The Chinese New Year just began, but what exactly does this mean? Here are a few fun facts about this holiday celebration that are sure to entertain and educate your children.
- There are 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac.
2018 is the Year of the Dog! According to ancient folklore, the order of the animals was determined by a race in which the animals had to cross a river to get to the finish line.
Retrieved from: http://slucasdesigns.com/things-that-bring-bad-luck/magnificent-things-that-bring-bad-luck-tittle/
- The holiday was originally meant to scare off a monster.
Legend says that many of the components of the Chinese New Year like loud noises from drums and fireworks and the color red were used to scare off Nian, a ferocious monster, who would come out on the first day of new year to terrorize the villagers.
- Billions of red envelopes are exchanged.
These bright, red envelopes contain money (new bills, not old because old bills are seen as a lazy attempt) which are gifts for loved ones. Everyone carries the envelopes with them in case they run into a loved one on the street. It’s best to accept the envelopes with both hands and to open them in private.
Retrieved from: http://mentalfloss.com/article/91591/10-things-you-might-not-know-about-chinese-new-year
- Everyone turns one year older.
The seventh day, Renri, is considered the day that all human beings were created. It’s like a national birthday for everyone!
5. Everyone releases lanterns into the sky.
On the fifteenth day of celebration, Chap Goh Mei, everyone releases paper lanterns of different colors and sizes into the sky. It symbolizes letting go of the old self to become a new person.
Retrieved from: http://mentalfloss.com/article/91591/10-things-you-might-not-know-about-chinese-new-year
- There is the world’s biggest annual fireworks usage.
While this might sound esthetically pleasing and picturesque, it actually results in record levels of smog.
- There is a lot of superstition surrounding the holiday.
While not everyone chooses to believe it, most people try their best to comply with these taboos at the beginning of their New Year.
Retrieved from: http://slucasdesigns.com/things-that-bring-bad-luck/magnificent-things-that-bring-bad-luck-tittle/
Isabella Arteaga
No responses yet