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Chinese Zodiac Sign

Years

Rat

...1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020...

Ox

...1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021...

Tiger

...1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022...

Rabbit

... 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023 ...

Dragon

... 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024 ...

Snake

... 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025 ...

Horse

... 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026 ...

Goat

... 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027 ...

Monkey

... 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028 ...

Rooster

... 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029 ...

Dog

... 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030 ...

Pig

... 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031 ...

Chinese New Year, day 1 of the Chinese lunar year, falls somewhere in the period January 21st to February 20th.

The Start of Spring is the 1st of the 24 Solar Terms, beginning on February 3rd or 4th.

What is the Chinese zodiac, and how many animal signs does it have?

The Chinese zodiac is a system that assigns an animal to each year in a repeating 12-year cycle. Each animal sign is believed to represent different personality traits, fortunes, and prospects for the people born in that year. The 12 animals in the zodiac cycle are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal has its unique characteristics, symbolism, and cultural significance, which have been passed down through generations.

The Chinese zodiac is based on a combination of astronomy, astrology, and mythology. It dates back to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE) and has been used in China for thousands of years as a tool for fortune-telling, matchmaking, and personal and social guidance. The zodiac signs are also associated with the five elements - Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water, which further add to the complexity of the system.

Today, the Chinese zodiac is widely recognized and celebrated worldwide, and many people follow its predictions and customs. It is an essential part of Chinese culture and serves as a bridge between the past and the present, connecting generations and promoting cultural exchange and understanding.

Which animal is associated with the current year according to the Chinese zodiac?

The current year (2023) is the year of the Water Rabbit according to the Chinese zodiac. The Rabbit is the fourth animal sign in the zodiac cycle and is associated with good fortune, happiness, and peacefulness. People born in the year of the Rabbit are believed to be gentle, compassionate, and creative, with a strong sense of family and community.

The Rabbit is also associated with the Wood element, which is believed to symbolize growth, prosperity, and optimism. In Chinese astrology, the combination of the animal sign and the element can provide more specific predictions and insights into a person's personality and destiny.

The year of the Rabbit is considered an auspicious year for many things, such as starting a new business, getting married, or having a child. It is also a time to focus on building and strengthening relationships, pursuing personal growth and development, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life.

What are the characteristics and personality traits associated with people born in the year of the Dragon?

People born in the year of the Dragon are often seen as confident, ambitious, and adventurous. They are also known to be passionate, strong-willed, and have excellent leadership qualities. Dragons are the fifth animal sign in the Chinese zodiac and are associated with the Fire element, which is believed to symbolize energy, creativity, and transformation.

Dragons are highly respected and revered in Chinese culture and are often associated with the emperor, power, and authority. People born in the year of the Dragon are believed to possess some of these characteristics and are often successful in their careers and personal lives. They are also said to be charismatic, imaginative, and have a strong sense of justice and fairness.

Despite their many positive traits, Dragons can also be impulsive, stubborn, and prone to anger. They can sometimes struggle with their emotions and may find it challenging to work with others who do not share their vision or passion. However, with their determination and perseverance, Dragons can overcome most obstacles and achieve their goals.

How do people in China use the Chinese zodiac in their daily lives?

The Chinese zodiac is deeply embedded in Chinese culture and is often used in daily life to predict fortune and compatibility. Many people in China consult their zodiac sign when making important decisions, such as choosing a career, getting married, or starting a business. They may also use their zodiac sign to gain insight into their personality traits and tendencies.

In addition to personal use, the Chinese zodiac is also incorporated into various public events and festivals throughout the year. For example, during Chinese New Year celebrations, people often exchange gifts and greetings based on their zodiac sign. They may also attend special events and performances that feature the animals of the zodiac.

Overall, the Chinese zodiac serves as a cultural symbol of unity and connection in China. It is an integral part of daily life and remains a powerful tool for self-discovery and social interaction.

How has the Chinese zodiac influenced other cultures around the world?

The Chinese zodiac has a significant influence on many cultures around the world, particularly those in East Asia. Countries such as Japan, Korea, and Vietnam have adapted the Chinese zodiac into their own culture and often incorporate it into their daily lives.

