Why the Fujimini Adventure Series Is Great For Teaching Children About Asian Culture

Eileen Wacker created her children’s book series, Fujimini Adventure Series, with a purpose in mind- to provide a series that was entertaining and educational for children but also to provide an avenue for children to learn about Asian cultures. During her time living in South Korea, she noticed a deficit in the availability of english language books that taught about Eastern culture and tradition. To remedy this situation, Wacker came up with the idea for her series, a collection of books with different plots but all with an Asian flare. 

Each book introduces a new tradition, legend, or aspect of Asian culture to readers. Many of the books expose children to an Asian tradition that they may not have otherwise been exposed to. 

For example, in ‘Black Tortoise and the Dynasty Dragon’, the children are introduced to new characters, such as the Dynasty Dragon, as well as new terminology, like a Turtle Boat. 

In ‘Silent Samurai and the Magnificent Rescue’, children not only learn about samurai warriors but also fun facts like how purple is the color of royalty in Japan. 

‘Blue Penguin and the Sensational Surf’ introduces a new character with a deep connection to Asian culture and legend, the Kappa. Not only is the Kappa very culturally significant, but it is also a unique addition to literature, especially children’s books. 

‘Rainbow Panda and the Firecracker Fiasco’ follows the trend of all Wacker’s other stories by incorporating a very important Asian holiday into the plot. Children who read this book will learn all about Chinese New Year Celebrations and the importance of fireworks and firecrackers as a part of New Year celebrations.

'Red Penguin and the Missing Sushi’ also introduces children to a new Asian holiday, the Moon Festival Celebration; a traditional Chinese harvest festival. In addition to introducing the holiday itself, the story also integrates many important features of the holiday, such as the food. Of course, Sushi, which can be guessed from the title, but some other foods as well, such as Moon Cakes! 

One of my favorite features about Eileen Wacker’s series that makes the books unique, other than the Asian theme, is the glossary that she has at the end of each story. This addition to each book provides a way for children to not only be introduced to an Asian tradition, holiday, or legend but to learn even more about it at the end of the story.  

This book series provides a wonderful avenue to teach your children about other cultures and traditions while being fun, cute, and entertaining at the same time! 

Click here to learn more about Eileen Wacker and the Fujimini Adventure Series 

A Review of Eileen Wacker’s “Blue Penguin and the Sensational Surf”

The animals who call Fujimini Island home are all buzzing with excitement because today is the grand opening of the Fujimini Island Surf School. Many of the animals are eager to learn to surf, and everyone is eager to watch Blue Penguin display the surf skills he is known for. 

The penguins are hard at work getting everything ready for the special occasion, preparing drinks and hanging ribbons to welcome their guests. The time has finally come for the grand opening, and more guests than Blue Penguin expected have shown up to watch and participate. Blue Penguin is proud of his skills and just can’t resist showing off to the crowd. Unfortunately, he is so busy showing off he doesn’t notice that a stranger has arrived on Fujimini Island and one of the animals may be in some trouble! Who is this stranger? And will Blue Penguin stop showing off in time to notice that one of his students is in trouble?

As can be expected with all of Eileen Wacker’s books in the Fujimini Island Adventure series, this story is entertaining and fun for kids, but also has an important lesson embedded within it. Blue Penguin is a great surfer and should be proud of his skills, but being too proud and showing off has a price. His students are depending on him to help them and look after them out in the ocean, but Blue Penguin is so distracted by impressing the crowd, he doesn’t notice when one of his students are in trouble. Through a cute and creative story, Wacker highlights the importance to kids about not bragging and showing off, and the consequences they can have. 

In the 7th installment of her popular series, a new character with a connection to Japanese tradition is introduced to teach kids about some elements of Asian culture that they might not have heard of outside of reading this book.  

Click here to purchase the book for your kindle or hardcover at Amazon

My Review of Eileen Wacker's 'Silent Samurai and the Magnificent Rescue'

After hearing that Samurai are coming to Fujimini Island, Purple Penguin is eager to plan a big welcome party for their guests. He runs to tell all his friends on the Island, but others don’t react the way he thought they would. Not everyone is as excited for the warriors’ arrival as he is- but why? The other animals start to worry, letting what they have heard about samurai warriors form their opinion of their visitors before they have even arrived. Have you ever made assumptions about someone else before you met them? Will the hamsters, pandas, penguins, and bunnies come together and decided to welcome their guests with open arms and friendship or will they stay as far away as possible? 

