February 12-18, Current Events Lesson Plan
Current Event: Happy (Lunar) New Year!
People recently welcomed in the lunar New Year across Asia, and in many Asian communities elsewhere. This new year falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice. The traditional date of the Chinese New Year is between January 21 and February 20. In advance of the new year, Asian people believe they must try to complete unfinished business from the current year. On New Year’s Eve, the celebration begins with a reunion dinner, and all family members try to attend this meal. At the reunion dinner, places will be set at the table even for family members who are unable to attend, in order to maintain family unity. Before the meal, paper offerings will be made to gods and ancestors—special paper is burnt in the belief that a message or prayer rises with the smoke. Children receive gifts of red envelopes that contain New Year’s money. For the reunion meal, special foods are chosen. For example, a whole fish might be served because the word for fish sounds the same as the word for plenty in Chinese. Thus, the fish served becomes a wish for abundance in the coming year. People also serve nuts and sweets, hoping to set a trend for the year.
Objective:
New Year’s Day is the first day of the calendar year. People in almost every country celebrate this day as a holiday. Many ancient peoples started the year at harvesttime. They performed rituals to do away with the past and purify themselves for the new year. In early times, the ancient Romans gave each other New Year’s gifts of branches from sacred trees. In later years, they gave gold-covered nuts or coins imprinted with pictures of Janus, the god of gates, doors, and beginnings. January was named after Janus. The ancient Persians gave New Year’s gifts of eggs, which symbolized productiveness. The Celtic priests of what is now England gave the people branches of mistletoe—a plant that they considered sacred. Many American colonists in New England celebrated the new year by firing guns into the air and shouting. They also visited taverns and houses to ask for drinks. Other colonists attended church services. Modern customs on New Year’s Day include visiting friends and relatives; giving gifts; attending religious services; and making noise with horns, bells, and other devices. The Behind the Headlines news story and related World Book articles explore various holidays and celebrations.
Words to know:
Discussion Topics:
1. Ask your students to name some Asian countries. (Students might say Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Myanmar (Burma), North Korea, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, and Vietnam.)
2. January is named after Janus, a Roman god. Ask your students to name other Roman gods. In the following list the Greek counterpart is in square brackets. (Students might name Apollo [Apollo], Juno [Hera], Jupiter [Zeus], Mars [Ares], Mercury [Hermes], Neptune [Poseidon], Pluto [Pluto or Hades], Saturn [Cronus], and Venus [Aphrodite].)
3. The early Roman calendar initially used March 1 as New Year’s Day. However, the ancient Romans later changed January 1 to be the beginning of the year. During the Middle Ages most European countries used March 25, a Christian holiday, to start the year. Later, January 1 was restored as New Year’s Day. Today, some people celebrate the new year on dates established by their religion. Ask your students what day they think should be New Year’s Day and why.
4. Ask your students to use World Book’s Timelines feature to view or add to the History of China timeline. (Students may wish to use World Book’s “China” article for help.)