In addition, the Chinese zodiac has also gained popularity in Western cultures, particularly in the United States and Europe. Many people in these regions are fascinated by the mystique and symbolism of the zodiac and use it as a tool for self-discovery and personal growth.

Overall, the Chinese zodiac has served as a powerful cultural bridge, connecting people across continents and promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. Its influence continues to grow and evolve as people around the world embrace its timeless wisdom and enduring appeal.

Choose your date of birth and find out about your Chinese zodiac sign. Find Your Zodiac Sign

Snake: enigmatic, intelligent, wise.

Horse: animated, active, energetic.

Goat: calm, gentle, sympathetic.

Monkey: sharp, smart, curious.

Dog: lovely, honest, prudent.

Chinese Zodiac Sign

Lucky Numbers

Lucky Colors

Lucky Flowers

Lucky Directions

Chinese Zodiac Sign

Unlucky Numbers

Unlucky Colors

Unlucky Directions

Chinese Zodiac Compatibility - Is He/She Right for You?

Best Matches for the 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs

An important use of the Chinese zodiac is to determine if two people are compatible in a romantic relationship... or any kind of relationship. Zodiac compatibility is usually checked before getting married in China.

People born in a certain zodiac animal year are believed to have attributes of that animal, which determines their personality traits and could either help or hinder a relationship.

Chinese Zodiac Compatibility Calculator

Enter date of birth and test now

Best Matches for the 12 Zodiac Signs

Rat: Rat, Ox, Dragon, or Monkey

Ox: Rat, Snake, or Rooster

Tiger: Horse, Dog, or Pig

Rabbit: Goat, Dog, or Pig

Dragon: Rat, Monkey, or Rooster

Snake: Ox or Rooster

Horse: Tiger, Goat, or Dog

Goat: Rabbit, Horse, Goat, or Pig

Monkey: Rat, Dragon, or Dog

Rooster: Ox, Dragon, or Snake

Dog: Tiger, Rabbit, Horse, or Monkey

Pig: Tiger, Rabbit, or Goat

Rat

OX

Tiger

Rabbit

Dragon

Snake

Horse

Goat

Monkey

Rooster

Dog

Pig

Rats' Horoscope in 2023:

Entering 2023, the fortune of you Rat people is generally good, but due to being in tangential opposition to Tai Sui (the age star), you will encounter some obstacles and your overall horoscope will be one of ups and downs. Be cautious and not impulsive in your actions during this year.

Read more on Monthly Horoscope for Rats in 2023.

Rat and Ox got up very early. On the way to the Gate, Rat jumped onto the back of the Ox to cross the river. He won first place by suddenly jumping down from Ox's back and dashed to the feet of the Emperor when they're near to the Heavenly Gate. Ox was second.

Tiger and Rabbit came third and fourth because both are fast and competitive, butTiger was faster.

Good-looking Dragon was fifth and was immediately noticed by the Jade Emperor, who said Dragon's son could be sixth. Just then, Snake came forward and said Dragon was his adoptive father; so Snake ranked sixth.

Horse and Goat arrived. They were very kind and modest and each let the other go first. They were ranked seventh and eighth.

Monkey had fallen well behind. But he jumped between trees and stones, and caught up to be ninth. Last were Rooster, Dog, and Pig.

What is the luckiest/unluckiest Chinese zodiac sign?

In Chinese culture, the top 5 luckiest/most popular zodiac signs are Dragon, Snake, Pig, Rat, and Tiger conventionally.

There is a popular Chinese folk saying that 9/10 Goats are inadequate (十羊九不全 '10 Goats 9 incomplete'), which implies that most people born in a year of the Goat are destined for bad luck. Most Chinese people also believe that people born in a Goat year will grow up to be followers rather than leaders. Although this is an outdated superstition, it has a real effect on Chinese society.

Conversely, the Dragon is the most coveted zodiac sign, with Chinese births peaking in Dragon years.

Rationally, it's hard to identify the luckiest or unluckiest zodiac signs, as each sign has its own advantages and disadvantages. Socially, different combinations of zodiac signs cause different relational dynamics, which may affect someone's life more, as we don't live in isolation.

What are the differences between Chinese zodiac and western astrology?