Eileen Wacker’s third edition of the Fujimini Adventure Series is cute, exciting and introduces some fun new characters. It also exposes kids to some Asian culture and history, like how purple is the color of royalty in Japan. Wacker embeds lessons within all the books of the Fujimini Adventure Series, but this book offers a few lessons that we can all learn from, including reserving our judgements of others based off of things we have heard until we actually get a chance to know them, and making new friends, offering a warm welcome to new people. This book is the perfect way to start a conversation with your kids about meeting new people, being a team player, and helping others out. 

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by Barnes and Noble, the story is available for purchase in hardcover, for your kindle, or for your nook. 

Click here to learn more or purchase the book from Amazon

Japan Celebrates the Arrival of Girls' Day

Excitement is growing throughout Japan due to the arrival of one of the nation’s biggest holiday traditions, Girls’ Day. The millennia old celebration, also referred to as Hinamatsuri or the Doll Festival, takes place every year on March 3rd. With all the history and tradition behind this special day comes just as many customs and celebrations. 

One of the oldest, and most important, customs that comes each year with the arrival of March 3rd is the displaying of dolls, the reason behind one of the holiday's names. This practice began during the Heian period. The dolls can start to be seen being displayed throughout Japanese homes around mid-February and remain there through the end of the celebrations. It is also customary for many people to participate in an ancient Japanese custom called hina-nagashi, one of the very first practices of Girls’ Day. During hina-nagashi people place straw dolls into a boat and cast the boat out to sea, believing the dolls carry the bad spirits away with them. The more exquisite dolls do not get put in the boats- sometimes these dolls are passed down through generations- instead they get taken down and put away after the celebrations have come to an end. Although they are put on display in February, it is important that the dolls are taken down no later than March 4th, or it is believed the daughter of the family will get married late. 

And what kind of holiday would be complete without food and drinks? Along with the traditional celebrations during the holiday come traditional dishes. Traditional foods consumed on this day include hina-arare, bite-sized crackers flavored with either soy sauce or sugar (which one depends on the region) as well as colored rice cakes, or hishimochi. Chirashizushi, sushi rice flavored with sugar and vinegar then topped with raw fish among other various ingredients, is also a holiday favorite. 

For girls seeking a united and peaceful relationship, it is suggested that they consume ushiojiru, a soup, that contains clams still in their shells because a pair of clam shells can fit perfectly together- but only with the original pair. In addition to traditional foods, Girls’ Day also brings to the table a customary beverage, called shirozake, a Japanese sake made from fermented rice.

Learn more about the award-winning Fujimini Adventure series.  Purchase the books here

How Countries in Asia Celebrate Halloween

Halloween is the most popular holiday in the United States, but did you know that other countries celebrate it too? Countries around the world have ways of honoring and remembering the dead during this time of year. Even different countries in Asia like to celebrate Halloween, but not in the traditional costumes-and-pumpkins way we might think. 

Each October 31st, people across China celebrate Halloween, or Teng Chieh, by offering food and water to the dead. They also light lanterns with the belief that they will help to guide deceased loved ones as they make their visit to the "land of the living" in Halloween night. 

The Japanese also utilize lanterns for their Halloween customs. The lanterns are traditionally colored red and are hung in every house. These red lanterns are also placed on boats and float through rivers to guide the spirits of the dead back to the homes of their families for the night. It is also traditional for Japanese families to clean the gravestones of their ancestors and prepare special dishes to honor and remember them. These customs and traditions are all referred to in Japan as the Obon Festival. 

Halloween is not big in Korea, but offerings of food and flowers are still made to their ancestors to show respect. 

Hong Kong remembers their lost loved ones through a traditional festival known as the Festival of the Hungry Ghosts. During this time, pictures of fruits or money are burned with the belief that these images will reach the spirits of the dead and provide comfort. 

