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Chinese Valentine’s Day Activities

February 2, 2020 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Chinese Valentine's Day celebration activities. Art, reading, math, light table and block play. These activities are perfect for a Chinese multicultural theme.

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On the weekend of August 25 and 26, 2017, Chinese Valentine’s Day was celebrated at the Edmonton Chinatown Multicultural Center, located in downtown Edmonton.  This traditional Valentine’s Day celebration dates back to the 1800s in China and is celebrated on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month, in late August.

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The Legend Of Zhi Nu And Niu Lang

The celebration is based on a story of a Chinese heavenly being named Zhi Nu, the seventh daughter of The Queen of Heaven, and a mortal cow herder named Niu Lang.  Zhi Nu comes down to earth and admires how hardworking Niu Lang is.  They marry and have two children, a boy and a girl.  Zhi Nu is a skilled weaver and Niu Lang continues to work in the fields.

The Queen of Heaven soon notices that Zhi Nu is missing, and commands the army to bring her back up to heaven.  Niu Lang and the children try to follow, but the Queen of Heaven creates a silver river (called the Milky Way) to keep them apart.  Afterward, Niu Lang and his children live on the star Altair, and Zhi Nu lives on the star Vega.  They are extremely sad to be parted from one another.  A flock of magpies notices and decide to help by creating a bridge over the Milky Way with their bodies.  This allows Zhi Nu and Nui Lang to spend time together.  The Queen of Heaven sees how happy they are to be reunited, and decides that Zhi Nu and Nui Lang can meet once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month.

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A display featuring characters inspired by The Legend Of Zhi Nu and Niu Lang. Chinese Valentine's Day celebrations are based on this story.
A display featuring Zhi Nu and Niu Lang.

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Chinese Festival Resources

This story is based on a selection found in the book Celebrating Chinese Festivals, a Collection of Holiday Tales, Poems, and Activities by Sanmu Tang.  There are a few different versions of the story and they vary slightly.

For more history, facts, and ideas about Chinese Valentine’s Day view the post by chinahighlights.com: “How To Celebrate Chinese Valentine’s Day.“

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My Visit To The Chinese Valentine’s Day Weekend Celebration

Elaborate Chinese Valentine's Day display at a Chinese Valentine's Day celebration.

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My visit to the cultural center was on Sunday afternoon, August 27.  I saw an elaborate display showing figures and objects that had meaning to the story of Zhi Nu and Niu Lang.  When the tale was shared with me, I was impressed with values such as being hardworking (in fieldwork), being skilled and creative (in weaving), and showing loyalty (to family).  The inclusion of astronomy, art, and great character traits made this a rich story.

The afternoon event saw a mingling of seniors, parents, and children.  Children were invited to decorate an umbrella and a fan.  Intricate beadwork completed by seniors was on display.  Everyone was served refreshments.

Bead work projects on display at a Chinese Valentine's Day celebration.

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Lanterns and decorated umbrellas at a Chinese Valentine's Day celebration.

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Activities Inspired By Chinese Valentine’s Day

Umbrella Decorating

Purchase an economical umbrella and sticker gems and jewel rhinestones. Invite early learners to decorate the umbrella.  The stickers may need to be secured with hot glue later so they stay on longer. 

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Umbrella decorating. Sticker gems and rhinestones adorn the umbrella. This project is inspired by an activity at a Chinese Valentine's Day celebration.

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Oriental Block Play

Offer preschoolers Oriental blocks and game pieces.  The play center can include a Great Wall of China picture backdrop.

Oriental block play with game chip accessories set against a backdrop featuring the Great Wall of China. An activity perfect for a Chinese multicultural theme.

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Fruit Matching And Sorting

Set out transparent ice cube fruit shapes and sorting trays on a light table for children to organize. Clear egg cartons are the trays used here.

Fruit sorting at a light table. Math and sensory activity inspired by a Chinese Valentine's Day celebration.

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In addition to being part of a Chinese Valentine’s Day Celebration, the Legend Of Zhi Nu and Niu Lang and these activities can be included in a Chinese multicultural theme.

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You may also like:

Chinese New Year Sensory Bin

Chinese New Year 2019 rice sensory bin.

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Valentines Day Process Art

Valentine's Day process art with an ice cube and powder paint technique. Llama shaped ice cubes give the project a South American flair. An art project suitable for all ages.

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Don’t forget to share this post on Pinterest or your favorite Social Media channel. Sharing is caring!

Chinese Valentine's Day celebration activities. Art, reading, math, light table and block play. These activities are perfect for a Chinese multicultural theme.

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© Annette Kaminsky February 2, 2020

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Filed Under: art, Chinese Valentine's Day, Math, pretend play, sensory, Valentine's Day Tagged With: block play, holiday, literacy, multicultural

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Hi, I'm Annette Kaminsky. I am a preschool teacher who loves to share easy and fun early learning activities. Thanks for visiting my blog. Feel free to stay awhile!

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