Our Artist in Residence, Cathy Giles, has resumed Art Classes in Kiltallagh.
Cathy did a wonderful lesson with the children based on the Chinese New Year.
Chinese New Year always takes place on the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar. In 2023, the Chinese New Year will take place on Sunday, January 22nd . The celebration lasts for over two weeks in China.
Across China, the Lunar New Year is celebrated with a variety of events like dragon or lion dances, imperial performances (such as an emperor’s wedding) or the wearing of traditional dress. During this time, you can find gifts wrapped in red packaging, red clothes and red decor placed all over the place.
On New Year’s Eve families celebrate with a dinner that takes place in the home. After dinner the family enjoy a tradition named ‘Shou Sui’ which sees everyone reminiscing over the year that just passed before launching fireworks at midnight.
Last year was the Year of the Tiger but in 2023 it is the Year of the Rabbit. There are 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, all associated with certain character traits, and the featured animals alternate on a yearly basis. According to the Travel China Guide, for “Chinese people, the rabbit is a tame creature representing hope and life for a long time. It is tender and lovely.” If you were born in the Year of the Rabbit - then you are said to be a kind, thoughtful and intelligent person!
The first art activity for 2023 in the Junior Room was creating their very own dragons to mark the Chinese New Year. We look forward to seeing the childrens creative and artisitc skills blossom over the coming months.
