My family loves any excuse to have a party, so of course, we celebrate Chinese New Year! Any holiday that includes food, family, firecrackers & fire-breathing dragons is definitely worth celebrating in my book!
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We make "PATTY HATS" and RED PAPER LANTERNS for the right atmosphere. Ring the DINNER GONG, then sit on the floor around the coffee table to eat Chinese food with chopsticks! How much fun is that! Order take out or make your own dishes with some of the recipes below. You can find lots of inexpensive Chinese paper plates, napkins, lanterns, and scratch-off fortune cards on Amazon (HERE) to set the perfect table!
Take this time while eating to teach your kids the legend of Nian and also about the Chinese Zodiac. Visit the Chinese Zodiac website HERE to have some fun learning under which sign each of your family members were born then see if they have any of the traditional characteristics associated with that sign. Previous Tiger Years include 1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, and 2010.
End the meal with fortune cookies, a fortune scratch-off, a red envelope, or all 3 for everyone, then watch a movie or read a book from our list below. End the evening with firecrackers, if your city allows them, sparklers if not. For a real surprise, make firecrackers in your mouth with POP ROCK SUGAR COOKIES! (have your cameras ready!)
This is a really fun evening to share with your kids, plus it provides the opportunity to learn about another culture. There are tons of cute ideas on PINTEREST, so let your imagination run wild and start a new family tradition!
Gong Xi Fat Sai! Roughly translated from Mandarin Chinese, it means "Congratulations and Prosperity!"
For over four thousand years, Chinese New Year celebrations have marked the end of a long winter and the beginning of spring. Following a lunar calendar, the new year begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice and ends on the full moon fifteen days later. It is the most important holiday for the Chinese, marked by traditional meals, fireworks, family gatherings, gift giving, Red Envelopes, and a Lantern Festival at the end of the festivities.
LEARN: The Legend of Chinese New Year
Nian lived deep within the sea for the entire year, but on every Chinese New Year Eve, he would come ashore. He devoured livestock and humans, so everyone fled to the mountains to escape harm.
One year, an elderly man appeared in the village on the Eve of the New Year and promised to chase the beast away. The villagers did not believe him; they tried to convince him to flee with them, but he refused.
When Nian emerged to wreak his usual havoc, the man set off firecrackers, lit bright lanterns, and waved red banners that frightened Nian, causing him to flee. The villagers returned, expecting the worst, but found their village intact and safe. The elderly man was not there, but they found the remains of the three items he used to scare Nian away and decided that he must have freed them from the beast.
From that day on, the villagers set off firecrackers, lit lanterns, and waved red banners to await the New Year, and the festival became known as the "Passing of Nian." "Nian" is the Chinese word that means "year," and this is how the legend was born.
Now that you know the story of Nian, you may think that the dragon, often seen in Chinese New Year parades and celebrations, represents the legendary beast. Actually, the Dragon is a symbol of good fortune in Chinese culture and the dance is performed by skilled dancers. It is also believed that the longer the dragon in the dance, the more good fortune will fall upon the community that year.
Watch a Chinese Dragon Dance and learn it's meaning
LEARN: The Zodiac
Every Chinese New Year is associated with a specific animal: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, or Pig. Chinese astrology says you will display characteristics of these animals, depending on the year in which you were born.
According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2022 is the Year of the Tiger. The Tiger is known to be the king of all beasts, and is seated third in the Chinese zodiac order of animals. Those born during a Tiger Year are said to possess some of the qualities of the animal itself, including courageous, assertive and natural leaders. Tiger signs are said to be hungry for thrill and crave attention, not to mention short tempered but capable of generosity.
Previous Tiger Years include 1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, and 2010.
Each zodiac sign also has one of five elements (Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth) attached to it on a rotating basis. That means every 60 years, one element will apply to the Zodiac sign and have certain personality traits associated with it. 2022 is the Year of the Water Tiger. Those born this year are said to have great interpersonal relationships, and be very family oriented. The last Water Tiger year was 1962.
Other recent years include:
1914 & 1974: Wood Tigers love to learn, have excellent memories, and are creative with a solid group of friends.