The main similarity between the two systems is that both systems are based on time periods of birth, and they both have 12 symbols or signs with associated personalities and fortunes.

However, there are big differences in their origins and astrological theory.

With the Chinese zodiac, the 12 signs are derived from the ancients' musings about archetypal animals, people's personalities and fortunes, and their relationships with one another and years of birth. A myth about a celestial race was later developed to explain the Chinese zodiac sequence.

This differs from Western astrology, where the 12 zodiac signs are based on constellations' positions relative to the earth. The constellations were named according to Greek mythology and astrological theory was developed based on the stars supposed influence on human personalities and lives.

In addition, the Chinese zodiac is calculated on a year-by-year base while the Western zodiac corresponds with " months".

Read more on Differences between the Chinese Zodiac and Western Astrology.

The 12 Japanese zodiac animals in order are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar.

The 12 Vietnamese zodiac animals in order are: Rat, Buffalo, Tiger, Cat, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.

The 12 Thai zodiac animals in order are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Naga (a mythical half-human-half-snake spirit), Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.

The 8 Burmese zodiac animals are: Garuda (a mythical bird), Tiger, Lion, Elephant (with tusks), Rat, Guinea Pig, and Dragon.

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The 12 Chinese Zodiac signs in order are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig. Check what your zodiac sign is.

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我属鸡。／我的生肖是鸡。我的姐姐

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我属鸡。／我的生肖是鸡。
我的姐姐属蛇。／我的姐姐的生肖是蛇。
我的父母属马。／我的父母的生肖是马。
我的外婆属羊。我的外婆的生肖是羊。
Wǒ shǔ jī./Wǒ de shēngxiào shì jī. Wǒ de jiějiě shǔ shé./Wǒ de jiějiě de shēngxiào shì shé. Wǒ de fùmǔ shǔ mǎ./Wǒ de fùmǔ de shēngxiào shì mǎ. Wǒ de wàipó shǔ yáng. Wǒ de wàipó de shēngxiào shì yáng.  My zodiac sign is chicken.
My sister's zodiac is snake.
My parents’ zodiac is horse.
My grandmother’s zodiac sign is sheep.

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On the Lunar New Year's Eve, Chinese people starts to greet each other through text or voice happy New Year messages, while later exchange Chinese New Year greetings face to face when visiting each other during the festival.

Start the following lesson on the most popular sayings for Chinese New Year, with written Chinese characters, sound marks in pinyin, human voice pronunciation, and their lucky meanings.

Say loudly in Chinese to express your joy and love to your family and friends!

5 Most Popular Chinese New Year Greetings

3 Ways to Say 'Happy New Year' in Chinese

You can add beginnings before New Year greetings:

Variations of saying 'Happy New Year'：

Best 2019 Chinese New Year Greetings

Sayings for Good Luck & Best Wishes

Chinese New Year Greetings for Family Life

Chinese New Year Greetings for Good Fortune

Greetings and Sayings for Business

Greetings and Wishes for Career

Sayings for Good Health & Safety

Chinese New Year Greetings for Students

Learn More Chinese Expressions

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Chinese New Year Greetings: Lucky Wishes and Sayings

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Learn most popular greetings for Chinese New Year with written Chinese characters, sound marks in pinyin, human voice pronunciation, and their lucky meanings.

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chinese new year blessings - Google Search

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gong xi fa cai card 2020 rat quotes 2019 images eve design animated

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我属狗
我的妈妈属马
我的爸爸属蛇

I am a dog, my mom is a horse, my dad is a snake

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简中 Little Chinese Learners [Simplified Chinese]

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Chinese Stories for Kids - Twelve Zodiac Animals 十二生肖 | Mandarin Lesson A7 | Little Chinese Learners

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Make lantern

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我属鸡. 我的姐姐属羊我

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我属鸡.
我的姐姐属羊
我的妈妈属兔

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我属狗

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Chinese Zodiac Sign

Years

Rat

...1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020...

Ox

...1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021...

Tiger

...1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022...

Rabbit

... 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023 ...

Dragon

... 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024 ...

Snake

... 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025 ...

Horse

... 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026 ...

Goat

... 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027 ...

Monkey

... 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028 ...

