Jolly Jive into Chinese New Year 2017 - Fun celebrations for Kids!

Chinese New Year is a vibrant and exciting holiday that is celebrated by millions of people around the world. In 2017, this auspicious festival falls on January 28th and marks the beginning of the Year of the Rooster. For kids, Chinese New Year is a particularly enchanting time filled with fascinating traditions and captivating customs. From the dazzling lion dances to the mouthwatering feasts, this festive occasion offers an abundance of joyful experiences that will surely ignite their curiosity and leave them with cherished memories. So, let's embark on a journey through the enchanting world of Chinese New Year 2017, and explore the wonders that await the young ones during this momentous celebration!

Introduction

Chinese New Year is one of the most important festivals celebrated by Chinese people worldwide. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is also known as the Spring Festival. In 2017, Chinese New Year falls on January 28th, and it will be the Year of the Rooster.

The Legend of Nian

According to Chinese mythology, there was a ferocious creature called Nian that would come out every New Year's Eve to terrorize villagers. However, they discovered that Nian was afraid of loud noises, bright lights, and the color red. This is why Chinese New Year celebrations include firecrackers, lanterns, and red decorations.

Preparations for Chinese New Year

Days before Chinese New Year, families clean their homes thoroughly to sweep away any bad luck from the previous year. They also decorate their houses with red paper cutouts and couplets with blessings written on them. People buy new clothes and get a haircut to symbolize a fresh start.

Reunion Dinner

The reunion dinner is one of the most important parts of Chinese New Year. Families gather together to have a feast and celebrate the upcoming year. Traditional dishes such as fish, dumplings, and rice cakes are served. The dinner is a time for family members to connect and share stories.

Red Envelopes

One of the highlights for kids during Chinese New Year is receiving red envelopes, called hongbao in Mandarin. These envelopes contain money and are given by older family members, such as grandparents or parents, to younger ones. It is believed that the money inside will bring good luck and fortune.

Fireworks and Firecrackers

Chinese New Year is known for its spectacular fireworks displays and firecracker shows. The loud noises and bright lights are believed to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck for the coming year. Children enjoy watching these vibrant displays and playing with sparklers.

Dragon and Lion Dances

Another exciting activity during Chinese New Year is the dragon and lion dances. These traditional performances involve a team of dancers moving a long dragon or lion-shaped puppet in rhythm with drums and cymbals. The dances are believed to bring prosperity and drive away evil spirits.

Visiting Relatives and Friends

During Chinese New Year, it is customary to visit relatives and friends to exchange greetings and well wishes. Kids get to meet their extended family members and receive more red envelopes. They also participate in various activities such as playing traditional games, singing, and dancing.

Traditional Games and Activities

Chinese New Year is filled with fun games and activities for kids. One popular game is called Jianzi, where players use their feet to keep a feathered shuttlecock in the air. Another traditional activity is solving riddles on lanterns. Kids also enjoy watching traditional performances, such as acrobatics and martial arts.

Ending the Festivities

The 15th day of the lunar calendar marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations. This day is called the Lantern Festival. Families gather to light lanterns, watch colorful parades, and solve lantern riddles. It is a joyful way to conclude the festivities and welcome the new year.

Conclusion

Chinese New Year is a time for families to come together, celebrate, and wish for good fortune in the upcoming year. Kids enjoy the vibrant decorations, delicious food, exciting performances, and of course, receiving red envelopes. It is a festive occasion that teaches children about Chinese traditions, values, and the importance of family unity.

Introduction: Learn All About Chinese New Year 2017 - The Year of the Rooster!

Chinese New Year is a vibrant and joyous celebration that takes place annually. In 2017, it is the Year of the Rooster, one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac calendar. This ancient tradition is filled with fascinating customs and traditions that have been passed down through generations. From red envelopes to dragon dances, Chinese New Year is a time for families to come together and celebrate with feasts, fireworks, and festive decorations.

History of Chinese New Year: Discover the fascinating traditions and customs that are associated with this ancient celebration.

Chinese New Year has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. It originated from the legend of the Nian, a mythical beast that terrorized villages on the eve of the new year. To scare away the Nian, people would light firecrackers and hang red lanterns outside their homes. This tradition evolved into a celebration of new beginnings and a time to honor ancestors. Today, Chinese New Year is celebrated with family reunions, delicious food, and various customs that symbolize good luck and prosperity.

Dates and Zodiac: Find out the significance of the Rooster in the Chinese zodiac calendar and why it holds importance for 2017.

