Did you know that Chinese New Year isn’t just celebrated in China? Ring in this international holiday with these fun facts and easy DIY paper craft ideas for kids.
5 Fun Facts about Chinese New Year
- 2020 is the Year of the Rat. There are 12 animals representing the Chinese zodiac. Those born in that animal’s year are believed to adopt its traits and characteristics.
- Several Asian countries celebrate. Although it is commonly known as Chinese New Year, the lunar holiday is actually recognized by one-fifth of the world’s population, including in Vietnam, Taiwan, Indonesia, and North and South Korea.
- Lucky red envelopes are gifts of money. Younger children and employees are often gifted with decorative red envelopes by older siblings, parents or employers that contain “lucky money.”
- Holiday dates vary each year. The dates for Chinese New Year depend on the phases of the moon and can fall anywhere from Jan. 21 to Feb. 20.
- Lunar New Year lasts 15 days. On the 16th day of the holiday, a Lantern Festival and Dragon Dance at nightfall mark the end of the festivities until the following year’s new moon.
Chinese New Year Paper Crafts
Print several patterns on a variety of paper stock that can be turned into fun and educational crafts for children.
Paper Fortune Cookie
Recommended Print Product: 70# offset opaque letterhead
- Cut 4″ circles out of the decorative paper for the cookies.
- Write fortunes on small strips of white paper.
- Place fortune in center of circle.
- Gently fold down the top side without creasing or folding all the way.
- Fold the bottom half over and press in the center to form a bend/crease.
- Pinch the sides together.
- Put a dab of hot glue on the inside of the crease.
- Hold fortune cookie in place for a few seconds to allow glue to dry.
Paper Lanterns
Recommended Print Product: 110# premium uncoated flyer
- Fold paper in half lengthwise to create a crease.
- Mark a 1″ line from the edge opposite of the crease.
- Measure and draw a line every 1/2″ from the folded end. Cut the lines from the folded end up to the marked line from the edge.
- Unfold the lantern and join the ends with tape or glue to create a cylinder.
- To decorate, adhere ribbon along the top and bottom edges.
- To hang, cut leftover paper into strips and attach at the top on the inside of the lantern.
Shop paper products for crafts and more at overnightprints.com
