Learn the Chinese Zodiac | CNY 2021

Did you know Chinese New Year is celebrated for 15 days? No? Well this is the perfect time to learn the zodiac animals!

Have you ever wondered about where the animals for the Chinese zodiac came from?

One legend says that long ago, the Jade Emperor (⽟皇⼤帝/yù huáng dà dì) decided he wanted twelve animals to be his palace guards. However, the emperor did not want just any animal. So he declared that there would be a competition in the form of a race. The first twelve animals to cross the finish line and get to the palace would be the selected guards.

The last obstacle of the race was a river. Originally, the ox was first in line, but the rat climbed onto the ox's back and jumped in front of him to cross the finish line first. Next came the tiger, rabbit, and dragon. The horse and snake were not far behind the dragon. The snake scared the horse and then slithered into sixth place.

The Jade Emperor looked out from his palace and saw the rooster, monkey, and goat sitting on a raft working together to paddle across the river. The monkey and rooster agreed to let the goat cross first because of his empathy and calmness.

Second to last came the dog, who had gotten distracted playing in the water. The pig ended up last after stopping for food and falling asleep.

Craft for CNY | CNY 2021

On Chinese New Year, it is tradition to for older family members, parents and grandparents, to give red envelopes or 红包 (hóngbāo) filled with money to the kids.

It is important that these envelopes are not any ordinary envelopes. The red color symbolizes good luck and prosperity for the new year.

Before receiving the red envelope, make sure stick out both hands and say "恭喜发财!" (Gōngxı̌fācái) to your elder, which means "Wishing you happiness and fortune!". A more traditional way of receiving red envelope is is to kowtow or 磕头 (gē tóu) three times to show respect.

Find this activity under Chinese Learners Lesson 2: Chinese New Year!

Snowflake Craft | Winter 2020

Need a fun craft you can do this winter? Try making our paper snowflake!