How can you make dragons, origami, and lanterns for Chinese New Year 2020?
CHINESE New Year is this weekend, on Saturday 25th January 2020, and is always a feast for the eyes, from the incredible firework displays to beautiful colourful dragons, and hundreds of lanterns.
One of best thing about the celebration is that there are many ways to get involved (and indulge in some arts and crafts) by DIY-ing your own decorations. Here’s some inspiration…
How do lanterns play a role in the Chinese New Year and how can I make one?
Lanterns are a huge part of the Chinese New Year, and it’s quite normal for thousands to adorn big cities during the period.
Lanterns play a big role on the last day of the Chinese New Year celebrations (which typically last 15 days): The Lantern Festival or Spring Lantern Festival.
Here, people let off lanterns which can symbolise people letting go of their past selves and getting new ones.
You can buy Chinese lanterns on websites like eBay, or otherwise, you can make your own: we love this easy tutorial from ChinaFamilyAventure.com.
What are the best origami figures to make for Chinese New Year?
Origami (or Chinese paper folding) can be used to make decorative figurines for the New Year celebrations.
In Chinese astrology, each year belongs to a Chinese zodiac animal according to the 12-year cycle.
2020 marks the Year of the Rat, with the animal seen as a sign of wealth and surplus in Chinese culture.
Recent years of the rat include 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008 and this year, 2020.
People born in the year of the rat are considered to be clever, quick thinking and successful, although they are content with living a quiet and peaceful life. They enjoy saving and collecting, with little financial hardship, and live organised lives, without seeking praise or recognition.
Click here to learn how to make an origami rat for Chinese New Year!
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How can you make a Chinese dragon?
Chinese dragons are a symbol of China and are believed to possess great dignity, power and wisdom.
Big celebrations in China – especially the Chinese New Year – will always see a dragon dance, where a team of dancers manipulate a long dragon.
The longer the dragon, it is thought, the more luck it will bring to the community.
Again, you can purchase a Chinese dragon on eBay, in varying sizes, or you can have a go at making your own.