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.

Year of the Rabbit The Chinese zodiac is based on a 12-year cycle with each year represented by an animal. February 3, 2011 marks the start of the Year of the Rabbit.

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.

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.

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