Children’s books for Lunar New Year 2023: Year of the Rabbit

Lunar New Year (January 22nd, 2023 - February 9th, 2024) can be celebrated all year long! 2023 is the Year of the Water Rabbit.

The Rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese culture. Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, celebrates the arrival of spring and the start of a new year based on Chinese lunisolar calendar. Other Asian countries with Chinese influence also celebrate Lunar New Year, with festivals and family gatherings. 

Traditionally, Lunar New Year is celebrated for fifteen days with symbols and activities of good fortune and prosperity: red decorations, house cleaning, shopping in open air markets, and, of course, fireworks! People perform Dragon Dances and Lion Dances, in which dancers wear large, elaborate costumes and tell a story through dance. Children receive gifts of money or candy in red envelopes. On the final day of the holiday, called Lantern Festival, people have tangyuan, sweet glutinous rice balls, and children carry lanterns to light up their neighborhoods at night.

 

  • How to say "Wishing you a prosperous year!" 
    • Simplified: 恭喜发财! "Gong Xi Fa Chai!" (Mandarin)
    • Traditional: 恭喜發財! "Kung Hei Fat Choy!" (Cantonese)
  • Check out these children's non-fiction books about Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year).
  • Check out these children's books with rabbits:
2023: Year of the Rabbit

Children's books featuring rabbit characters






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What's you favorite thing about or way to celebrate Lunar New Year? Drop a comment!