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Chinese New Year Celebrations

One of the most popular celebrations that Westerners have adopted from Asia is Chinese New Year. Places with a large Chinese population will often hold large and well attended celebrations on New Years Day; the most well know activity being a Dragon dance, which consists of an elaborate dragon's head and a long body supported by a number of people which performs a dance representing the sinuous flow of a river.

The purpose of many of the festivities is to frighten away bad spirits. Loud noises such as fireworks and the use of the bright colours particularly red are all intended to keep away these spirits for the whole of the year.

Another way that New Year's Day is marked by the giving of money in red envelopes. Money is given to any unmarried family members regardless of age, and to unmarried visitors. A celebration meal will be held on New Years Eve which may include chicken, fish, cakes, mandarins and uncut noodles. The fish dish will not be completely finished, and some will be saved for the next day to represent abundance for the coming year. Each year is represented by an animal, and 2009 is the Year of the Ox, which begins on January 26th 2009.

Find Your Chinese Star Sign Here

If you want to wish someone a happy new year in Cantonese say Gung Hay Fat Choy! (literally 'may prosperity be with you') or in Mandarin say Xin Nian Kuai Le! (Literally 'Happy New Year').

Another popular way to celebrate Chinese New Year is to play Mahjong. The computer versions that are available are a type of Solitaire, but are quite addictive and a fun way to mark the Chinese New Year. There is a good free online Mahjong game at Freegames.ws. Mahjong sets are available at Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.

Chinese New Year Gifts, Party Supplies, Decorations & Books

Chinese New Year Crafts, Colouring & Activities

• Chinese New Year Colouring Pictures
  eParenting's own colouring pictures.
• Chinese New Year Printables
  Our own printable puzzles.
• Apples 4 The Teacher
  Animal printables plus map and flag.
• Enchanted Learning
  Crafts projects for preschool, kindergarten and elementary school children.
• BBC Schools
  Worksheets and activiteis aimed at teachers for classroom use.
• Kaboose
  Lots of lovely child-friendly Chinese-themed crafts.
• The Teacher's Corner
  Printable puzzles aimed at teachers, plus ideas for a Chinese New Year party.
• Jackie Chan Kids
  Chinese New Year colouring pictures featuring Jackie Chan!
• Crayola
  Colouring pictures, e-cards lesson plans and craft activities.
• Sparklebox
  Printables for foundation and KS1 children.
• Chinapage
  Printable calendar, Chinese calligraphy and some very pretty posters.

Chinese New Year Festivals

• Chinese New Year Sheffield
• Chinese New Year Festival Sydney
• Southwest Airlines Chinese New Year Parade San Francisco
• New York Chinatown Parades and Celebrations

Chinese New Year Gifts, Party Supplies, Decorations & Books
Chinese Horoscopes
Top Tips For Chinese New Year Cooking

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