Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the first lunar month in the calendar for billions of people across the world, most notably across Asia. The celebration may also be known as Chinese New Year, New Year Festival or Spring Festival, depending where in the world you are.
Many of the traditions associated with Lunar New Year provide excellent opportunities for young people to engage with vibrant colours and shapes, which is why hands-on activities like arts and crafts provides a great opportunity to learn more about the occasion.
The following crafting activities are not only great to do in the classroom or at home, but they will also allow children to learn more about other cultures, to help broaden their cultural understanding of the world.
Here are three arts and crafts activities to get pupils engaged with Lunar New Year.
Paper Lanterns
Lanterns are an iconic symbol of the Lunar New Year, representing hope and prosperity. The lantern festival takes place on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, and it marks the end of the New Year celebration.
Resources you’ll need:
• Coloured paper
• Scissors
• Glue or tape
• Marker pens
Steps:
1. Fold a piece of paper in half lengthwise.
2. Cut evenly spaced slits along the folded edge, leaving about an inch uncut at the top and bottom.
3. Unfold the paper and roll it into a cylinder shape, with the slits creating a lantern effect.
4. Secure the edges with glue or tape.
5. Useother coloured paper to add a handle and decorate with stickers or drawings.
Teaching Tip: Discuss the significance of the red colour in Lunar New Year, symbolizing good luck and happiness.
Animal Masks
The Lunar New Year is associated with the East and Southeast Asia Zodiac, a 12-animal cycle. In 2025, the celebrations will be focussed on the Year of the Snake. You can learn more about this on A Beginner’s Guide to The Lunar New Year by Tapestry.
Creating masks could help children learn about this tradition while having fun personalising their animal design.
Resources you’ll need:
• Blank paper to draw animal design
• Crayons, markers, or paint
• Scissors
• Elastic string or craft sticks
Steps:
1. Draw the outline of the current year’s zodiac animal onto the blank piece of paper or choose a different one if you prefer.
2. Colour in or paint the design.
3. Cut out the masks and attach elastic string at the back, or affix a craft stick at the bottom, for wearing or holding.
Teaching Tip: Share a simple story or characteristics about the Zodiac animals. For example, “The Year of the Snake symbolizes transformation, renewal, and wisdom!”
Red Envelopes
Red envelopes are given as gifts during Lunar New Year to wish good fortune, as the colour symbolizes good luck and happiness. While traditional envelopes may contain money, this craft version can incorporate personalised messages inside the envelopes.
Resources you’ll need:
• Red paper or card
• Gold or yellow markers
• Stickers, glitter, or sequins
• Glue
Steps:
1. Fold the paper into an envelope shape and secure with glue, leaving room to insert paper messages.
2. Decorate the envelope with gold drawings, such as characters, flowers, or patterns.
3. Write positive messages or wishes and place them inside the envelope.
Teaching Tip: Explain the cultural practice of giving red envelopes, emphasizing the importance of generosity and kindness.
Share your designs with us!
Incorporating Lunar New Year arts and crafts into the classroom not only sparks creativity but also fosters an appreciation for cultural diversity. By combining storytelling, visual arts, and hands-on activities, children can develop a deeper understanding of Lunar New Year traditions.
If you were inspired to create any of the arts and crafts ideas in this blog, please share your photos with us via our social media channels!