The Chinese zodiac consists of twelve animal signs, each representing a year in a twelve-year cycle. 2017 is the Year of the Rooster, which is believed to bring confidence, diligence, and punctuality. People born in the Year of the Rooster are said to possess these qualities. Each year is also associated with one of the five elements - metal, water, wood, fire, or earth. 2017 is the Year of the Fire Rooster, symbolizing passion, energy, and determination.

Red Envelopes: Explore the tradition of receiving red envelopes filled with money and understand its symbolic meaning.

One of the most exciting traditions during Chinese New Year is receiving red envelopes, known as hongbao. These envelopes are usually given by married couples to children and unmarried adults. The red color represents good luck and is believed to ward off evil spirits. Inside the envelopes, there is usually money, which symbolizes blessings and prosperity for the upcoming year. Receiving hongbao is a cherished tradition that brings joy and excitement to children and adults alike.

Festive Decorations: Discover how families decorate their homes with red lanterns, paper cutouts, and other vibrant symbols during this joyful time.

During Chinese New Year, homes are adorned with vibrant decorations to create a festive atmosphere. Red lanterns are hung outside houses and streets, believed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits. Paper cutouts depicting animals, flowers, and other auspicious symbols are also displayed. These decorations are meticulously crafted and add a touch of tradition and beauty to the surroundings. The vibrant colors and intricate designs create a joyful ambiance that reflects the spirit of the celebration.

Dragon and Lion Dances: Learn about the lively dragon and lion dance performances that take place during Chinese New Year and understand their cultural significance.

Dragon and lion dances are an integral part of Chinese New Year celebrations. These performances are believed to bring good luck and fortune. The dragon dance involves a long, flexible dragon made of silk or paper, which is operated by a team of dancers. The lion dance, on the other hand, features a lion costume worn by two performers who mimic the movements of a lion. These energetic and captivating dances are accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums and cymbals, creating an electrifying atmosphere that symbolizes power, strength, and prosperity.

Family Reunions: Understand the importance of family gatherings during this holiday as loved ones come together for traditional feasts and celebrations.

Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions and strengthening bonds. It is a tradition for families to gather for a reunion dinner on New Year's Eve. This feast is a significant event where loved ones come together to share a meal and exchange blessings for the upcoming year. The reunion dinner is filled with traditional dishes that hold symbolic meanings, such as fish for abundance and dumplings for wealth. Family members also participate in various activities and games that promote unity and joyous interactions.

Firecrackers: Delve into the history behind the noisy firecrackers that are lit to scare away evil spirits and welcome good luck.

The tradition of lighting firecrackers during Chinese New Year dates back to ancient times. It was believed that the loud noise would scare away evil spirits and bad luck, while also welcoming good fortune and happiness. Firecrackers are still an essential part of the celebration, and their explosive sounds fill the air during the festive season. People gather to watch spectacular firework displays, adding a sense of excitement and anticipation to the festivities.

Delicious Food: Get introduced to mouthwatering dishes like dumplings, spring rolls, and sweet rice cakes that are enjoyed during Chinese New Year.

Chinese New Year is a gastronomic delight, with an array of delicious dishes that are savored during the festivities. Dumplings, symbolizing wealth and good luck, are a staple dish enjoyed by families. Spring rolls, resembling gold bars, are also popular as they represent wealth and prosperity. Sweet rice cakes, known as nian gao, are a must-have dessert during Chinese New Year. These sticky rice cakes symbolize growth, progress, and reaching new heights in the coming year. The flavors and aromas of these traditional delicacies enhance the festive spirit and bring joy to every meal.

Lantern Festival: Explore the conclusion of Chinese New Year festivities with the enchanting Lantern Festival where families gather to admire beautifully lit lanterns.

The Lantern Festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. On this day, families gather to admire a breathtaking display of intricately designed lanterns. These lanterns come in various shapes, colors, and sizes, and are often adorned with wishes and aspirations written by individuals. The Lantern Festival is a time for families to enjoy each other's company, marvel at the exquisite lanterns, and create lasting memories. It is a magical conclusion to the festivities, filled with hope, dreams, and the anticipation of a prosperous year ahead.

Chinese New Year 2017 For Kids

The Year of the Rooster

Chinese New Year is a special celebration that takes place in China and other countries with large Chinese populations. Each year is associated with one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, and in 2017, it was the Year of the Rooster.

Preparations for the Celebration

In the weeks leading up to Chinese New Year, families start preparing for the festivities. They clean their houses to sweep away any bad luck from the previous year and decorate them with red banners and lanterns, symbols of good fortune. Children help by making colorful paper crafts and hanging them around the house.

