Chinese New Year
Here comes the dragon!
Firecrackers pop and crackle! Cymbals crash! Drums roll! Zigzagging down
the street comes a giant golden dragon made of silk and velvet,
decorated with hundreds of sparkling- sequins. Twisting and turning, the
dragon weaves its way through the crowds.
Chinese people are celebrating the beginning of the new year. A colorful
parade—complete with floats, make-believe lions, and the golden
dragon—marks the end of several days of festivities.
The Chinese New Year begins on the date of the first new moon between
January 21 and February 19. This is because the ancient Chinese calendar
is based on the moon (see page 29).
A large, colorful dragon is the main attraction in this Chinese New
Year’s parade in Washington, D.C.
People living in Chinese communities around the world observe the
Chinese New Year. People in China also celebrate a three-day Spring
Festival at this time.
On the Chinese New Year, a dragon and merrymakers in masks romp
through the streets of Sydney, Australia.
In New York City, a masked merrymaker parades with children celebrating
the Chinese New Year. The message on the banner wishes everyone a happy
New Year.
