Chinese New Year's Activities for Kids

"Seeing it once is better than being told 100 times." written by Zhou Chonggou. That is exactly why on February 7^th, 2008, parents and educators should take a hands-on approach teaching children this year about Chinese New Years. It is not only important to recognize the holiday but also live it.

Now, I am sure not everyone can voyage overseas for the holiday but that should not hinder anyone from taking part in this festivity. The challenges to overcome are atmosphere, food and entertainment.

Challenge #1 Atmosphere: Atmosphere can be a great challenge to many families outside of China. One important rule when celebrating New Years is not about location; rather it is planning and execution. As any holiday, New Year's has some traditional customs that have been passed down from generation to generation through Chinese families.

Oranges/tangerines: Luckily one of the most famous customs around China is having oranges/tangerines as a decoration during the holiday. The word for orange in Chinese sounds much like the word for luck; hence oranges are a symbol of wealth and luck in the New Year. Thankfully, oranges are grown in Southwestern and Southeastern states in America right now, therefore the price is very reasonable. Place a small batch of oranges in a decorative bowl in your household; it is just that simple.

Blooming Plants: Plants are thought of as an important commodity at this time of the year. Since the Chinese New Years is also referred to as the Spring Festival, it is only befitting that re-birth be shown through blooming flowers. Right now tulips and orchids are blooming in stores and have a reasonable price tag. It is more than fitting to purchase these plants to symbolize re-birth in the Chinese New Years.

Calligraphy Scrolls: Among Asian scholars such as me, these scrolls are best noted for containing "Poetic Couplets". Poetic Couplets are simply a set of two lines placed together to make a poem verse. It is common to see these scrolls placed not only inside the household but also on the main entrance door to a house.