1926 & 1986: Fire Tigers are detail oriented, talented, and strong willed – but hate discussion.
1938 & 1998: Earth Tigers are generous, but can have an arrogant side as well. Either way, they love to help.
1950 & 2010: Metal Tigers are natural leaders with a rebellious side, but are also sympathetic to those on their team.
Celebrate the Lunar New Year
Around the Atlanta Metro
MAKE:
Duluth Library on Tuesday, Feb 1, 5-6PM- Young Makers - Make Light-Up Lunar New Year Cards
ATTEND EVENTS:
Atlanta Dance Company will perform at various locations:
- Woodstock Public Library on Tuesday, February 1 at 5 pm
Read 3 Reasons to Celebrate at Atlantic Station including:
- Lunar New Year Jan 18 - Feb 28 5 pm - 9 pm
- Lunar New Year Lion Dance Feb 10 at 6 pm - 7 pm
- 8 Day Virtual Lunar New Year Scavenger Hunt Feb 1, 2022 at 10am - Feb 8 at 10 am
The Chien Hong School of Kung Fu will perform the lion dance, dragon dance, and kung fu at various businesses around the Chinese community primarily at Orient Center and Asian Square. Support these local businesses and bring some cash to help spread good fortune. The lions are looking for the lucky money (Hong bao/red packets) 
Come one...come all, help us ring in the Year of the Tiger 
- 31 January (Monday @ 5:30 - 9 pm) Atlanta Hawks game
- 6 February (Sunday) 9:30 am - 10 am Canton House 12:00 pm Hong Duc (4897 Buford Hwy NE, Chamblee, GA 30341) 1 pm 2 pm Hong Duc (5150 Buford Hwy NE Ste. A120, Doraville, GA 30340)
- 10 February (Thursday @ evening) Atlantic Station (6 pm - 7 pm)
Celebrate the Lunar New Year virtually
The Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the United States of America is hosting a free virtual event at 10 a.m. ET Sat. Feb. 5 to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Attendees will enjoy streamed video performances of dances, acrobatics, and yo-yo tricks by the Madison Chinese Dance Academy, and also watch demonstrations of traditional Chinese crafting and Lunar New Year traditions, including the classic lion dance. The event is free but registration is required.
The Tiger symbolizes strength, the exorcising of evils, and braveness. Water Tigers specifically are known for their strong sense of self-esteem, their learning ability, their connection to family, and their good interpersonal relationships.
The year of the Tiger begins Tuesday, Feb. 1, coinciding with the first new moon of the lunar calendar. While commonly referred to in the United States as Chinese New Year, many East Asian and Southeast Asian countries outside Mainland China also celebrate the Lunar New Year, including Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Tibet, Bhutan, Mongolia, and the Philippines.
Each country has its own unique traditions and customs to usher in the New Year, but common to all celebrations are coming together with family and friends, gift-giving, and preparing and eating traditional foods.
EAT: Some Dim Sum!
- Not familar? You are missing a real treat! Dim Sum is comprised of countless small plates of dumplings, rolls, buns and soups plus more traditional items like General Tso and Sweet and Sour, served from carts that constantly pass by your table. You probably won't recognize some of the dishes but the person driving the cart will do their best to describe them to you. There are so many terrific Chinese restaurants close to us, so get out of your comfort zone and try something new for a fun, family meal you kids will love! Try any of the following:
Oriental Pearl, 5399 New Peachtree Rd., Chamblee. (My family's favorite!)
Golden House now Won Won Seafood Restaurant, 1600 Pleasant Hill Rd, Duluth.
Canton House, 4825 Buford Hwy., Chamblee. A local favorite with authentic flavors.
Royal China, 3295 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd. Chamblee. A mainstay in dim sum, this place has the widest selection.