Although many of the Halloween traditions in Asia are different from those in the United States, certain countries are beginning to pick up many Western Halloween traditions. For example, Halloween recently arrived in Japan. Now around this time of year, decorations such as jack-o'-lanterns can be seen around town of in shop windows and every year Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan puts on extravagant Halloween shows and events. Trick-or-Treating is still not a common practice in Japan, but costume house parties aren't that uncommon. 

Besides the traditional and culture-rich Festival of the Hungry Ghosts, Hong Kong also likes to celebrate the more commercialized side of Halloween. Each year bars all across Hong Kong are decked out in Halloween decorations in an attempt to increase local interest in the holiday. Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park also host a Halloween Bash each year to promote and celebrate the holiday. 

The Annual "Hand Made in Japan" Festival Houses Japan’s Finest Artists Under One Roof

Starting tomorrow and going until the 20th of July is the “Hand Made in Japan” Festival. The huge festival celebrates Japan’s most beautiful arts as well as the artists behind them. Taking place in Tokyo Bay, the annual festival introduces over 3,000 of Japan’s finest artists.

Attendees are given the chance to not only look at, but purchase, a wide variety of arts and crafts, as well as attend demonstrations and participate in workshops. Once visitors have explored the seemingly endless selection of already made crafts, they can test out their own inner-artists at any of the 20 themed workshops provided in the Tokyo Big Sight Atrium. 

To find the book series that inspires these stories, click here

After trying out one (or all) of the workshops, attendees can continue through the halls of artwork towards the West Exhibition Hall. This area of the festival houses around 2,200 booths all offering original works ranging from fashion accessories to household decorations. Finish out the amazing day by attending one of the live concerts or a paining session. And would any Asian festival be complete without food? Absolutely not! A wide array of food and beverages from different regions of Japan are also provided while visitors explore the halls. 

One of the special elements about Japanese art is the rich history behind it. With almost all ancient Japanese art, there is a story that comes with it. Those stories are woven through the Japanese people and their culture- thus making their art feel more personal. And what better way to display hand-crafted ornaments with a history than through a large festival where thousands of eyes can appreciate it. Often it is festivals like these that keep culture alive as time goes on. 

Learn more about the award-winning Fujimini Adventure series.  Purchase the books here

How Fireworks Came to be Part of Our Fourth of July Celebrations

One of the most memorable parts of summer is only days away. Since I live in a beach town, I’m mentally bracing myself for the influx of tourists, vacationers, and partiers that is sure to happen tomorrow. On Friday thousands of people across the country are going to be hitting the beach, barbecuing, attending carnivals, getting well acquainted with beer, and celebrating all that is America. Aside from hot dogs, hamburgers, and beer one of the most common (and most looked forward to) aspects of the Independence Day holiday are fireworks. Without fireworks the Fourth just wouldn’t feel complete. But where did our explosive entertainment come from?

While some argue their roots can be traced back to India or the Middle East, most historians believe fireworks originated in China. As early as 200 B.C. Chinese villagers stumbled upon naturally occurring firecrackers and began using them during rituals and cultural ceremonies. To make the delightful noise that everyone seems to love, they would roast bamboo, which explodes and creates a loud bang when it is heated due to its hollow air pockets. The people believed that these loud explosions would scare and ward off any evil spirits lurking nearby. 

As with many people throughout history, eventually curiosity and science came into play and Chinese chemists mixed together saltpeter, charcoal, sulfur, and other things to create an early form of gunpowder. They then stuffed the new substance into their bamboo sticks before throwing them into a fire. Thus, the first fireworks were born. 

 To find the book series that inspires these stories, click here

From that moment on, fireworks became a huge part of celebrating events, particularly military victories and religious ceremonies. So how did they make their way overseas and become part of our Independence Day celebration?

Fireworks have been a part of our Fourth of July since the very first one. It was John Adams who was the first to propose having fireworks become part of the celebrations. In a letter to his wife he wrote, “The day will be most memorable in the history of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade…bonfires and illuminations (a term for fireworks)…from one end of the continent to the other, from this time foreword forevermore.” 

And it looks like John Adams was right because on each anniversary of the 4th to this day fireworks have lit up our sky in celebration of our independence as a nation.  

