Tuesday, February 5th, marked the beginning of the Chinese Lunar New Year, China’s biggest holiday, which is celebrated throughout the world.
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2019 is the year of the PIG
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According to Chinese astrology, each year is associated with an animal as well as one of five elements, including gold (metal), wood, water, fire or Earth. The element, combined with the zodiac animal, sets the astrology for the year.
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Many of the classrooms hosted parent visitors who gave wonderful presentations on Chinese New Year. They read stories, talked about Chinese customs and ways of celebrating the New Year, and the importance of the color red. They made crafts, and cooked Chinese dumplings with the children. Many of the children dressed in traditional clothing. It was a wonderful way to experience this holiday and culture.
Many of our Chinese visitors gave wonderful presentations to the students in their programs. They included how they celebrate the New Year, information about the Forbidden City and the Gate Gods, Chinese characters and calligraphy, Chinese knot tying, mortise and tenon joints in ancient Chinese timber structures, and Chinese opera.
