1. CHINA

2. 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.

3. 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.

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

5. 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.

6. Year of the Ox
The Chinese zodiac is based on a 12-year cycle with each year represented by an animal. January 26, 2009 marks the start of the Year of the Ox.

7. 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.

10. Clean up the house and get out the broom
Gung Hay Fat Choy – Chinese New Year Song
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

12. 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 ox:
China the beautiful:
Lion and dragon dancer images:
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