Every holiday has customs, ornaments, food and items that make it feel and taste special. Chinese New Year is no exception. Here is a set of 10 Mandarin words that kids can learn for this special occasion:
1) 鞭炮 (biān pào) – Firecracker
Since ancient times in China, villagers would light firecrackers to scare away the Nian Monster and prevent him from harming people and causing mischief.
2) 餃子 (jiǎozi) – Dumplings
Chinese families eat dumplings on New Year’s Eve to say goodbye to winter and greet the spring.You can’t have a celebration without jiǎozi!
3) 燈籠 (dēng lóng) – Lantern
Dēnglóng are the stars of the Lantern Festival, illuminating a safe path home at night.The roundness of the lanterns symbolizes harmony and unity..
4) 龍 (lóng) – Dragon
On Chinese New Year, martial arts schools and dance groups perform the Dragon Dance to the beat of drums and cymbals. Watching a dragon dance brings good luck!
5) 羊 (yáng) – Sheep
Yáng is the eighth zodiac animal of the Chinese calendar. Charming and kind, people born under the sheep are artistic and considerate of others.
6) 梅花 (méi huā) – Plum Blossom
The plum flowers bloom at the end of winter, enduring the cold and harsh winds. Méihuā are a symbol of hope and renewal, and symbolize the coming of spring.
7) 搖錢樹 (yáo qián shù) – Money Tree
Hanging wishes on a tree is a popular Chinese New Year custom. The wishes are written on paper and hung inside red or pink envelopes.
8) 新月 (xīn yuè) – New Moon
Did you know that Chinese New Year starts on the first new moon of the year? That’s why the holiday date is different every year!
9) 新年 (xīn nián) – New Year
10) 新年好 (xīn nián hǎo) – Happy New Year!
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