Learn more about the award-winning Fujimini Adventure series.  Purchase the books here

Author Eileen Wacker Incorporates the Japanese Legend of the Kappa into her Recent Children's Book

One of the characters OnceKids’ author, Eileen Wacker, features in her most recent addition to the Fujimini Island Adventure Series, “Blue Penguin and the Sensation Surf”, is the Kappa. The Asian inspired Children’s series features many themes and terms from Korean, Chinese, and Japanese culture, so not all of the terms may be familiar to you. One of which is probably the Kappa, at least it was for me. 

The Kappa, which translates to “river-child”, is found within Japanese mythology and folklore. Also referred to as Kawataro or Kawako, the Kappa represents a mythical creature depicted as water-dwelling, about the size of a child with scaly, reptilian skin ranging from green to yellow in color. Their appearance ranges greatly from region to region but certain consistencies can be found, such as a carapace, a beak, and a flat hairless region on the top of their head filled with water. The water-filled plate on the top of their head is claimed to be their source of power. If the region dries or loses some of it’s water, the Kappa will be weakened and lose it’s power. Although mischievous, Kappas are notoriously polite, so according to legend, you can trick him into bowing low enough to spill his water. 

To learn more about the characters and world of Fujimini Island, click here

Kappas are generally regarded as troublemakers who like to do pranks on people. The Kappas pranks can range from innocent to malevolent depending on the type. Historically parents warn their children about the Kappa who will pull naughty children under the water. It was not uncommon for people to throw cucumbers into river waters to please the Kappas, who love to eat cucumbers almost as much as children, and avoid any trouble.

But not all Kappa are viewed as bad or trouble, some quite the opposite. Many are said to be curious about human civilization and are able to speak Japanese. If one was able to befriend a Kappa, they allegedly would help farmers irrigate land and bring gifts of fish. They are traditionally said to be intelligent creatures highly knowledgable in medicine, and were even responsible for teaching bone setting to humans. 

To find the book series that inspires these stories, click here

What's Your Chinese Zodiac Animal Sign? (Part Two)

One of the most important aspects of the Chinese New Year is it’s representation of each year through a different animal, twelve to be exact. Originally, the animal signs were designed as a counting system to follow the lunar calendar. But it was during the Han Dynasty, where a significant relationship between the animals signs and people developed. It is believed that the animal that was being represented during the year of your birth can predict your strengths, weaknesses, and even different parts of your fortune. 

So what’s your animal sign and what does it say about you?

4. The Rabbit

Your sign is the rabbit if you were born in the years:

1927

1939

1951

1963

1975

1987

1999

2011

Your strengths:

According to Chinese tradition, the rabbit has long stood for a sign of hope. It is a compassionate, tender, gentle, and sensitive creature- loved by many. People born during the Year of the Rabbit are good at communicating with others in a clever, likable, and humorous way. The soft-spoken and hospitable rabbit makes for a good friend and listener. Easily bored, the rabbit likes to create an interesting and romantic life for itself, being very talented at spicing up dull situations. The rabbit works at a fast pace and if very efficient, but rarely argues or gets angry. 

Your weaknesses:

The rabbit can be impulsive at times, putting money into projects and ideas without thinking it all the way through, which may cause some road blocks in the workforce. It is sometimes easy for the rabbit to lose touch with reality because of their love of romance and tendency to daydream. 

What the Rabbit Can Expect for 2014:

This year will be a year of ups and downs for the rabbit. There will be a lot of good things as well as some bad. The workplace will bring some of each. It is advised for rabbits to try to have good relationships with colleagues, as this will make their job less stressful. When problems are encountered at work, the rabbit should look to family for support. Although the rabbit won’t experience a large increase in their wealth this year, their health and love life is expected to be positive. 

5. The Dragon

Your sign is the dragon if you were born in the years:

1928

1940

1952

1964

1976

1988

2000

2012

Your strengths:

The dragon is one of my favorite signs under the Chinese Zodiac, and I am not alone! The dragon has always enjoyed a high reputation and deep appreciation by the Chinese culture and people. The dragon represents the highest authority, honor, and success. In ancient history, Emperors were referred to as “dragons”, thought to possess divine power, and the thrown they sat upon was known as the “dragon thrown”. Those born under the sign of the dragon are considered great leaders and will achieve much success in life, especially due to their drive for perfection. They are not turned off by challenges and independent thinkers. Those born under the sign of the dragon are both energetic and excitable, making them fun to be around.

