Lunar New Year is celebrated on the 29th of January 2025. The Lunar New Year in 2025 welcomes the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese lunar calendar. The following article provides information ABout Lunar New Year, Year Of The Snake, Activity Ideas and Free Printables for children and more.
About Lunar New Year
On New Year’s Day, family members receive red envelopes (lai see) containing small amounts of money. The origins of the Lunar New Year festival are thousands of years old and are steeped in legends. One legend is that of Nian, a hideous beast believed to feast on human flesh on New Year’s day. Because Nian feared the colour red, loud noises, and fire, red paper decorations were pasted to doors, lanterns were burned all night, and firecrackers were lit to frighten the beast away.
Year Of The Snake
The Year of the Snake is one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac, and it holds a special place in Chinese culture. Here are some key details about the Year of the Snake:
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Symbolism: Snakes are often seen as wise and intuitive. They symbolize wisdom, transformation, and elegance. However, they can also be perceived as cunning and secretive.
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Years of the Snake: Recent years of the Snake include 2025, 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, and 1953. Snakes are particularly careful and introspective, moving through life with grace and composure.
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Personality Traits: People born in the Year of the Snake are known for their resourcefulness, charm, and intelligence. They are considered strategic thinkers, and they often possess an aura of mystery.
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Element and Energies: Each year in the Chinese zodiac is also associated with one of the five elements – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. 2025 is the Year of the Wood Snake, which emphasizes creativity, flexibility, and artistic abilities. It is also regarded as a Yin year, indicating a time for introspection, planning, and calm energy.
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Cultural Significance: The Year of the Snake is marked by rich traditions and festivities that emphasize careful planning and strategic approaches. It is a time to celebrate wisdom and grace while fostering personal growth and transformation.
Activity Ideas and Free Printables For Children
Chinese New Year Posters - The Chinese New Year Posters show how New Year is celebrated. These images show the culture and traditions of Chinese New Year which can be displayed or shown to children during circle time.
Chinese New Year Information Posters - Blue - The Chinese New Year Information Posters provide a brief description of the culture and traditions of the Chinese New Year. These are great to use as a Chinese New Year cultural display within the learning environment.
Chinese New Year I Spy - Chinese New Year I Spy is a great counting game for children, Children have to count the correct picture objects and write the correct amount next to the picture. These can be laminated and children can circle the objects as they count. Great to use for Chinese New Year.
Chinese New Year Tracing Dots - Chinese Tracing Dots enable children to trace each picture. These are great for children who are developing their pre-writing skills as well as their hand/eye coordination. These can be laminated and used over and over again with the children.
Red Envelope Letter Match - The Red Envelope Letter Match is a fun way for children to learn and match both lower and uppercase alphabet letters. This alphabet activity enables children to recognise letters and match each letter to the correct red envelope.
Lunar New Year Information Posters - The Lunar New Year Information Posters provide information on Lunar New Year celebrations. These are great to use as a display or discussion point with children.
Red Envelope Money Counting - These Red Envelope Money Counting Set 1 to 10 enables children to count the coins on the red envelope and select the corresponding matching number. This can be done by using a peg to clip onto the correct number, blocks, playdough etc.
Chinese Colour Lanterns - The Chinese Colour Lanterns enable children to recognise and match colours by matching the correct colour circle to the coloured lantern. The coloured circles are to be cut out for children to sort and match the colour dots for the lantern. Children can also use pom pom, playdough, coloured blocks and more. This activity will help children to correctly identify and recognise primary and secondary colours and is great for fine motor skills too.
Portfolio Template
Lunar New Year 2023 - The Lunar New Year 2023 template can be used to show how Lunar New Year was celebrated at your centre.
Reference:
Lunar New Year 2025: A Guide to the Year of the Snake, Chinese New Year
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