Chinese New Year - Facts for Kids

Beliefs and Superstitions

During Chinese New Year, it’s considered unlucky to break items like dishes, plates, or glassware.

During the first month of the Chinese New Year, it’s considered unlucky to cut your hair. This belief stems from the Chinese word for hair, “发” (fā), which sounds like “发财” (fācái), meaning “to become wealthy.” Cutting hair during this period is thought to “wash away” good fortune.

During Chinese New Year, many people believe that what happens on New Year’s Day will affect their whole year!

It’s considered unlucky to lend or borrow money during the Chinese New Year period!

During Chinese New Year, it’s believed that a child’s crying on New Year’s Day can bring bad luck to the family for the entire year.

During Chinese New Year, it’s considered unlucky to buy new shoes, as the word for “shoes” in Chinese sounds like “sigh,” which is associated with bad luck.

During Chinese New Year, some families place sugar cane at their doorway to bring sweetness to life!

During Chinese New Year, some people believe it’s bad luck to take medicine on the first day of the year! It’s believed that taking medicine on New Year’s Day will result in illness throughout the entire year.

During Chinese New Year, It’s believed that the weather on New Year’s Day predicts the year’s harvest!

Global Celebrations

San Francisco’s Chinese New Year parade is the largest celebration of its kind outside of Asia, featuring over 100 parade units!

In Malaysia, during Chinese New Year celebrations, people celebrate with a special dance called “yee sang” where everyone tosses a special salad together — the higher they toss, the more luck they’ll have!

In Singapore, during Chinese New Year celebrations, people celebrate with a special festival called “River Hongbao” where giant lanterns shaped like zodiac animals float on the water!

In South Korea, people celebrate Seollal (their Lunar New Year) by playing traditional games like yut nori, a board game played with special sticks!

Vietnamese people celebrate Tết (their Lunar New Year) by giving branches of yellow apricot blossoms in the south and pink peach blossoms in the north as decorations!