Your Weaknesses:

While their success and achievements are good qualities, it can sometimes make dragons seem arrogant or over confident. Dragons are impatient creatures and sometimes struggle to control their emotions, whether it is anger or joy. People whose sign is the dragon often struggle with opening up to others or trusting, which can often be a setback in their love life. 

What the Dragon Can Expect this 2014:

Those born during the Year of the Dragon can expect to have a smooth 2014. Work will flourish this year, as dragons can expect a promotion of some kind. When approaching this year, dragons are advised to be wise and think things through when it comes to work-related decisions and avoid being impulsive. Work will use up much of the dragon’s energy, so make sure to pay attention to health this year and exercise regularly. 

6. The Snake

Your sign is the snake if you were born in the years:

1929

1941

1953

1965

1977

1989

2001

2013

Your strengths:

Within Chinese culture, snakes symbolize mystery, delight, and wealth. Those who are represented by the snake have a good temper and generally remain calm under stressful situations. Despite their cool nature, underneath their calm demeanor, snakes are very passionate and often inspire others through their articulate nature. Due to snake’s unrelenting empathy and sympathy, they make for very good friends.

Your Weaknesses:

Snakes can sometimes be jealous creatures. It is difficult for them to fully trust others and can often become suspicious of others’ intentions. Due to this, they would rather rely only on themselves and don’t like to be dependent on anyone else, which can sometimes hurt their relationships. 

What the Snake Can Expect this 2014:

This year will bring much good fortune for the snake, a relief after their hardships last year. Their fortune will be the most promising towards the beginning of the year, so snakes are encouraged to pursue opportunities right away instead of waiting. This year also brings good fortune in the workplace, with coworkers and income. Investments made by businessmen will pay off within the next several months, bringing much financial satisfaction to the snake. 2014 will also be a wonderful year for love and romance! Single snakes have a good chance of finding love this year. The only area where snakes should be worried is with health. People represented by the snake do not have the best immune systems, and should make sure to see a doctor as soon as any signs of illness or trouble arise. 

7. The Sheep (Also Referred to as the Goat or Ram)

Your sign is a sheep if you were born in the years:

1931

1943

1955

1967

1979

1991

2003

Your strengths:

The sheep has traditionally been associated with gentleness and kindness. Due to its white color, the sheep is linked with purity and the meaning of good things. Those born under the sign of the sheep are tender, caring, and kind-hearted people. They are very compassionate and take excellent care of others. Sheep tend to enjoy a quiet, low-key life and have a special appreciation for the arts. 

Your weaknesses:

The sheep’s quiet and gentle nature is a strength but in certain circumstances can be a weakness as well. They are extremely shy creatures, finding it difficult to reach out to others and be outspoken about their beliefs. At times the sheep can be moody and has difficulty making decisions. They have a very hard time being bold and expressing their love, which can create challenges for them in the romantic world.

What the Sheep Can Expect this 2014:

This year will prove to be a good year for the sheep in all dimensions of life. Their career will flourish and the stressors they endure from their growing success will be manageable. They will gain a lot of experience and accumulate some wealth over the next year as well. As for the sheep’s love life, that will flourish as well! Single sheep are expected to find their partner in the upcoming year and couples will have happy and harmonious relationships. Their health will be relatively good this year, but it is advised for the sheep to pay close attention to their negative emotions, as they tend to be oversensitive at times, because these can have a detrimental effect on their health. 

For the rest of the 12 Chinese Zodiac animals read "What's Your Chinese Zodiac Animal Sign? Part Three"! 

What's Your Chinese Zodiac Animal Sign? (Part one)

The Chinese Zodiac, also called Sheng Xiao, is a huge component of the Chinese New Year. It is a twelve year cycle that corresponds to the Lunar calendar- and for each different year there is a different animal represented. It is believed that whichever animal sign was being represented during the year of your birth, also represents you as a person- everything from your strengths and weaknesses to your fortune. So what’s your Chinese Zodiac animal sign? 

1. The Rat

Your sign is the rat if you were born in the years:

1924

1936

1948

1960

1972

1984

1996

2008

Your strengths:

People born during the Year of the Rat are typically of high intelligence. Their curiosity and adaptability leads them to achieve a lot of success in life. They are generally personable and quite popular. Their key features associated with the animal include “wit, alertness, flexibility, and spirit.”

