Our US classes practiced Chinese calligraphy with Chinese brushes; made their own Chinese lanterns; learned how to make traditional paper decorations; and made traditional origami rabbits to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit. The students also completed a project studying the traditional culture and customs of Chinese New Year, including Chinese idioms and the seasonal activities of each region in China. They then had free reign to create an artistic and linguistic masterpiece to show what they had discovered. 

The following MS students offered these thoughts on what they had learned: 

"During the Chinese New Year, we learned how to say, “Happy New Year” and how to give good fortune to people in Chinese. On the first two days, we reviewed and played games on Chinese New Year animals, watched videos, and practiced writing the characters in Chinese. We also learned what animal we were based on our birth year and a bit of astrology on Chinese New Year, such as “Yin Yang." For example, “Yin” would represent fire and air signs such as Aries, Gemini, Libra, Leo, Aquarius, and Sagittarius. And “Yang” would represent Earth and water like Virgo, Taurus, Capricorn, Cancer, Pisces, and Scorpio. Then we did some activities like a mix and match of what happens on a Lunar New Year’s Day, and we got some treats, including chocolate coins to show the pockets with money, and small fake masks of dragons to show the shows that happen during the lunar new year." (Aguilera Ochoa Angeline '29)

"My perspective on Chinese New Year changed entirely. I never understood how special and amazing it really was. I was able to learn about the culture, learn about the zodiacs, and write in Chinese calligraphy. We ate snacks and learned about families’ traditions during this time of year. We danced and sang songs. Overall, I loved Chinese New Year and would love to eat and learn more about these traditions." (Manasseh Gomez '27)

We wish you all a prosperous year of the Rabbit!
祝大家新春快乐，身体健康，财运亨通，万事如意!