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Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, falls on February 10th this year. It is a time of vibrant celebrations and rich traditions, and what a great setting the great outdoors provides us for celebrating this special holiday to welcome the year of the Dragon. Here are some Forest School Chinese New Year Activities that can be done inside or the outdoors to welcome Chinese New Year.
1. Make a fire-breathing dragon using materials you find on your adventures.
The Dragon is a symbol of strength, courage, and good fortune. As one of the 12 zodiac animals, the Dragon stands out for its majestic and mythical nature. This zodiac year is associated with innovation and growth, encouraging us to embrace challenges with bravery and enthusiasm.
Gather leaves, branches, moss, and anything else you can find on your outdoor adventures, and craft your unique fire-breathing dragon.
Image from: @myriadnaturaltoys on Instagram
2. Assemble a Chinese ‘Fu’ character using natural materials.
The Auspicious 'Fu' Character (福) holds a place of honour in many homes. Translating to 'fortune' or 'good luck,' this character is a powerful symbol of blessings and happiness. It is traditionally displayed upside down, which in Chinese sounds like "Fu arrives.”, signifying the arrival or pouring in of good fortune. Often seen on doorways and walls, the 'Fu' character is beautifully rendered in calligraphy and is a quintessential part of Chinese New Year decorations, embodying wishes for prosperity and joy in the coming year.
Collect grains, seeds, berries, leaves, etc. and assemble a 'Fu' character. Try to search for red materials as it symbolizes good luck.
Image from: http://xhslink.com/wdfPwA
Click here to download a printable ‘Fu’ character outline:
3. Make nature-inspired dumplings (Jiaozi).
Dumplings, or 'Jiaozi' in Mandarin, are a symbol of prosperity and family unity. Resembling ancient Chinese gold ingots, these delectable treats are believed to bring wealth and good fortune for the coming year. Traditionally prepared as a family, the act of making dumplings is as significant as enjoying them, representing the coming together of loved ones and the sharing of blessings. Make some dumplings with colourful natural edible elements rolled into the dough to make it a little extra. Parsley, edible flowers, chives, or fennel are all great options. As for the filling, add whatever your heart desires.
Image from: http://xhslink.com/wdfPwA
Here’s a video tutorial on how to make dumpling wrappers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hkFsnnTn90
and here's a video tutorial on how to fold the dumpling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBhidSPNE6A
4. Make a pinecone dragon
Image from: http://xhslink.com/5vYBUA
Connect pinecones together and add some branches, goggly eyes, and decorate it to make your very own dragon. Connect the pieces using a hot glue gun, or try threading them together for a movable dragon craft.
5. Make a hanging decor/mobile
Image from: http://xhslink.com/WiRCUA
Gather a stick, some rope, a few nice leaves, and some red paper, and you got yourself the materials needed to make this beautiful Chines New Year hanging decor/mobile. Write some characters or words symbolizing good luck on the pieces of red paper to bring in good fortune in the new year.
Here are some common lucky characters in Chinese and their meanings:
福 - blessing/good fortune
平安 - peace
如意 - wishes come true
喜乐 - happiness
龙 - dragon
财 - fortune
6. Make a pair of chopsticks
Find some branches to carve a pair of chopsticks, or just find the perfect branches to use as chopsticks. As a bonus activity, practice picking up items with the chopsticks or have a competition to see who can pickup the most items with their chopsticks.
Here is a blog showing how to carve a pair of chopsticks: https://www.mainecoastcraft.com/blog/first-greenwood-carving-project-chopsticks
7. Organize a dragon dance
You don’t need professional gear or a choreography to organize a dragon dance. Just tie up a long cloth (a parachute works great) to some sticks or bats, and add a diy dragon head to it. Have one person leading the dance with a red ball on a stick, and let the dance party begin! As a bonus activity, get some drums and Gong to play some Chinese music
Here is a video of a professional dragon dance performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep6FJmh3jJ4
8. Practice calligraphy
Image from: http://www.bhjingrui.com/index/58000.html
Practice writing with calligraphy brushes with ink and red paper to make lucky Chinese New Year door stickers. As an alternative to ink, you can also use water and practice on rocks.
9. Do a Lucky Red Envelope hunt
Giving out money-filled red envelopes on Chinese New Year is a tradition that symbolizes passing on good fortune to friends, colleagues, and the younger generation. While you may not want to be giving out money to your students, you can still practice this tradition in a fun way. Fill each envelope with a good wish or chocolate coins, and hide them around the forest to have a lucky red envelope hunt. See who can find the most envelopes and bring in the most good luck.
Hope you enjoyed these Forest School Chinese New Year/Lunar New YearActivities - 2024. Although these activities are selected for forest school settings, you don't need to be a forest school to try them out. If you have any questions on how to do them or have other great ideas you'd like to share with us, feel free to reach out. Have fun celebrating!
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