Kid's Activity: Let's Make Paper Lanterns!
by Melissa Jaramillo and Julie Snyder
The Chinese New Year is one of the most important holiday celebrations within the Chinese culture. The customs and traditions of this holiday are very family oriented with it being a time for reunions and gatherings to take place.
The Chinese New Year does not occur on the same exact calendar date as our own "New Year" does. Instead it falls on the first New Moon of the lunar calendar year based upon cycles of the moon. It ends on the 15th day at the time of the Full Moon with a celebration called the Lantern Festival. It may occur in late-January to early February. A lunar cycle takes 60 years to complete. The Chinese New Year consists of five cycles that are 12 years each. Each 12-year segment is named after an animal chosen from the Chinese zodiac.
Legend has it that long ago Buddha, the god worshipped by many Chinese, called all the animals on the earth together to meet with him. Only 12 animals came. As their reward Buddha then dedicated a year to each of them according to the order they arrived. This later created the 12 year cycle. It is said that the animal "ruling" the year you were born in is the "animal that hides in your heart".
The year 2005 is said to be the year of the Green Rooster!
2006 is year of the Red Dog.
2007 is year of the Pig
2008 is year of the Rat
2009 is the year of the Ox, also known by its formal name of Yi Chou.
Another tale associated with the Chinese New year was that thousands of years ago a village was attacked by a giant monster. It returned again a year later! The third year, the villagers were determined to try to frighten the monster away -- they dressed up in costumes of dragons and snakes. They also hung huge banners in red to protect them against evil. They paraded around banging on drums and swinging colorful lanterns as well. It worked and the monster was no more! The custom continues with parades, vibrant costumes, and multi-colored lanterns for decorations.
Today's activity is to create your own paper lanterns! String many together to decorate your home!
Materials Needed:
- Variety of colored construction paper (may also use tissue, wrapping paper)
- Scissors
- Stapler, glue, or clear tape
Fold the sheet of construction paper in half lengthwise. Cut straight lines along the fold line being sure to not cut all the way to the edge! (See image)
Now open up the paper and fold with the short ends together. Staple, glue, or tape these in place, overlapping the edge slightly.
Next, form a "handle" for your lantern by cutting a strip of paper six - seven inches long and ½ inch wide. Glue, tape, or staple into place.
Finally, create a colorful array and string together to decorate your home!
Julie Snyder is a mom of six, interested in kids, pregnancy, birth, people and lives in the outlying Seattle area. Melissa Jaramillo is mom to many. She's passionate about building, encouraging, and strengthening families on this adventure known as parenthood!
Copyright © Melissa Jaramillo and Julie Snyder. Permission to republish granted to Pregnancy.org, LLC.
