Respecting culture without losing your own is important in your child’s life. Ringing in the Chinese New Year can be an exciting time for children to learn about another culture. In Chinese astrology, it takes twelve years for the moon’s cycle repeats itself. There are 12 animals in the Chinese Horoscope – one for each year of the lunar cycle. This year’s Chinese New Year welcomes in “The Year of the Dragon”. The Year of the Dragon is said to bring happiness and success. The new year celebrations last 15 days. When the lantern festival is held on the final day, red lanterns are hung outside houses all over China. A few ways to learn more:
Children can look and see what “animal” is theirs. Were they born in the year of the dog or the year of the dragon? My ten year old son was born in the year of the snake. “Snakes are determined, wise and intense.” This website also mentions which animals to “avoid”. You may want to let your child know that while they may get along very well with a good friend, all relationships involve work; some more than others. It is important for a child to get along well with ALL family and friends.
Grace Lin has several wonderful books about the Chinese New Year. My eight-year-old daughter just finished “The Year of the Dog”, a chapter book about a Chinese girl in America. My daughter loved learning about Chinese American culture while relating with the issues every little girl faces, including disagreements with siblings, finding friendships, and respecting older family members.
Ying Chang Compestine has written “Crouching Tiger “. This picture book story relates a boy’s relationship to his grandfather, whom he eventually learns to respect. The boy also learns to be proud of his heritage. The book also includes a few tai chi moves for active children, like my six year old twins.
Many times your local library will have additional resources about Chinese New Year, and may even know of a new year’s celebration where your family can join in and try new foods and traditions. These traditions include: forgiving past hurts, hosting elaborate meals, giving children money in red envelopes, and setting off fireworks.
Learning about other cultures is important for children, especially as technology and business make our world more “global” than “local.” As you welcome in the Year of the Dragon, may you find happiness and success in teaching those young minds to appreciate different cultures.
Sources:
Washington Post–Kid’s Post
Egypt Independent
A China Family Adventure
Other articles by this author:
Parenting: Molding the Minds of the Young
Top Five: Best and Worst Things About Homeschooling
Saga of the Ninjas