Your weaknesses:

With all strengths come certain weaknesses. And the weaknesses associated with lacking in bravery or courage. Their timid nature prevents them from being able to be a leader or taking on a lot of responsibility. Their interests in personal gain and success drives them but also makes them come across as selfish. 

those born during the Year of the Rat include lacking in the ability to command authority and

What does 2014 have in store for the rat?

2014 will be a year of many ups and downs for the rats. They will experience many highs as well as many lows, but it is important that even during the lows rats keep a positive attitude. It is advised for rats to keep a close eye on their health this year, especially regarding intestinal problems. Maintain a healthy diet and make sure to keep up with physical exercise. For any single rats, 2014 is your year for love! For rat couples, make sure to keep calm in conflict and participate in regular communication to maintain a healthy relationship this year.

2. The Ox

Your sign is the ox if you were born in the years:

1925

1937

1949

1961

1973

1985

1997

2009

Your strengths:

Those born during the Year of the Ox are considered honest and patient people. They work slowly and proceed with caution. Their concentration, strong will, and faith makes them not easily affected by what those around them think or do. They are generally quite tenderhearted and good natured people, who follow their beliefs and have strong morals. But above all, the ox values family and tradition. 

Your weaknesses:

The ox is not a good communicator, making them misunderstood and their talents sometimes go undiscovered. They are stubborn and fall back into their old ways instead of being open to change.

What 2014 has in store for the ox:

2014 will not be a year of great fortune for the ox, but do not get discouraged! Though it will not be a year of great successes, it will not be a year of great failures either. Just stay calm and focused and the year should go by smoothly. Those whose sign is the ox should try to get a lot of rest this year and maintain a regular exercise routine. This year, the ox may come across some unkind or overly competitive people at the workplace, but again- stay calm and react wisely in these situations. Although, the ox will not flourish in many ways this upcoming year, it is a good year for the ox to find love and be content with their social life.

3. The Tiger

Your sign is the tiger if you were born in the years:

1926

1938

1950

1962

1974

1986

1998

2010

Your strengths:

Tigers represent bravery and strength. In ancient times, many emperors were compared to tigers, because of their valiance, nobility, and power. Those born during the Year of the Tiger are considered to be well respected people who enjoy a challenge. They are quick, intelligent, and active. Because they speak their mind and are blunt, people find them easy to trust.

Your weaknesses:

The strength and power of a tiger can sometimes come at a cost. Tigers are often short-tempered and can clash with others, especially authority figures. They are very confident in their abilities, almost too confident, which can lead to difficulty cooperating with others.

What 2014 has in store for the tiger:

The beginning of the year will be dull and uneventful for the tiger, but as 2014 progresses, their luck will grow. Tigers will work hard this year, and it will show. This year, tigers can expect some sort of pay raise or promotion. They will be satisfied with their wealth and not accumulate any financial stresses or problems. Singles may find love this year, but overall 2014 may present some romantic road blocks for tigers. If you’re in a romantic relationship, make sure to avoid conflict by keeping communication open. Tigers can sometimes have a wandering eye, so make sure to stay away from that this year. 

To see the rest of the 12 Chinese Zodiac Animals and find which one correlates with your birth year- keep watch for "What's Your Chinese Zodiac Animal Sign: Part 2"!

The Origin of the Chinese Zodiac Animal Signs

It is no secret that there is a long standing relationship or link between the Chinese culture and 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac- but when did this relationship first develop? And for what purpose? 

The Chinese Zodiac, also referred to as Sheng Xiao, was originally created as a counting system for counting the years according to the Chinese Lunar calendar. The ancient Chinese observed that there were 12 full moons per year, developing a link between time and astronomy- what many of us now may think of as astrology. 

It was during the Han Dynasty where the order and characteristics of the 12 animals became considered a direct influence on the lives of people. It became believed, and still is today, that depending on the year of your birth you became associated with one of the 12 zodiac animals and this knowledge could yield predictions on everything from your personality and habits to what kind of year you might have. 

The year of your birth, or your animal year, is known as your Benming Nian and based on the Chinese New Year, your animal year only comes about every 12 years- making it a very special year for you! 

