As 2015 comes to an end, we prepare ourselves for the celebrations and traditions to welcome the arrival of the New Year. However, not everyone celebrates the new year according to the standard Gregorian calendar. For Asians all over the world, including Asian-Americans, they are preparing themselves for Lunar New Year also known as Chinese New Year. This new year is designated by the lunar cycles of the moon and the cyclical rituals of agrarian societies such as those in the long history of China. Because it is not based on the standard calendar, the date changes each year, and it will fall on February 8th in 2016.
It is a public holiday that lasts for seven days of celebration in which most people do not work. Its origins are linked with the agricultural sequences of farmers, and the Chinese calendar which stretches as far back as the third millennium BCE. The Lunar New Year was the time at the end of winter when farmers could break from their work before the next growing season began. It became a celebration of the arrival of the new year as well as the end of winter and the approaching spring that would bring with it a new fertile season of growth. Families would travel from all over to be together during this symbolic time and celebrate together looking forward to all the good the new year would bring. This holiday is one of the most important in Asian countries.
Here are 7 crafts that are symbols of the holiday and its long standing traditions.
Fire crackers and fireworks were invented in China, and they are used often in celebrations such the Lunar New Year. MalMal Our Inspiration offers a creative way to string firecrackers together to display as decoration until they are lit in celebration.
Create these beautiful red envelopes from One Dog Woof. Small gifts of money are often given during the celebrations of Lunar New Year. These envelopes are the perfect creation to give monetary gifts or take cue from One Dog Woof and use chocolate coins. Yum!
Sturdy for Common ThingsLanterns are a popular decoration, and there are many easy to make designs. These fun and festive paper lanterns from Sturdy for Common Things are perfect for the Lunar New year.
These drums by Gift of Curiosity are a great craft to get kids involved. Modeled after the Bolang Gu also known as the pellet drum it is a common instrument used in Chinese music.
A symbol of prosperity and luck, the coin tree is a Chinese ornament used often for decoration. First Palette has instructions on how to easily make your own artistic rendering.
The dragon represents power and strength so it is only appropriate that it has a place in the traditions of Chinese New Year. Find out how to make your own dragon from Crafts ‘n Coffee.
These paper decorations can be used to dress up a basic string of lights making a beautiful addition to the festive décor of the Lunar New Year. Unsophisticook has the directions to create them.
Best Buy supports events which they believe are of importance to employees, customers, and communities. The upcoming Lunar New Year is one of those important celebrations.There are over 4,000 years of tradition in the celebration of the Lunar New Year. The festive rituals based upon centuries of history and the brilliant colors and décor make the holiday a unique and beautiful experience. Celebrate with those in your lives with a Lunar New Year Gift Card from Best Buy. For a gift throughout the year, check out Best Buy’s Chinese Happy Birthday e-Gift Card.
The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.
These crafts are super cool and you did a awesome job with them. Thanks for sharing these.
These are all great craft ideas for the Chinese new year. The pellet drums I will have to make for sure with my niece and nephews who will really enjoy using them and making them. Thanks for the craft ideas.
These are some wonderful craft ideas. I would have never thought to make something like this. How fun! My girls would have tons of fun making these.
These are such fun and creative ideas! I especially love the lanterns and coin tree.
Those crafts are really cool! I love learning about the cultures of other people – it’s so fascinating!