READ: Stories About Chinese Culture
- Round is a Mooncake: A Book of Shapes by Roseanne Thongs
This book for toddlers and preschoolers was a family favorite when my boys were little. From round rice bowls to square dim sum, it introduces children to a variety of objects that are significant in Chinese culture. - Dim Sum for Everyone by Grace Lin
Another book that is just right for very young children, this one celebrates a cultural custom and a universal favorite activity ... eating! - Tikki Tikki Tembo by Arlene Mosel
A re-telling of an ancient Chinese folktale about a boy with a very long name (Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo!) who fell down a well. - Celebrating Chinese New Year by Carolyn Otto
Part of the Holidays Around the World series, the book engages school-age children with fun facts and beautiful pictures. Additional books, videos, and websites are also provided. - Crouching Tiger by Ying Chang Compestine
School-age children will enjoy this story about a Chinese-American boy and his relationship with his grandfather who has come from China to visit.
WATCH: A Family Movie
- Mulan (G)
When the emperor of China calls for all families to defend the country against barbarian invaders, a courageous Mulan disguises herself as a male soldier to preclude her aging father from having to fight in the war. - The Karate Kid (PG)
Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith star in this modern update of the movie we fell in love with back in the '80s (remember swooning over Ralph Macchio?). - Kung Fu Panda (PG)
With characters voiced by Jack Black (Po), Dustin Hoffman (Master Shifu), Angelina Jolie (Tigress), Jackie Chan (Monkey), and Seth Rogen (Mantis), this 2008 animated movie from Dreamworks was a huge hit with kids and adults alike! You can even make it a movie marathon with Kung Fu Panda 2 and 3! - The Dragon Pearl (PG) (My family's favorite!)
Josh (Louis Corbett) and Ling (Li Lin Jin) thought they were in for a boring vacation with each of their parents (Sam Neill and Wang Ji) at an archaeological dig in China. It turns into an adventure of a lifetime when they discover a mournful dragon trapped deep inside a mystical temple. According to ancient legend, the dragon is missing its life force, a sacred pearl that is hidden away in a secret chamber. Josh and Ling must battle evil forces (and some very skeptical parents) in their heart-stopping journey to return the magical pearl to its rightful owner. - Life of Pi (PG)
This is a beautiful coming-of-age story directed by Ang Lee and based on the novel by Yann Martel. It received eleven Academy Award nominations and won the categories of Director, Cinematography, Score, and Visual Effects. - Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (PG-13)
This martial arts spectacular featuring incredible action sequences and special effects earned ten Academy Award nominations and won the categories of Score, Cinematography, Art Direction, and Foreign Language Film. - The Last Emperor (PG-13) (Also another favorite for tweens & teens)
Winner of nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Cinematography, this epic film tells the true story of Pu Yi, the last imperial ruler of China.
COOK: Chinese Dishes
 | Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Kids will love creating their own lettuce wraps in this fun, hands-on dinner idea. If you're not a fan of lettuce, you can use whole-wheat tortillas for your wrap instead. Get the recipe HERE. | ||
 | DIY Chinese Dumplings Dumplings, called jiaozi in Mandarin, have been popular in China for hundreds of years, especially during Chinese New Year. What better way to celebrate than to make your own dumplings! The recipe below is for a traditional pork and chive filling, but the great thing about dumplings is that you can make all sorts of different fillings. Get the recipe HERE. | ||
 | Egg Drop Soup Whip up a pot of this delicious soup using just four ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Get the recipe HERE. | ||
 | Fortune Cookies Remind the ones you love how special they are when YOU make the fortune in these homemade cookies. Get the recipe HERE. | ||
 | New Year Tray of Prosperity Share a special six-sided platter filled with dried fruits, nuts, and other foods to bring in a lucky year. Get the instructions HERE. |
PLAY: Fun Crafts and Games
 | Chinese New Year Gong Literally, ring in the Chinese New Year with a make-at-home gong. Get the instructions HERE. | ||
 | The New Year Game of Jianzi During the Chinese New Year holiday, children enjoy all kinds of games, including a game of shuttlecock called jianzi, which can be played by any number of people. Get the instructions HERE. | ||
 | The Red Envelope Red is the color of good luck and happiness in Chinese tradition and a monetary gift given in a red envelope is believed to be "lucky money" for the recipient. Get the instructions HERE. |
Learn more about Chinese New Year: at https://chinesenewyear.net/ or http://www.chinesenewyears.info/
Learn about other fun, family holidays and events this month HERE.
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