Learn More About Chinese New Year
- Learning Resources Posted On Jan 16, 2023 | National Holidays
In countries like the UK, Europe and the USA, people celebrate the start of each New Year on the first day of January. However, not all cultures observe New Year at the same time. Learn about how and when the people of China celebrate New Year with these fun Chinese New Year facts for kids.
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Chinese New Year Facts for Kids
Not only do the people of China around the world celebrate the start of their New Year a few weeks later than the UK, but the exact date varies from year to year. This is because the Chinese New Year is determined the lunar calendar. In the lunar calendar, the month begins with the new moon. As a result, Chinese New Year begins on different dates each year.
When is Chinese New Year in 2023?
In 2023, Chinese New Year will begin on Sunday, 22 January 2023. That's earlier than in 2022 when Chinese New Year began on 1 February.
Chinese New Year is also known as Lunar New Year and Spring Festival and is a time of celebrating special traditions, eating delicious food, and spending time with family and friends. In fact, being with family is so important that millions of people make their way home each year in what is known as the world’s biggest migration.
What animal year is 2023?
Each year in the Chinese calendar is related to an animal. The year 2021 was the Year of the Ox, and 2022 was the Year of the Tiger. In 2023, it's the Year of the Rabbit. Follow this link to find out what your Chinese zodiac animal is. Or continue reading to learn about the special foods and traditions enjoyed during this time of year.
What do you eat during Chinese New Year?
Food is an important part of Chinese New Year celebrations. Dishes like spring rolls, noodles and dumplings are delicious to eat any time of year. But, did you know that they’re served during Chinese New Year because they have specific meanings and are thought to bring good fortune?
- Spring rolls: Yummy, crunchy Chinese spring rolls are eaten during the Spring Festival because they look like gold bars, and as a result people think they symbolise wealth.
- Fish: People eat fish during Chinese New Year because the Chinese word for ‘fish’ is a homophone for the word for ‘surplus’. A homophone is a word that sounds like another but has a different spelling or meaning. People like to have a surplus at the end of a year because it is believed that if you have managed to save something this year, you can make more in the next year.
- Dumplings: Eaten because they are scrumptious and lucky. It is thought that the more dumplings you eat during New Year, the more money you’ll make!
- Rice cakes: A special kind of rice cake called ‘nian gao’ is a must on any table. The name ‘nian gao’ sounds like the Chinese for ‘year high’. It is believed that eating these special rice cakes means you’ll start the year on a high note. They’re made from sticky rice flour, wheat, water, salt and sugar and can be eaten sweet or savoury.
- Long noodles: Served during Chinese New Year because they represent a long life. You shouldn’t cut ‘longevity noodles’, as they’re known because the longer the noodles, the longer your life! This means you need to get ready to slurp because if you can eat them without biting them into pieces, even better!
What special traditions are observed?
There are many traditions observed during this time to bring good fortune for the year ahead and avoid bad fortune. Did you know that you shouldn’t clean during the Chinese New Year festival? It is thought you may sweep or throw away good luck!
- It's time for new clothes: The Chinese New Year holds many special traditions to begin the year on the right note. Every member of the family starts off the first day wearing new clothes from head to toe. Red is a lucky colour in China because it represents happiness, success and good fortune, and it’s a good idea to wear something red.
- Give gifts of money: Grown-ups give what is known as ‘lucky money’ or ‘New Year’s money’ in red envelopes (also known as red packets) to children to pass on good fortune and blessings. Children also give red envelopes to their elders as a show of gratitude and a wish for longevity. When giving lucky money it’s important that the notes are new and crisp.
- Lucky number 8: Eight is regarded as the luckiest number in Chinese culture. #when giving money in red envelopes, it’s important to know which numbers are considered lucky and unlucky. You don’t want to give anyone anything related to the number four as is considered extremely unlucky!
- Make your own lucky red envelope. Head over to this New Years eve traditions post by Red Ted Art for a fun Chinese New Year craft activity.
It's time for fireworks!
New Year is always celebrated with setting off fireworks and firecrackers. They were used to scare away evil spirits and mark the start of the New Year. In fact, their red paper wrappings are left outside for at least a day before being tidied up because red is considered such a lucky colour.
Learn more about Chinese New Year with these hands-on Chinese New Year arts & crafts activities that we’ve pulled together. Specifically designed for the celebrations, these colourful activities will encourage children at home and school, to celebrate the Chinese New Year in creative and imaginative ways.
DIY Spring Wreath for Preschoolers with Free Printable
DIY spring wreath for preschoolers with free printable that’s also perfect for Mother’s Day and Easter crafts! Enjoy lots of spring-themed creative fun as you cut, colour, stick and make a pretty seasonal flower wreath with this free craft from Red Ted Art with a 7-page printable.
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DIY Sensory Tube Ideas for Kids
Make your own DIY sensory tube for kids, using our Primary Science® Sensory Tubes, and fill them with counters, colours, and more. They’re a fun way to keep little hands busy and learning throughout the year.
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Chinese New Year Crafts for Kids
Embrace Chinese New Year by creating your very own "red packet". Learn how here!
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