Reunion Dinner

On the eve of Chinese New Year, families gather for a special reunion dinner. This meal is considered the most important of the year, and everyone tries to be present. The dinner usually includes traditional dishes such as dumplings, fish, and sticky rice cake.

Fireworks and Lion Dances

As midnight approaches, fireworks light up the night sky. The loud noises are believed to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck for the coming year. In some cities, people also perform lion dances. These colorful dances involve performers dressed as lions, moving in sync to the beat of drums and cymbals.

Red Envelopes and Dragon Parades

During Chinese New Year, adults give children red envelopes filled with money. This tradition is meant to bring good luck and blessings to the younger generation. In addition, many cities hold dragon parades where giant dragon-shaped puppets dance through the streets, accompanied by drummers and musicians.

Spring Festival Gala

The Spring Festival Gala is a televised variety show that is watched by millions of people across China during Chinese New Year. It features performances such as singing, dancing, and comedy skits. Families gather around the television to enjoy the show together, making it a cherished part of the celebration.

Table Information

Below is a table summarizing some key information about Chinese New Year 2017 for kids:

Chinese New Year 2017 was an exciting time filled with family gatherings, delicious food, colorful traditions, and joyful celebrations. Kids eagerly awaited the festivities, knowing that they would bring good luck and happiness for the year ahead.

Thank you for visiting our blog and joining us in celebrating Chinese New Year 2017! We hope you have gained valuable insights into this important cultural event, especially as it relates to children. As we conclude this article, let us summarize the key points discussed and offer some final thoughts.

First and foremost, Chinese New Year is a time of great joy and festivities for kids. It is a time when families come together to honor their ancestors, enjoy delicious food, and exchange gifts. Children are at the center of these celebrations, and they eagerly anticipate the arrival of the new year. From wearing new clothes to receiving red envelopes filled with money, there is no shortage of excitement for kids during this time.

Secondly, Chinese New Year offers a wonderful opportunity for kids to learn about Chinese culture and traditions. By participating in activities such as making paper lanterns, crafting dragon puppets, and learning traditional dances, children can gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage of China. This not only fosters cultural understanding but also encourages creativity and imagination.

In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a special occasion that holds great significance for children. It is a time of happiness, togetherness, and cultural exploration. By embracing the customs and traditions associated with this festive event, kids can develop a greater understanding and appreciation for different cultures. We hope that this article has provided you with useful information and inspiration for celebrating Chinese New Year 2017 with your little ones.

Thank you again for visiting our blog, and we wish you and your family a prosperous and joyful Year of the Rooster!

People Also Ask about Chinese New Year 2017 For Kids

1. What is Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is the most important traditional Chinese holiday. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is celebrated by millions of people around the world. It is a time for family reunions, feasting, and various cultural activities.

2. Why is Chinese New Year important?

Chinese New Year is important because it celebrates the start of a new year and is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and traditions. It is a time to honor ancestors, pay respects to gods, and bring good luck and fortune for the upcoming year. It is also an occasion for families to come together and strengthen their bonds.

3. How is Chinese New Year celebrated?

Chinese New Year is celebrated with a range of customs and traditions. Families thoroughly clean their homes to sweep away bad luck and make way for good fortune. They decorate their houses with red lanterns and couplets, symbols of luck and prosperity. Fireworks and firecrackers are set off to ward off evil spirits. Lion and dragon dances, as well as cultural performances, are held in many communities. People exchange red envelopes filled with money as a symbol of good luck.

4. What are some traditional foods eaten during Chinese New Year?

There are several traditional foods associated with Chinese New Year. Some popular examples include:

• Spring rolls: Symbolize wealth and are often filled with vegetables and meat.
• Dumplings: Represent wealth and are commonly filled with meat or vegetables.
• Nian gao: A sticky rice cake that symbolizes progress and prosperity.
• Fish: Represents abundance and prosperity. It is often served whole.
• Tangerines and oranges: Symbolize good luck and wealth.

5. What are some fun activities for kids during Chinese New Year?

There are various activities that kids can enjoy during Chinese New Year, such as:

1. Making paper lanterns: Kids can create their own lanterns using colored paper.
2. Creating red paper cutouts: Children can try their hand at cutting out intricate designs from red paper.
3. Learning lion or dragon dances: Kids can join in cultural performances or learn the traditional dances themselves.
4. Participating in a lantern parade: Many communities organize lantern parades where kids can join and showcase their lanterns.
5. Trying traditional crafts: Kids can engage in activities like making dumplings or painting Chinese calligraphy.