Rooster

... 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029 ...

Dog

... 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030 ...

Pig

... 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031 ...

Chinese New Year, day 1 of the Chinese lunar year, falls somewhere in the period January 21st to February 20th.

The Start of Spring is the 1st of the 24 Solar Terms, beginning on February 3rd or 4th.

What is the Chinese zodiac, and how many animal signs does it have?

The Chinese zodiac is a system that assigns an animal to each year in a repeating 12-year cycle. Each animal sign is believed to represent different personality traits, fortunes, and prospects for the people born in that year. The 12 animals in the zodiac cycle are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal has its unique characteristics, symbolism, and cultural significance, which have been passed down through generations.

The Chinese zodiac is based on a combination of astronomy, astrology, and mythology. It dates back to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE) and has been used in China for thousands of years as a tool for fortune-telling, matchmaking, and personal and social guidance. The zodiac signs are also associated with the five elements - Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water, which further add to the complexity of the system.

Today, the Chinese zodiac is widely recognized and celebrated worldwide, and many people follow its predictions and customs. It is an essential part of Chinese culture and serves as a bridge between the past and the present, connecting generations and promoting cultural exchange and understanding.

Which animal is associated with the current year according to the Chinese zodiac?

The current year (2023) is the year of the Water Rabbit according to the Chinese zodiac. The Rabbit is the fourth animal sign in the zodiac cycle and is associated with good fortune, happiness, and peacefulness. People born in the year of the Rabbit are believed to be gentle, compassionate, and creative, with a strong sense of family and community.

The Rabbit is also associated with the Wood element, which is believed to symbolize growth, prosperity, and optimism. In Chinese astrology, the combination of the animal sign and the element can provide more specific predictions and insights into a person's personality and destiny.

The year of the Rabbit is considered an auspicious year for many things, such as starting a new business, getting married, or having a child. It is also a time to focus on building and strengthening relationships, pursuing personal growth and development, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life.

What are the characteristics and personality traits associated with people born in the year of the Dragon?

People born in the year of the Dragon are often seen as confident, ambitious, and adventurous. They are also known to be passionate, strong-willed, and have excellent leadership qualities. Dragons are the fifth animal sign in the Chinese zodiac and are associated with the Fire element, which is believed to symbolize energy, creativity, and transformation.

Dragons are highly respected and revered in Chinese culture and are often associated with the emperor, power, and authority. People born in the year of the Dragon are believed to possess some of these characteristics and are often successful in their careers and personal lives. They are also said to be charismatic, imaginative, and have a strong sense of justice and fairness.

Despite their many positive traits, Dragons can also be impulsive, stubborn, and prone to anger. They can sometimes struggle with their emotions and may find it challenging to work with others who do not share their vision or passion. However, with their determination and perseverance, Dragons can overcome most obstacles and achieve their goals.

How do people in China use the Chinese zodiac in their daily lives?

The Chinese zodiac is deeply embedded in Chinese culture and is often used in daily life to predict fortune and compatibility. Many people in China consult their zodiac sign when making important decisions, such as choosing a career, getting married, or starting a business. They may also use their zodiac sign to gain insight into their personality traits and tendencies.

In addition to personal use, the Chinese zodiac is also incorporated into various public events and festivals throughout the year. For example, during Chinese New Year celebrations, people often exchange gifts and greetings based on their zodiac sign. They may also attend special events and performances that feature the animals of the zodiac.

Overall, the Chinese zodiac serves as a cultural symbol of unity and connection in China. It is an integral part of daily life and remains a powerful tool for self-discovery and social interaction.

How has the Chinese zodiac influenced other cultures around the world?

The Chinese zodiac has a significant influence on many cultures around the world, particularly those in East Asia. Countries such as Japan, Korea, and Vietnam have adapted the Chinese zodiac into their own culture and often incorporate it into their daily lives.

In addition, the Chinese zodiac has also gained popularity in Western cultures, particularly in the United States and Europe. Many people in these regions are fascinated by the mystique and symbolism of the zodiac and use it as a tool for self-discovery and personal growth.

Overall, the Chinese zodiac has served as a powerful cultural bridge, connecting people across continents and promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. Its influence continues to grow and evolve as people around the world embrace its timeless wisdom and enduring appeal.

