The Chinese New Year

1. The Chinese New Year • It is the longest, and most important celebration in the Chinese calendar. • The Chinese New Year is based on the lunar calendar. • The lunar calendar states that each month begins when there is a new moon or full moon. The new moon signaled it was time to start thinking about sowing their fields for the crops. • The Chinese new year always begin in late January or early February. • Each year is named after one of twelve different animals. This will be the year of the horse. • Each year is named after an animal, because legend has it that Buddha summoned all the animals to come to him before he departed earth. Only twelve came to bid him farewell. As a reward, he named a year after each one, in the order that they arrived. • The Chinese believe the animal ruling the year in which a person is born has a profound influence on their personality. • Those of you born in 2002 are also horses. Those of you born in 2003 are sheep, and those of you born in 2004 are monkeys.

2. The Origin of the Chinese New Year Festivals Each year there are many festivals in China to celebrate the coming of the new year. The origin of the lunar new year festival can be traced back thousands years, involving a series of colorful legends and traditions. One of the most famous legends is of Nian,an extremely cruel and ferocious beast that the ancient Chinese believed woulddevourpeople on the eve of the new year.

3. To keep Nian away, red-paper coupletswere pasted on doors, torches were lit, and firecrackers were set off through the night, because Nain was said to fear the color red, the light of fire, and loud noises. Early the next morning, as feelings of triumph and renewal filled the air for successfully keeping Nain away for another year.

4. New Year’s Eve Dinner Another tradition started hundreds of years ago, was the tradition of eating fish on the night before the new year. The Chinese believed eating fish the night before the new year would bring a surplus of money and wealth to your family during the coming year. Fish are considered very lucky creatures. This is because the word ‘fish’ in Chinese also sounds like the word that means ‘surplus’or ‘something left over’ in Chinese.

5. The Tradition of Giving Red Envelopes An extremely important tradition of the new year then, and still today, is the giving of monetary gifts, usually presented in red envelopes during festive occasions such as the new year, weddings, and birthdays. The main task of the envelopes was to bear gifts, but their second duty was to shower the recipient with good luck, fortune, and joy because the color red symbolizes happiness. For this reason, the color red is strictly forbidden at funerals.

6. Traditions Behind the Giving of Red Envelopes • The envelopes are usually handed out to the younger generation by their parents, grandparents and close relatives. • When giving an envelop it is important to give and receive an envelope with both hands. • The money inside should always be crisp and new. Old or wrinkled money can bring bad luck. • Money should be given in even, never odd, increments. • Although the amount of money given should be an even increment, it should never be in an amount with a four (4, 40, 400 etc.), as four is a homonym with death.

7. This Year’s New Yearis January 31st • According to the Chinese New Year---this new year will be lunar year 4712 and it begins on Jan. 31, 2014. • It will be another year of the horse. People born this year are said to be active and energetic. Horses are gifted and clever. They love to be in a crowd and despise being made to feel guilty. They can often be hot-tempered and impatient. They are hard workers and love to travel. • If you were born in 2002, you are also a horse! If you were born in 2003, you are a sheep and if you were born in 2004, you were born in the year of the monkey. Those of you who are sheep or monkeys, I will read you your Chinese zodiac later this period while you work.

8. Now You are Going to Make Your Own Red Envelopes Your Envelope Requirements • You will cut and glue your envelope according to the instructions and recycle your paper scraps. (1 point) • Next, you will write your full name and period on the back of your envelope. (2 points) • Next, you will chose five (5) facts you learned today about the Chinese New Year and write them on the back of your envelope. These should be first written in pencil, but they may not be left in pencil. They mustbe written in complete sentences and spelling and grammar will count. One (1) or more of our new vocabulary words must be included. (5 pts) • Lastly, you will design the front of your envelope using a pencil first. Draw lightly, in case you need to erase. Once you are satisfied with your design, you will use the supplies I have on my island; glitter glue paint, sequins, markers, and colored pencils, to finish you envelope. Please share the supplies and do not take more than you need. (7 points) • We will clean up as a class five minutes prior to the bell. Most of us will not finish today. We will have a half hour tomorrow/Thursday to finish. 7) TOTAL POINTS: 15 points • Take your time! Do a nice job!!! These will be displayed in the hallway. • Have a HAPPY NEW YEAR Everyone!!!