CHINA

Fast Facts Official Name: People´s Republic of China Capital: Beijing Biggest City: Shanghai First Made in China: Paper, fireworks, kites, yo-yos, the abacus, playing cards.

Money The official currency of China is the yuan. 1 yuan is worth about 15 cents in U.S. dollars. Or $1.00 is about 7 yuan.

Chinese Calligraphy (written Chinese) Fu - the Chinese word for 'luck‘ Spring Fortune, Prosperity, Longevity, Happiness fu lu shou xi

Chinese New Year The Lunar New Year, also called the Spring Festival, is the most important holiday for the Chinese. New Year's Day usually falls on the day of the second new moon after the winter solstice (first day of winter). The New Year is celebrated with firecrackers, dragon dances and visits to friends and family. It lasts for 15 days and ends with the Lantern Festival.

This diagram illustrates the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. The animals of the zodiac are placed in line with their respective years. (Note: The Chinese New Year begins on February 4 or 5.) By matching the year of someone's birth with the appropriate animal or sign, one can determine his or her personality traits. Click on an animal to view the characteristics assigned to those born under its sign.

Year of the Rabbit The Chinese zodiac is based on a 12-year cycle with each year represented by an animal. February 03, 2011 marks the start of the Year of the Rabbit. Links to the New Year

Customs The entire house should be cleaned before New Year's Day. Sweeping or dusting should not be done on New Year's Day for fear that good fortune will be swept away. Shooting off firecrackers on New Year's Eve is the Chinese way of sending out the old year and welcoming in the New Year. On the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, every door in the house, and even windows, have to be open to allow the old year to go out. Red clothing is preferred on New Year’s Day. Red is considered a bright, happy color, sure to bring the wearer a sunny and bright future.

History The story goes that once upon a time a monk had a dream in which there were many sorrows and evils plaguing the land. The monk prayed and asked the gods how he could prevent these evils from occurring. The gods told him that a lion would protect them and fight back the evils. The Chinese people had never see a lion before, but had heard stories that the lion was the king of all the other animals, so the monk combined all the lucky or magical animals he could think of and so made a lion.

Click to see a video clip of a Lion Dance from the world lion dance championship held in Genting, Malaysia. The traditional Lion Dance is performed with two people in a lion’s costume. It is accompanied by drums, gongs and cymbals.

History Dragons were described visually as a composite of parts from nine animals: The horns of a deer; the head of a camel; the eyes of a rabbit or devil; the neck of a snake; the abdomen of a large cockle; the scales of a carp; the claws of an eagle; the paws of a tiger; and the ears of an ox. The breath of the Dragon changes into either rain or fire. The Dragon is one of a kind animal created in the form of clouds and the sound of thunder.

In a Dragon Dance, a team of people carry the dragon on poles. Click to see a short dragon dance.

Gung Hay Fat Choy, Gung Hay Fat Choy Sing Happy New Year, Gung Hay Fat Choy The new moon tells us, exactly when To celebrate with family and friends Clean up the house and get out the broom Sweep out the old year, bring in the new Bring out the apples, the oranges too Their colors bring us joy and good luck too The dragon dances, the lanterns light The firecrackers light up the night Gung Hay Fat Choy – Chinese New Year Song

Bibliography Information and images from the following websites were used in the creation of this powerpoint presentation: Scholastic lesson plan and resources: Images and music from: Image of tiger: China the beautiful: Lion and dragon dancer images: Lion dance information: Lion dance: Dragon dance: Activity Village Chinese New Year links: Map: Chinese money: Chinese New Year: Wallpaper: This powerpoint presentation was created by: Sally Horowitz, Librarian Northside Elementary School Midway, KY Updated: 2/15/10