Chinese New Year was always fun when I was a young girl. My father’s family celebrated with red envelopes and wished upon me good fortune and health. I remember music and celebrations with lanterns and lots of amazing Asian food. But I’ve never heard the tale of how the animals were picked for each year, until I read it to my children!
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This legend is a perfect addition to your Chinese New Year celebrations! In this book, Fables Around the World, the story is rewritten in an easy to read form with beautiful illustrations.
The animals are arguing over what they should call the new year. Of course, all the animals wanted to name it after themselves. The argument was causing such a great noise, that the gods came from the heavens and had to help them work it out.
They told the animals that they would race across the river to see who would get the first year named after them. The second place animal would get the second year and so on. When the great race began, rat was last, so why is the first year named after him? You’ll have to read to find out!
Chinese New Year Activities
After reading this fun tale about Chinese New Year, why not try an activity too! Here are some simple, but exciting choices that your children will look forward to doing each year!
Dragon Handprint Craft
DIY Chinese Drum
Tray of Togetherness
DIY Chinese Gong
Chinese Calligraphy
Pasta Snake Craft
DIY Chinese Banner Scrolls
Easy DIY Red Envelopes
Reading Around the World!
Join us this summer exploring different cultures with stories from around the world! You can see my past picks in the links below or, click the image below for more book suggestions from other bloggers!
One Grain of Rice – A Mathematical Folktale (India)
Artisans Around the World – Northern Asia (Japan)
Heidi – Swiss Inspired Decoupage (Switzerland)
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