Hsin She Elementary School 2012.1 Chinese New Year Hsin She Elementary School 2012.1

Chinese New Year When is Chinese New Year Day? It begins on the first day of the first month in the traditional Chinese calendar and ends with Lantern Festival which is on the 15th day.

Chinese New Year Chinese New Year is the most important holiday for the Chinese people.

What’s the importance of Chinese New Year? It’s a time of reunion and thanksgiving for Chinese people. Every family member gets together to have the New Year's Eve dinner.

Chinese New Year Worldwide! Chinese New Year in areas with significant Chinese populations: such as China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and also in Chinatowns elsewhere Hong Kong fireworks show at Victoria Harbor to celebrate Chinese New Year

The Origin of Chinese New Year There are many legends and traditions about the origin of Chinese New Year The most famous legend is about: Nian, an extremely cruel and ferocious beast that the ancients believed would devour people on New Year’s Eve the Beast Nian in Chinese mythology

The Origin of Chinese New Year To keep Nian away, red couplets are pasted on doors, torches are lit and firecrackers are set off through the night, because Nian is said to fear the color red, the light of fire, and loud noises.

The Origin of Chinese New Year Early the next morning, feelings of triumph fill the air because villagers have successfully kept Nian away for another year.

What do we usually see during the Chinese New Year? ＊ Red Envelopes ＊ Spring Couplets ＊ Dragon & Lion Dance ＊ Scenes on Chinese New Year Day

Chinese Red Envelopes Red envelopes are presented at social and family gatherings such as on holidays like the Chinese New Year’s Eve The red color of the envelope is a symbol of good luck and is supposed to keep evil spirits away Chinese red envelopes

Spring Couplets Spring couplets are paper scrolls and squares with blessings and auspicious words such as “good fortune” and “prosperity’’. These words represent people’s desire for the arrival of Spring and the coming of prosperous times. paper scrolls paper square

The Dragon and The Lion Dance One of the activities during the Chinese New Year Festival is the dragon and lion dance. The gracious movements of the dancers provide an enjoyable scene for the audience. the Dragon Dance the Lion Dance

On The First Day of The Chinese New Year Everyone wears new clothes and visit friends, neighbors, and relatives to exchange good wishes. There is a ritual that shows people’s respect to the gods and their ancestors. A large numbers of people crowd into temples to pray for good luck. a ritual on the first day of the Chinese New Year believers in Chinese temple

Taboos and Superstitions Housecleaning: The entire house should be cleaned before New Year's Day. One should avoid sweeping the floor during the Chinese New Year because good luck and wealth may be swept out of the family.

Taboos and Superstitions All debts have to be paid by Chinese New Year’s Day. Everyone should avoid using bad language or unlucky words. People should not use knives or scissors on New Year's Day. Do not use bad language.

Chinese New Year Decorations Plants and Flowers: The plants and flowers symbolize rebirth and new growth. Oranges: Oranges are symbols for abundant happiness. Candy: Candy means to start the New Year sweetly.

Chinese New Year Decorations 1.Spring Couplet 2.Door God 3.New Year Picture 4.Paper-cuts (pictures 1~4 from left to right)

Entertainment Fireworks Firecrackers

Traditional New Year Foods Rice Cake is popular, children may rub honey on it. The family prepares fish on Chinese New Year’s Eve.

Traditional New Year Foods The family may prepare Chinese dumplings. It is common to hide a coin in one of the dumplings. Whoever gets the dumpling with the coin will supposedly have good luck in the coming year. Then roll out the dough into small, thin circles Combine ground meat, vegetables, and flavorings.

The Dinner on Chinese New Year’s Eve The biggest event on Chinese New Year’s Eve is the dinner every family will have. A dish consisting of fish will appear on the tables of Chinese families. This meal is comparable to Christmas dinner in the West.

Lantern Festival The Lantern Festival is to be held on the 15th day of the Chinese New Year. The kids carry lanterns to celebrate.

Come and experience the fever of our Chinese New Year! The Year of the Dragon Come and experience the fever of our Chinese New Year! Come and experience the fever of our Chinese New Year!

We wish You a Happy Chinese New Year!