Choose your date of birth and find out about your Chinese zodiac sign. Find Your Zodiac Sign

Snake: enigmatic, intelligent, wise.

Horse: animated, active, energetic.

Goat: calm, gentle, sympathetic.

Monkey: sharp, smart, curious.

Dog: lovely, honest, prudent.

Chinese Zodiac Sign

Lucky Numbers

Lucky Colors

Lucky Flowers

Lucky Directions

Chinese Zodiac Sign

Unlucky Numbers

Unlucky Colors

Unlucky Directions

Chinese Zodiac Compatibility - Is He/She Right for You?

Best Matches for the 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs

An important use of the Chinese zodiac is to determine if two people are compatible in a romantic relationship... or any kind of relationship. Zodiac compatibility is usually checked before getting married in China.

People born in a certain zodiac animal year are believed to have attributes of that animal, which determines their personality traits and could either help or hinder a relationship.

Chinese Zodiac Compatibility Calculator

Enter date of birth and test now

Best Matches for the 12 Zodiac Signs

Rat: Rat, Ox, Dragon, or Monkey

Ox: Rat, Snake, or Rooster

Tiger: Horse, Dog, or Pig

Rabbit: Goat, Dog, or Pig

Dragon: Rat, Monkey, or Rooster

Snake: Ox or Rooster

Horse: Tiger, Goat, or Dog

Goat: Rabbit, Horse, Goat, or Pig

Monkey: Rat, Dragon, or Dog

Rooster: Ox, Dragon, or Snake

Dog: Tiger, Rabbit, Horse, or Monkey

Pig: Tiger, Rabbit, or Goat

Rat

OX

Tiger

Rabbit

Dragon

Snake

Horse

Goat

Monkey

Rooster

Dog

Pig

Rats' Horoscope in 2023:

Entering 2023, the fortune of you Rat people is generally good, but due to being in tangential opposition to Tai Sui (the age star), you will encounter some obstacles and your overall horoscope will be one of ups and downs. Be cautious and not impulsive in your actions during this year.

Read more on Monthly Horoscope for Rats in 2023.

Rat and Ox got up very early. On the way to the Gate, Rat jumped onto the back of the Ox to cross the river. He won first place by suddenly jumping down from Ox's back and dashed to the feet of the Emperor when they're near to the Heavenly Gate. Ox was second.

Tiger and Rabbit came third and fourth because both are fast and competitive, butTiger was faster.

Good-looking Dragon was fifth and was immediately noticed by the Jade Emperor, who said Dragon's son could be sixth. Just then, Snake came forward and said Dragon was his adoptive father; so Snake ranked sixth.

Horse and Goat arrived. They were very kind and modest and each let the other go first. They were ranked seventh and eighth.

Monkey had fallen well behind. But he jumped between trees and stones, and caught up to be ninth. Last were Rooster, Dog, and Pig.

What is the luckiest/unluckiest Chinese zodiac sign?

In Chinese culture, the top 5 luckiest/most popular zodiac signs are Dragon, Snake, Pig, Rat, and Tiger conventionally.

There is a popular Chinese folk saying that 9/10 Goats are inadequate (十羊九不全 '10 Goats 9 incomplete'), which implies that most people born in a year of the Goat are destined for bad luck. Most Chinese people also believe that people born in a Goat year will grow up to be followers rather than leaders. Although this is an outdated superstition, it has a real effect on Chinese society.

Conversely, the Dragon is the most coveted zodiac sign, with Chinese births peaking in Dragon years.

Rationally, it's hard to identify the luckiest or unluckiest zodiac signs, as each sign has its own advantages and disadvantages. Socially, different combinations of zodiac signs cause different relational dynamics, which may affect someone's life more, as we don't live in isolation.

What are the differences between Chinese zodiac and western astrology?

The main similarity between the two systems is that both systems are based on time periods of birth, and they both have 12 symbols or signs with associated personalities and fortunes.

However, there are big differences in their origins and astrological theory.

With the Chinese zodiac, the 12 signs are derived from the ancients' musings about archetypal animals, people's personalities and fortunes, and their relationships with one another and years of birth. A myth about a celestial race was later developed to explain the Chinese zodiac sequence.

