Pupils across the Prep School enjoyed marking the Chinese New Year with a variety of exciting celebrations and activities. Chinese New Year 2019 animal sign is the Brown Pig. The Chinese calendar combines solar, lunar and 60 Stem-Branch counting systems. The 60 Stem-Branch calendar uses the names of Yin Yang Five Elements (Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth) and 12 animals to rank the sequences. Five elements are connected to five colors – White, Black, Green, Red, and Brown. So Chinese use the colour animal name to count the year. The name of 2019 is the Female Earth Pig. Brown is connected to Earth. Therefore, 2019 is also called Brown Earth Pig Year.

Pupils in Year 3 were treated to a fantastic presentation about Chinese New Year from parent, Mrs Yap. It was wonderful to get a first-hand insight into how Chinese New year Celebrations come to long amongst our school community and we are very grateful to Mrs Yap for giving up her time.

Pupils in Reception were particularly enthusiastic about enacting traditional dragon parades and dances. This will set them in good stead for their upcoming trip to Chinatown in Soho!

If you are interested in finding out more about Chinese New Year or joining in the festivities, why not go along to the celebrations in Trafalgar Square on Sunday 10 February: www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/whats-on/chinese-new-year/about