The Chinese New Year Longest, most important celebration in the Chinese calendar. The Chinese New Year is based on the lunar calendar, which means the new moon signaled it was time to sowing or planting their fields for crops. The Chinese New Year always begins in late January or early February. This year it is on February 16th Each year is named after one of twelve different animals. This will be the year of the DOG. Naming each year after an animal started because legend said that Buddha called all the animals to come to him before he departed earth. Only twelve came to bid him farewell. As a reward, he named a year after each one, in the order that they arrived. The Chinese believe the animal ruling the year in which a person is born, has a definite influence on their personality. What animal ruled the year you were born? ROOSTERS were born in 2005, people born in 2006 are DOGS, and if you were born in 2007, you are ruled by the PIG.

The Origin of the Chinese New Year Festivals Each year there are many festivals in China to celebrate the coming of the new year. The origin of the new year festival can be traced back thousands years, involving a series of colorful legends and traditions. One of the most famous legends is of Nian, an extremely cruel and ferocious beast that the ancient Chinese believed would devour people on the eve of the new year.

To keep Nian away, red-paper couplets, or poems were pasted on doors, torches were lit, and firecrackers were set off through the night. This was done because Nain was said to fear the color red, the light of fire, and loud noises. Early the next morning, the Chinese would celebrate the feelings of triumph, for successfully keeping Nain away for another year.

New Year’s Eve Dinner The tradition of eating fish on the night before the new year started hundreds of years ago. The Chinese believed eating fish the night before the new year would bring a surplus of money and wealth to your family during the coming year. Fish are considered very lucky creatures. This is because the word‘fish’ in Chinese also sounds like the word that means‘surplus’ or ‘something left over’ in Chinese.

The Tradition of Giving Red Envelopes An extremely important tradition of the New Year then, and still today, is the giving of gifts of money, usually presented in red envelopes. The main task of the envelopes was to hold the money, but their second duty was to shower the recipient with good luck, fortune, and joy because the color red symbolizes happiness. For this reason, the color red is strictly forbidden at funerals.

Traditions Behind the Giving of Red Envelopes The envelopes are usually handed out to the younger generation by their parents, grandparents and close relatives. When giving or receiving an envelope, it is important to hold on to the envelope with both hands. The money inside should always be crisp and new. Old or wrinkled money can bring bad luck. Money should be given in even, never odd, increments. Although the amount of money given should be an even increment, however it should never be in an amount with a four (4, 40, 400 etc.), as four is a homonym with death.

The Chinese New Year falls on February 16 this year, but since they follow a Lunar Calendar system, the date of the Chinese New Year is different every year. Most people in this country celebrated the beginning of 2018 on Jan 1, but on the lunar calendar, it will be year 4716, the Year of the Dog. The Dog’s most defining characteristic is their loyalty. They will never abandon their friends, family or work. Honest and just, they are popular in social circles. Everyone needs a Dog friend for advice and help. They are also good at helping others find and fix their bad habits. Despite how they act, they are worried and anxious inside. However, they will not let this stop them. Once they decide on something, no one can persuade them against it.

Now You are Going to Make Your Own Red Envelopes Your Envelope Requirements 15 pts possible You will cut and glue your envelope according to the instructions and recycle your paper scraps. (1 point) Next, you will write your full name and period on the back of your envelope. (2 points) Next, you will chose five (5) facts you learned today about the Chinese New Year and write them on the back of your envelope. They must be written in complete sentences and spelling and grammar will count. (5 points) Design the front of your envelope. Draw your design lightly in pencil. Once you are satisfied with your design, you will outline and decorate it. (5 points) Using a red pencil, lightly shade around the design the front of your envelope. (2 points) We will clean up as a class five minutes prior to the bell.