Chinese New Year.
In February millions of people around the world will be celebrating Chinese New Year. Also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, this colourful event marks the beginning of the new year according to the traditional Chinese lunar calendar.
The festival usually lasts 15 days and is celebrated with music, storytelling, elaborate decorations, special food and the exchanging of gifts. Fan dancing and striking performances by dragon or lion dancers also feature heavily in festivities across the world.
Each new year is represented by an animal from the Chinese zodiac - 2022 is the Year of the Tiger. Anyone born this year, or during any of the previous years represented by the tiger is said to be: "ambitious, daring, courageous, enthusiastic and generous, with a sense of justice and a commitment to help others for the greater good."
Merton has a growing Chinese community and to join them in celebrating Chinese New Year, we have compiled a set of resources including online displays, music, poetry, film, recipes, puzzles and craft activities. We hope you enjoy them.
xīn nián kuài lè ! Happy new year!
Online Displays:
Click on the links below to access a range of online museum displays about China and Chinese New Year.
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(Evening Standard article) Click on the images for an enlarged view.
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Words and Pictures:
To access films, poems and music about Chinese New Year, click on the links below:
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What is Chinese New Year, 2022? How is the New Year Celebrated?
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New Year Zodiac Story (CBeebies) |
Useful Websites and Resources:
Click on the links below to access a range of information on the history and traditions of Chinese New Year.
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Chinese New Year: Origins & History Best UK Sites: Chinese collections
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Chinatown London: A Potted History
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Local Organisations:
For information about organisations celebrating and raising awareness if Chinese culture, follow the links below:
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London SW Community Association Chinese Cultural Group, Merton
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London Chinese Community Centre
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Test Your Knowledge:
How much do you know about Chinese New Year? Try our puzzles to learn more.
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Recipes:
To make your own delicious snacks and meals for Chinese New Year, click on the recipe links below.
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New Year Recipes (BBC Good Food)
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Craft Activities:
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Family Celebration (Colouring)
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Chinese New Year Red Envelopes
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Decorations for Chinese New Year
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For more heritage resources, visit our History Pages & Activities section.