Welcoming the next year in accordance with the Lunar calendar is a wonderful tradition with a long history. Explore the collection of these free, detailed Chinese New Year coloring pages. These cute pictures illustrate an engaging custom of saying farewell to winter. Even though people start to celebrate this event in February, its main purpose is to welcome spring. The activities last 15 days and end with a magical Lantern Festival. You will see a lot of traditional elements with a deep meaning in the pictures featured on this page.
Top 5 Symbolic Elements on Chinese New Year Coloring Pages
My children love spending time on Chinese New Year coloring pages, as I often share stories and legends associated with this day. Below, I have outlined the main things you should tell your kids about the most beloved symbols of Lunar New Year.
Lion Dance
If you take a quick look at the wide choice of Chinese New Year coloring pages on our platform, you will see that many feature dancing lions. These days, you can see a group of masked dancers performing every night during the festive period. This custom originated over two thousand years ago, when the emperor had a vivid dream about being saved by a lion.
I once took my kids to the celebration to show them the Lion Dance. The troupe performed many acrobatic stunts, leaving my son in awe. Tell your child that this dance protects people from evil and attracts good luck. This is why people in the audience love interacting with dancers. They hope that the spirit of a mythical lion will protect their family.
Chinese Lanterns
Some Chinese New Year coloring pages feature beautiful accessories that can often be seen during this holiday. The Lantern Festival takes place on the last day of activities, when people come together to let go of past disappointments and welcome happier days. Tell youngsters how to create a simple paper balloon and create lovely crafts decorated with the cut-outs from the pages they worked on. Many foreigners adore such items, as they illuminate everything around and give every room or open-air venue a fairy-tale feel.
When I decided to decorate my home with sky lanterns, I showed my kids how to make them. They were excited to hear they could create something poignant and exquisite. Everyone wrote a riddle and put it on the paper balloons before our guests arrived. Then, we had a lot of fun trying to guess the right answers.
Chinese Dragon
The Dragon dance is less energetic than its alternative, as it’s all about fluid movements and the imitation of a serpent’s twisting body. On these Chinese New Year coloring pages, you will see dragons drawn in a traditional style. Youngsters will be thrilled to find out that such creatures exemplify good fortune in Asia, so there is no reason to fear them. While the depictions of such creatures might be challenging for beginners, children aged 5 years and older will be able to cope with the task of coloring them.
Tell kids a legend about an ancient dragon believed to bring seasons into motion. This creature represents the ruler’s power and is often used in art to express the concept of the divine. The longer people perform the Dragon Dance, the more prosperity they will bring. This is why creating pics commemorating this tradition and hanging them around might be an excellent idea.
Plum Blossoms
When looking at some Chinese New Year coloring pages, inquiring minds are likely to become extremely curious about the delicate flowers with white petals. While in Western countries, a year starts in January and is considered a winter holiday, in Asia, it marks the arrival of spring. Plum blossoms indicate an admirable ability to rise above challenges and withstand perilous frosts.
I tell my kids that these lovely flowers are cherished across the world as they represent extreme perseverance and a hope for renewal. This flower means that it’s never too late to start building something from scratch, be it business, career, or personal life. Your kids can cut out the flowers and use them to create personalized greeting cards for their grandparents, teachers, and friends.
Koi Fish
My daughter was mesmerized by the Koi fish when she saw it on Chinese New Year coloring pages. I explained that it is a well-known symbol of wealth and good fortune in Asian countries. It was included in the local traditions thousands of years ago. People of all ages and backgrounds value Koi fish as it’s known for its ability to swim against the current, which is considered an admirable quality by many. Despite being so small, it moves toward its goal. Many people who like New Year’s resolutions use this species as an example of ultimate strength and willpower.
Explore the unique collection of pictures featuring the most recognizable symbols of Asian heritage and teach your kids the importance of celebrating cultural legacy.
