This week we have been learning about Lunar New Year.
Carmen shared the legend of the mythical beast Nian that was scared away by the colour red and the sound of fire crackers, which is why houses are decorated with red during Lunar New Year. The colour red symbolises good luck, happiness and good fortune.
The children enjoyed watching the exciting clips, linked below and we were inspired to create our own Chinese dragons. We decorated them with red and gold paper and took turns under the dragon costume, dancing to the music and parading around the classroom as the other children clapped and banged their drums.
The dragon dance started in ancient agricultural rituals over 2,000 years ago, originally performed as a rain ceremony during droughts. Communities would parade dragon effigies through fields, accompanied by drums and firecrackers, to awaken the dragon of the clouds and plead for rainfall. Over time, it evolved into a folk celebration, particularly during Lunar New Year, to exorcise bad luck and welcome prosperity.
HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR !
This is the Lion dance the children enjoyed dancing to – Click here.
Here is the video of firecrackers the children watched – Click here.