This differs from Western astrology, where the 12 zodiac signs are based on constellations' positions relative to the earth. The constellations were named according to Greek mythology and astrological theory was developed based on the stars supposed influence on human personalities and lives.

In addition, the Chinese zodiac is calculated on a year-by-year base while the Western zodiac corresponds with " months".

Read more on Differences between the Chinese Zodiac and Western Astrology.

The 12 Japanese zodiac animals in order are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar.

The 12 Vietnamese zodiac animals in order are: Rat, Buffalo, Tiger, Cat, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.

The 12 Thai zodiac animals in order are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Naga (a mythical half-human-half-snake spirit), Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.

The 8 Burmese zodiac animals are: Garuda (a mythical bird), Tiger, Lion, Elephant (with tusks), Rat, Guinea Pig, and Dragon.

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The 12 Chinese Zodiac signs in order are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig. Check what your zodiac sign is.

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我是狗的一年
wǒ shì gǒu de yì nián
(I am the year of the dog)

我的姐姐是公羊的一年
wǒ de jiě jiě shì gōng yáng de yì nián
(My older sister is the year of the ram)

我妈妈是老鼠的一年
wǒ mā mā shì lǎo shǔ de yì nián
(My mother is the year of the rat)

我父亲是猴年
wǒ fù qīn shì hóu nián
(My father is the year of the monkey)

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Online poster

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Lunar New Year Padlet
https://globallearningc.padlet.org/glc/LunarNewYearPadlet

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3d Model of Chinese Lantern

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Rooster 鸡 Jī

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New Year Activity: Artwork

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Artwork
4 Angelique Delacroix

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Dear Ms. Fan, please do not show this video in class.

Adam

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I'm  the year of dog
哥哥是猪年
Brother is the year of pig
姊姊是猴年
Sister is the year of the monkey

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To celebrate Lunar New Year (Spring Festival), Chinese, Taiwanese, Singapore, and Malaysian homes are adorned with auspicious red Chinese New Year banners. In Chinese, banners are called 春联 / 春聯 (chūnlián) and have welcoming wishes for good health and prosperity written in beautiful calligraphy.

Learning about culture with Chinese banners

Although you can buy banners on Amazon, my sister generously created printable Chinese banners for our family! To be honest, when I first began to learn Chinese with my kids, I was reluctant to incorporate the culture.

Growing up in a small, non-diverse town, I never saw Chinese banners or other Lunar New Year decorations. Even now, in contrast to my sister who currently lives in a diverse city and has traveled to Asia several times, Chinese culture is relatively new to me.

I'm so grateful that my sister made these banners to encourage a little Chinese culture in our home. As always, we're happy to share them with your children and students! 🙂

This is the 4th consecutive year that my kids and I have been decorating Chinese banners! During the first 2 years, the Chinese greetings were foreign and hard to pronounce. I initially printed them on colorful paper and used a different font - see Facebook and Instagram for the first time we shared them on social media in 2018.

Fast forward to now, both of my children have grown up quickly, and we can say, read, and understand most of these Chinese banners!
This post may have some affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I earn a small commission which supports my blog and free printables at no additional cost to you. Please see the disclosure policy for details.
How to decorate your home with Chinese New Year Banners

Hanging these Chinese banners around the house creates a print-rich environment for learning Chinese! Through reading various books with my kids and talking to my lovely blog readers, I've also learned that in Chinese culture, banners are hung in certain ways at home, schools, or businesses.

1. Vertical banners (couplets)

Traditionally, vertical Chinese banners are hung in pairs (couplets) around doors and windows to welcome new guests.

2. Diamond banners

Sometimes on doors, a diamond-shaped 福 Chinese character is hung upside down. Because Chinese traditions often play on words with similar pronunciation,倒 (dào) means "to invert" and also "to pour out." Therefore, "你的福倒了" (nǐ de fú dàole) can represent that your 福 is upside down and your 福 is pouring out.

倒 also sounds like 到 (dào / arrive). In other words, it's a wish for good fortune to arrive all over your place.