So if it is your animal year, how can you ensure that the fortune it brings about is good and not bad? The Chinese say the best way to ensure good fortune during the arrival of your animal year is to wear red on the New Year as well as a necklace purchase by someone else- it doesn't count if you buy it for yourself! 

How the Chinese Prepare for the New Year

With the New Year quickly approaching, the Chinese are very busy preparing their house for the incoming celebrations. Due to the extensive history and culture behind this holiday, many people participate in all the traditional rituals leading up to this special time such as cleaning, shopping, cooking, and more. 

Many hours of cleaning are required to get the house ready for the holiday, believing that cleansing one's home sweeps away any bad fortune. Although cleaning is an important aspect of the New Year's traditions, it is only in the few weeks approaching the holiday where it is necessary- once New Year's Eve has arrived it is critical that all cleaning comes to a halt, due to the belief that after its arrival, any further cleaning will sweep away the incoming good fortune. Once the house is spotless, people hang chunlian, or paper couplets, in their doorways to encourage good luck to enter their home. 

Next, one must go shopping to purchase all the necessary items to make their New Year celebrations festive and special. The first items to check off on the list? The food of course! 

In addition to groceries, one must purchase themselves a new outfit to ring in the New Year, preferably red! Once you have treated yourself, it is time to treat your friends and family! Purchases of gifts and red envelops to put money in to exchange with loved ones are common in preparation for the celebration of the New Year. 

Also, if you are considering getting a haircut anytime soon, it is vital you do it before the New Year has arrived! Why? Because cutting anything, even your hair, is considered bad luck during New Years celebrations. 

Participation in these cultural rituals will assure any celebrators a happy and luck-filled Chinese New Year! 

The Rich History Behind the Chinese New Year

While we celebrated the arrival of the new year on January 1st, preparations for the Chinese New Year are just beginning! The date of the New Year changes from year to year because it is based off of their Lunar Calendar, and this year the eagerly awaited holiday falls on January 31st. 

Out of the countless Chinese festivals and holidays, this is by far the most celebrated and cherished one. It is a time dedicated to honoring the household, remembering ancestors, and relaxing and celebrating with friends and family. And people really know how to get in the spirit, with celebrations beginning the evening before and lasting up to fifteen days after- sign me up! 

Like with most Chinese holidays, the Chinese New Year is a cultural event filled with rich history and tradition. There is deep legend and mythology behind the beginning of the national public holiday involving a mythical creature the ancient villagers referred to as "Nian". The stories say that this creature would reek havoc through the villages on the first day of every New Year- attacking people and eating livestock and crops. In order to protect themselves from Nian, the villagers began leaving food on their doorsteps each New Year's Eve, in hopes that the distraction of food would prevent further attack to their people. 

To learn more about the cultural and diversity taught at Fujimini Island, please click here.

The significance of the color red during the New Year also stems from this same legend of Nian. After the beast was scared away by a child wearing red, the villagers concluded that he was fearful of that color. So from then on, in addition to putting food offerings on their porches, the people would also hang red lanterns and red scrolls on all their windows and doors to ward Nian off. It was only after this act that the ancient creature never again returned to cause harm to the villages and people. 

Christmas in Asia: How the Chinese Celebrate the Holiday

Our last stop for Christmas in Asia is Christmas in China. Although Christmas has some presence in China, it is not as widely celebrated or acknowledged as it is in Korea or Japan. Most shops, schools, and offices remain open- as it is not considered an official holiday. Despite this, some elements of a Western Christmas can be found in China around this time of year. 

Large shopping centers and department stores are often decked out in Christmas decorations in acknowledgement of the holiday. Everything from Christmas trees, to lights, to other various decorations are put up around the end of November to bring on the season. Even a few homes get into the spirit of Christmas, hanging Christmas lights around the outside of the house or putting up a small tree inside. China even has their own version of Santa Claus, who spends his time visiting hotels and malls across the

country. Rather than being accompanied by elves, the Chinese Santa travels alongside his sisters- women dressed in red and white skirts. Traditionally, the Chinese Santa does not leave presents or accept treats of milk and cookies but he will pay a home visit to take pictures with excited children. 

