Let’s explore Lunar New Year songs and customs from around the world with videos, books, and lesson plans for the elementary music classroom.
What’s the difference between Lunar New Year and Chinese New Year?
According to China Highlights, “Lunar New Year” is a more general term and encompasses all celebrations that mark a new year according to a lunar calendar.
In contexts outside of China, referring to Lunar New Year as “Chinese New Year” and vice versa can come off as insensitive and offensive because it ignores other cultures, all of which have their own unique traditions, beliefs, and celebrations.
China Highlights
If you are talking specifically about Lunar New Year in China, it’s ok to say Chinese New Year.
Lunar New Year celebrations are celebrated in many Asian countries including China, Vietnam, the Koreas, Singapore, and Malaysia to name a few.
The Playlist…
When Is Lunar New Year?
| 2025 | Jan. 29, 2025 (Wednesday) | Snake |
| 2026 | Feb. 17, 2026 (Tuesday) | Horse |
| 2027 | Feb. 6, 2027 (Saturday) | Sheep |
| 2028 | Jan. 26, 2028 (Wednesday) | Monkey |
| 2029 | Feb. 13, 2029 (Tuesday) | Rooster |
| 2030 | Feb. 3, 2030 (Sunday) | Dog |
This new year festival, based on lunar calendars, goes by different names and traditions around the world. I’m slowly compiling this list and welcome your input. Please leave a comment at the end of the post if you can share information!
| What it’s called | Traditions | |
| China | Chun Jie | gifts, food, the color red |
| Korea | Seollal | gifts, food, games, the color white |
| Vietnam | Tết | |
Korean Seollal Music
Vietnam Tet for Kids
Lunar New Year Around the World
Chinese New Year Slide Show
This free resource from TPT is by a creator who is sharing how she and her family celebrate this holiday.
Resources
Here are a variety of Lunar New Year songs and activities from different cultures.
Lunar New Year Songs and Activities
Lions, Lanterns, and Ribbons
This beautiful resource is written by Melanie Kang. Kang writes, “I seek to preserve the authentic Chinese music and cultural elements while simultaneously making the activities and dances accessible to American teachers and students.”
Lunar Rhythm Play Along
A rhythm play along with authentic music.
Fireworks Vocal Exploration
With fireworks being a part of many new year celebrations, this is a nice connecting activity. It also lets kids compare how many cultures celebrate similarly through food, games, and activities.
Promenade of the Dragon Rhythm Play Along
Summary: No authentic connection other than dragon imagery but a very nice video to practice rhythms.
Books
This beautiful story by Grace Lin is about family preparations for the new year celebration.
Ruby meets all the animals of the zodiac in this fun book by Vickie Lee (author) and Joey Chou (illustrator).
More resources coming soon! If you have one you love, please leave a comment!