As for 春, some friends have seen this Chinese characters upside-down, while others have remarked that it's less common.
Related: Tips for Creating a Print-Rich Environment with Labels that Promote Literacy
Examples of decorating with Chinese couplets

In the image above, we decorated our DIY Cardboard Chinese market with these banners and other printable crafts from my website! Below are examples of how we hung Chinese red banners in our home!

However, reality with young children means that many banners are in random parts of our home - who can relate?!

Chinese American Family has more examples of how to decorate for Lunar New Year!

Common Chinese greetings on Lunar New Year banners

Here are popular Chinese New Year greetings included in our free printable banners!

Vertical Chinese banners

1. 大吉大利 (Dàjí dàlì / Happy and prosperous) - Also part of the saying 大吉大利晚上吃鸡 (Dà jí dà lì wǎn shàng chī jī / Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!)

2. 恭喜发财 / 恭喜發財 (Gōngxǐ fācái / May you have a prosperous New Year, or literally Congratulations and Make Money!)

3. 年年有余 / 年年有餘 (Nián nián yǒu yú / Have overflowing abundance every year)

4. 五福临门 / 五福臨門 (Wǔ fú lín mén / 5 blessings come upon your door)

5. 身体健康 / 身體健康 (Shēntǐ jiànkāng / Wishing you great health)

6. 心想事成 (Xīn xiǎng shì chéng / Best wishes)

7. 花开富贵 / 花開富貴 (Huā kāi fùguì / May wealth bloom as flowers bloom)

8. 吉祥如意 (Jíxiáng rúyì / Big fortune)

9. 新年快乐 / 新年快樂 (Xīnnián kuàilè / Happy New Year!)

10. 出入平安 (Chūrù píng'ān / Peace and safety wherever you go)

Diamond Chinese banner

Christian Chinese Banners

In our humble opinion, traditional greetings are too focused on luck and wealth, which we try to de-empathize from a general parenting standpoint! Since we are a Christian family, we have added blessings that reflect our beliefs. We became familiar with the following phrases through Stream of Praise worship songs!

Vertical Chinese banners with Christian blessings

1. 耶稣爱你 / 耶穌愛你 (Yēsū ài nǐ / Jesus loves me)

2. 爱在我家 / 愛在我家 (Ài zài wǒjiā / Love in my home)

3. 十架之光 (Shí jià zhī guāng / Light of the Cross)

4. 神真美好 (Shén zhēn měi hǎo / God is great)

5. 常常喜乐 / 常常喜樂 (Cháng cháng xǐ lè / Always rejoice)

6. 以马内利 / 以馬內利 (Yǐ mǎ nèi lì / Emanuel)

7. 主赐平安 / 主賜平安 (Zhǔ cì píng'ān / Lord gives peace)

8. 福杯满溢 / 福杯滿溢 (Fú bēi mǎn yì / May your cup overflow with blessings)

Diamond Chinese banner with Christian blessing:

What you need to create Chinese red banners

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1. Chinese New Year banner templates - see below

2. Printer (we have this one)

3. Red printer paper or cardstock paper

4. Scissors and/or paper cutter

5. Optional:

Chinese New Year banner templates

1. Banners in Simplified Chinese

2. Banners in Traditional Chinese

3. Christian Banners in Simplified Chinese
If you are very busy and don't have much time:
4. Christian Banners in Traditional Chinese
If you have more time and want your child to learn the Chinese characters and fine motor skills:
How to prepare Chinese banners for Lunar New Year

1. Print simplified or traditional Chinese banners with solid font

2. Cut along dotted line

3. Tape to walls and door with removable painter's tape

1. Print simplified or traditional Chinese banners with solid or outline font

2. Cut along solid line or dotted line (depending on desired shape)

3. Color each character with black or gold art supplies

4. Tape to walls and door with removable painter's tape

*TIP: If your child has trouble remembering Chinese characters, I recommend using solid fonts (instead of outline fonts) for more visual input.

Decorating our banners

In the next photo, my daughter is focused on tracing each Chinese character with a gold leaf pen following Chinese stroke order.

Below is a colorful version that we made in the past! A few years ago, I used SongTi font, which is more block-like. However, I have been gradually switching all of my printables to KaiTi font, the standard Chinese font so that the Chinese characters look more like calligraphy!

