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Lunar New Year: DIY Firecracker Craft
Chinese Zodiac Signs
Chinese astrology has 12 different zodiac signs. Each is represented by a different animal. These Chinese zodiac signs last about a year long (versus the western astrological signs which last for about 4 weeks each). In order, they are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. A new cycle begins on Chinese New Year which usually falls between mid-January to early February. The Chinese zodiac follows the lunar calendar, so the dates of Chinese New Year vary from year to year. Thus, if you have a birthday in January or February, pay close attention to when the Lunar New Year was for that year to determine your sign.
Throughout China and much of Asia, the zodiac signs are used to predict one’s personality. It is said that the individual’s personality will reflect that of his/her sign animal’s personality.
The Year of the Rabbit
This year, Chinese New Year lands on January 22, 2023. This is the year of the rabbit. Those born with this Chinese zodiac sign are usually soft and tender in personality, modest in attitude, and are pleasant to be around. They are not easily irritated and tend to avoid conflict.
Chinese New Year Decoration
It is always fun teaching your kids about different cultures and customs. Decorating is a fun and easy way to start the conversation. This simple Chinese firecracker decoration is a great activity for the kids.
You will need...
- Red cardstock
- Gold and Red curling ribbon
- Gold pen
- Black paint and brush
- Hole punch
- Double stick tape
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Tape
Lets get started
First, cut the red cardstock into quarters, cutting down the middle both horizontally and vertically. Take one piece and trim into a square.
Next...
Next, take the square piece of red cardstock and use the gold pen to draw a border on the edges of the square. Then, use the brush and black paint to paint on the Chinese symbol for "rabbit" onto the square. You can certainly paint on other symbols or even a picture of a rabbit if you prefer.
Then...
While the paint is drying, take the rectangle pieces of red cardstock and roll to form the "firecrackers." Place small pieces of double stick tape on the long edge of the rectangle. Roll and stick the other edge to the tape to create the tube. Repeat with all the rectangle pieces.
Then, use the gold pen to draw a line around the tubes, one on each end.
Next, take the red curling ribbon and cut equal lengths of ribbon for each set of two tubes. Then, use the tape and connect the ends of the ribbon to the inside of the tube so it looks like the picture.
Finally, let’s put it all together:
- Use the hole punch and punch out a hole in the top and bottom corners of the square.
- Use the gold ribbon to tie a loop into the top hole to create a hanger.
- Cut about 15″-20″ of red ribbon and tie one end into the bottom hole of the square. (I used a piece of tape to tape the tail end to the back of the square so it doesn’t flap around).
- Take one set of “firecrackers” and tie them onto the hanging piece of red ribbon.
- Then, take another set and tie them onto the hanging red ribbon, about a half inch below the previous set.
- Repeat until all sets are attached.
*NOTE: you will have one “firecracker” that does not have a match, since you used one rectangle piece to create the top square of the decoration. Tape the end of the hanging red ribbon into the remaining “firecracker.”
Now you have a nice homemade decoration to hang up for Chinese New Year. You could make a new one each year by just painting on a new sign symbol.