We celebrated the Chinese new year or Lunar year as it is known in some regions. 2023 is the year of the rabbit, the children enjoyed learning about the Jade Emperor who ruled China at the time and why he wanted measure time. He decided to hold a race with some animals found in China. The first 12 animals to cross the river would be rewarded with a year being named after them. The children learned that the 12 animals were: The rat, the ox, the tiger, the rabbit, the dragon, the snake, the horse, the goat, the monkey, the rooster, the dog and finally the pig.
The children enjoyed learning about the different Chinese new year celebrations and customs such as parades, festivals, dragons and lanterns. They also created some lovely artwork. They painted rabbit silhouettes, and created Chinese lanterns.
The Lunar year celebrations will run from the 21st of January until the 20th of February.