To learn more about the cultural and diversity taught at Fujimini Island, please click here.

Despite the small size of Christmas in China, emphasis on the holiday is increasing each year. Many families now gather together on Christmas Eve for a special dinner with friends. Close friends and family often will exchange cards or small gifts. Hotel restaurants and Western restaurants will almost always feature a traditional Christmas dinner and other festive treats during this time. Many Chinese people love to go on shopping sprees during the November and December months. Another seasonal favorite, ice skating, is available at special locations that are set up exclusively for the Christmas season, such as at Weiming Lake at Peking University in Beijing. 

Christmas in Asia: How the Japanese Celebrate the Christmas Season

Although the most important holiday of the season in Japan is New Year's Day, Christmas is still something on the people's minds this time of year. In Japan, certain Christmas symbols, traditions, and practices are carried over from Western Christmas traditions and given an "Asian flare", while others are unique to their culture and traditions.

Much like in the United States, the ideas of having holiday spirit and the gift of giving is a very strong concept during the Christmas season for the Japanese. Participating in worship and giving to the sick and poor is the main focus of Japanese Christians around this time of year. 

Christmas day also shares many similarities to what your family's typical Christmas may be. Family members gather together over a turkey dinner to exchange cards and gifts. A Christmas tree can still be found in the house, decorated with an abundance of lights and ornaments. A special corner of each house is reserved for a Nativity scene- even mistletoe and evergreens are a symbol that Japanese Christians hold dear for this holiday. Hoteiosho, a Buddhist monk who is the Japanese equivalent of Santa Claus, showers the well behaved children with presents on Christmas morning. 

Even though many Western customs carry over to this holiday, there are still many Asian traditions that are woven into the season. The Japanese incorporate their rich tradition through their unique Christmas cakes, fried chicken, and Daiku. Their traditional Christmas cake is made from sponge cake decorated with miniature figures of trees, flowers, and Hoeiosho or Santa Claus. In addition to turkey, fried chicken has become a traditional meal for the holiday meal. The music favorite of the season, the Ninth Symphony of Beethoven, Daiku, can be heard playing in many houses  and at many holiday get togethers. 

To learn more about the cultural and diversity taught at Fujimini Island, please click here.

How Asia Is Getting into the Spirit of Halloween

Halloween is considered one of the most popular holidays in the United States, but did you know that other countries celebrate it too? Countries around the world have ways of honoring and remembering the dead during this time of year. Various countries across Asia like to get in the spirit of this spooky holiday, but not in the traditional costumes-and-pumpkins way we might think. 

Each October 31st, people across China celebrate Halloween, or Teng Chieh, by offering food and water to the dead. They also light lanterns with the belief that they will help to guide deceased loved ones as they make their visit to the "land of the living" in Halloween night. 

The Japanese also include lanterns in their fall holiday customs. The lanterns are traditionally colored red and are hung in every house. These red lanterns are also placed on boats and float through rivers to guide the spirits of the dead back to the homes of their families for the night. It is also traditional for Japanese families to participate in what they refer to as the Obon Festival, where they clean the gravestones of their ancestors and prepare special dishes to honor and remember them. 

Halloween is not widely celebrated within Korea, but offerings of food and flowers are still made to their ancestors to show respect. 

Hong Kong remembers their lost loved ones through a traditional festival known as the Festival of the Hungry Ghosts. During this time, pictures of fruits or money are burned with the belief that these images will reach the spirits of the dead and provide comfort. 

Although many of the Halloween traditions in Asia are different from those in the United States, many of the Halloween traditions we know and love have begun to catch on overseas. For example, Western-Style Halloween recently arrived in Japan. Now around this time of year, decorations such as jack-o'-lanterns can be seen around town and in shop windows and every year Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan puts on

extravagant Halloween shows and events. Trick-or-Treating is still not a common practice in Japan, but costume house parties are becoming increasingly popular. 

Besides the traditional and culture-rich Festival of the Hungry Ghosts, Hong Kong also likes to celebrate the more commercialized side of Halloween. Each year bars all across Hong Kong are decked out in Halloween decorations in an attempt to increase local interest in the holiday. Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park also host a Halloween Bash each year to promote and celebrate the holiday.

To learn more about the cultural and diversity taught at Fujimini Island, please click here.