourth activity students discover that the Chinese lion has imaginary characteristics similar to the dragon. They view images of the lion to see what they look like and learn why they are considered protective guardians. Then, they make their own lion masks.
Turn to EDSITEment lesson Animals of the Chinese Zodiac to guide students through this introduction to learn:
- How does the Chinese calendar work?
- What are the 12 animals of the zodiac and how were they chosen? What traits are associated with them? How are the animals used as symbols?
- What is your animal sign, and what traits does it represent?
EDSITEment-reviewed site Asia for Educators provides teachers with Elementary-level Resources into Chinese Culture and additional background into The Lunar New Year: Rituals and Legends.
On behalf of EDSITEment, this is Shelley wishing you a "Happy New Year" ~ in Chinese "Xin Nian Kuai Le"
