Pre-K: Paper Lanterns and a Dragon Dance

The lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, and Lunar New Year begins on the first new moon of the lunar calendar. This year, the Lunar New Year celebration began on Feb. 12 and continued until the first full moon on the lunar calendar 15 days later. On the last day, the new year is traditionally ushered in with a parade and fireworks to scare off the spirits. While it may be little-known to many Americans, it is a major holiday in China and other Asian nations and is celebrated by more than 1.5 billion people around the world.

 

In Ms. Woodruff’s classroom, Graland’s youngest students learned that a Chinese zodiac animal represents each new year, and this is the Year of the Ox. Each child was presented with a red envelope, which is usually filled with coins (chocolate coins in this case), and is red because the color is considered lucky and wards off evil.

 

The children made Chinese paper lanterns, which were hung from the ceiling, and they assembled and painted a dragon made from cardboard boxes (with assistance from Ms. Woodruff and other adults) to be used for a traditional Dragon dance. They discovered the dragon represents good luck.

 

The visiting parents recounted some of the customs they observe in advance of the 15-day celebration, including cleaning their homes and getting a haircut among other ceremonial preparations. And, they told students about the practice of staying up all night on Lunar New Year’s Eve. Dumplings, they shared, are made in the shape of ancient coins and are a time-honored food of the holiday season.

 

The day’s events provided the Pre-K classroom with a glimpse into another culture, rich with rituals and beliefs. We wish “Gong Hey Fat Choy” (Happy New Year) to those in our community who have now concluded their celebration and welcomed the Year of the Ox!