And here's a gorgeous pair of banners that a mom sent to me! I love seeing how everyone's kids' decorate their banners!

Did you decorate your home or school with lucky red Chinese banners?

If you decorate your home, school, or office with our Chinese banners, we'd love to see how they look! Please let us know by:

More Lunar New Year resources for children

Happy Lunar New Year, friends!

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Chinese New Year Banners - Simplified and Traditional Chinese

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To celebrate Lunar New Year (Spring Festival), Chinese, Taiwanese, Singapore, and Malaysian homes are adorned with auspicious red Chinese New Year banners. In Chinese, banners are called 春联 / 春聯 (chūnlián) and have welcoming wishes for good health and prosperity written in beautiful calligraphy.

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Year of Dog

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(I'm monkey.)
兄弟是马
(Brother is horse)

我不知道父母生日
(Don't know parent's birthday)

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Chinese New Year card (illustration) - Google Search

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2020 background poster 2019 2021 chinese 2020 chinese poster flyer happy chinese cartoon graphic

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Chinese New Year Music Thing

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6 Kim, Saemin | Saemin's Sheet | Saemin's Site | Saemin's Slides | CL1P1 Kami 6 Saemin Kim  | CL1P1 Kami 6 Saemin Kim

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牛

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Example

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Origami (Year of the Ox)

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drawing of Lunar New Year ox - Google Search

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craft 2021 coloring ox coloring pages happy paper cutting metal ox cartoon animal printable

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Students see the following Lunar New Year Activities for reference to choose one activity do do by themselves or with one partner.
Other students can choose one activity each class.

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https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AOGFH7-fwSH6fiJw-NzxpyUEBZur_cCW/view?usp=sharing

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Making new year food

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Blooket CNY
Quizlet CNY
Chinese New Year Story Minecraft

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Chinese Link 1
Chinese 1 portfolio

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Chinese New Year Slides

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Creative Ideas and DIY Projects to Inspire Your Daily Life

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Do you know that in 2014, the Valentine's Day is also the Lantern Festival, which is the fifteenth day of the first month in the lunar calendar. Let's make a Chinese lantern with your kids to celebrate this special day. Connecting the lanterns with a string makes a nice garland, too!

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Do you know that in 2014, the Valentine's Day is also the Lantern Festival, which is the fifteenth day of the first month in the lunar calendar. Let's make a Chinese lantern with your kids to celebrate this special day. Connecting the lanterns with a string makes a nice garland, too!

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Fortune Cookie Recipe - How to Make Homemade Fortune Cookies!

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Fill these Homemade Fortune Cookies with your own personal fortunes for a fun and delicious crafty treat!

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Chinese New Year Kahoot

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https://musescore.com/static/musescore/scoredata/g/4925b443b3b078be93a655ff83aba6ac3c68ccb3/score_0.png@850x1100?no-cache=1589890667&bgclr=ffffff

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Post L1-L5 Recordings

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1 Cao, Andy | Andy's Sheet | Andy's Site | Andy's Slides | 1 Andy Cao Kami | 1 Andy Cao Kami

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Drawing & Origami

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Blooket CNY
Chinese New Year Story Minecraft

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Find and create gamified quizzes, lessons, presentations, and flashcards for students, employees, and everyone else. Get started for free!

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make lantern

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How to Make Fancy Paper Lantern !!! Easy Lantern Tutorial !!!

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Origami

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Kahoot
https://create.kahoot.it/share/chinese-new-year/ec58cd9c-52d2-45ed-9804-b74ab7608702

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example

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Chinese new year gold dragon greeting card design vector image on VectorStock

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Chinese New Year golden dragon festive poster. Traditional Spring Festival symbol of dancing dragon and red paper lantern. Chinese Lunar New Year holidays greeting card design. Download a Free Preview or High Quality Adobe Illustrator Ai, EPS, PDF and High Resolution JPEG versions.

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Recording L3

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This will be where a summary of annotations will be, you don't have any annotations yet.

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New Year Minecraft cinematic with reflection.

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computer animation

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Chinese Link Level 1 Part 1 Text Kami Recording