Chinese Lanterns
Chinese lanterns are a very integrated part of their traditions and this goes back to the very early days of their culture. Each year they hold the lantern festival where thousands of them are lit and displayed. This celebration takes place on the 15th day of the first month during a lunar year. The 15th day was chosen as this is when the new moon will be seen as well.
This is the last activity that takes place over days of interactions that celebrate the beginning of the Chinese New Year. The designs of the Chinese lanterns are very beautiful and quite unique. People take a great deal of pride in making them rather than just going out and buying them. Children often make the too from colorful paper. Many of them take on the shapes of animals, especially those that have special years named after them in the tradition of the Chinese New Year.
Due to the beauty of Chinese lanterns they have become popular all over the world. Yet most people don’t use them as the Chinese do to celebrate their New Year. If you ever get a chance to witness this event taking place in China you will find it to be very fascinating. You can only imagine what it is like until you actually get the chance to experience it.
It is believed the use of Chinese lanterns to celebrate the New Year has been in place since about 206 BC. They have certain changed over the years in size and design. Yet the true meaning behind them is still alive and well. The Chinese culture is one that definitely takes a great deal of pride in all it has to offer to old and new generations.
Many teachers find that talking to their class about the Chinese culture is important. They often conclude with an activity where they can made Chinese lanterns to take home. It is a great way for them to learn about history from other cultures around the world. At the same time it is very likely that they will go home and share what they learned with the rest of their family as they show off the Chinese lantern they made.
