bibliography

Chinese New Year By The Chinese Calender. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.chinapage.com/newyear.html

This website provides an adequate general overview of the Chinese lunar calender and the corresponding Chinese New Year. It also touches on the three different ways of naming years according to the Chinese system. The animal names of the years and the Chinese zodiac are also simply explained.

Bates, Roy (2007). //All about chinese dragons.// Beijing: China History Press.

This short book (110 pages) is a thorough introduction to the history of the dragon in China. It explores the evolution of the dragon and its importance to Chinese culture and identity. The complex mythologies and superstitions surrounding the belief in the existence of the dragon are looked at in the book. The dragon as an important motif in art and the transformation of the dragon over time are among other topics covered.

Chinese New Year Lesson Plans and Activities. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.theteacherscorner.net/seasonal/chinese-new-year/

This website provides access to a variety of of different lessons concerning Chinese New Year. Most of the activities are for the elementary grades and some lessons have to be updated for the year 2011. There are many links to other web resources such as EDSITEment and TeacherVision. Lessons include arts and crafts, music and history.

Singapore: Chinese New Year Dragon Dance 2010. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WesnLvb_0ek&feature=related

This colorful eight minute video provides a clear close-up view of a traditional dragon dance. There is no narration but the dragon dance is accompanied by traditional chinese music. There are many YouTube videos of traditional Lunar New Year celebrations from many asian countries and the various chinatowns through out the world.

Williams, Charles Alfred Speed (2006). //Chinese symbolism and art motifs: A// //comprehensive handbook on symbolism in chinese art through the ages.// North Clarendon, VT: Tuttle Publishing.

This standard reference book provides a comprehensive overview of the symbols used in Chinese art and architecture. The texts explains the manifestation of the various symbols in their cultural and historical context. The book has over 400 illustrations and has been revised and reprinted many times since 1941.