Lunar New Year, also referred to as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is a holiday celebrated by various Asian countries and people around the world. The celebration takes place during the first 15 days of the first month of the lunisolar calendar, which follow the phases of the moon and sun. This year, Lunar New Year will begin on February 10th. Each new year is represented by an animal from the Chinese zodiac, and 2024 is the year of the dragon!
Below are a few fun ways to celebrate the Lunar New Year with the children in your care.
- Try an art project. This kid-friendly paper lantern craft requires only a few items and will make beautiful decorations in your classroom for a Lunar New Year celebration.
- Read together. Reading books about Lunar New Year is a great way to spark conversation about the holiday and the variety of traditions that are celebrated around the world and in your community. Here are two books and a free video that toddlers and preschoolers can enjoy:
- Enjoy lucky fruits. During Lunar New Year, it is common practice for people to enjoy lucky foods and snacks to obtain good fortune for the new year. You might offer the children in your program one of the delicious fruits listed below, which are all considered sources of good luck!
- oranges, kumquats and tangerines
- apples
- pineapples
- grapes
If you would like to learn more about Lunar New Year, and its history, you might enjoy this article.
