Dragon mask for Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is on Feb. 10th, 2013–the year of snake. Chinese all over the world will be celebrating their New Year with Dragon dance parades, fireworks, and feasts. Dragons are legendary creatures in Chinese Folk Tales. Here is how to make a dragon puppet.

You’ll need:

• Construction paper (red, yellow, orange, and green color)
• Chinese dragon template
• White paper plate (large)
• Glitter
• Stapler with staples
• Markers
• Scissors
• Craft stick (tongue depressor size)

These are the steps to make your dragon mask:

1. Print out your dragon template by clicking the “Chinese dragon template” above
2. Color the dragon template and cut it out
3. Cut the colored construction papers in strips (tip: divide the construction paper in 5 equal long strips, then cut them)
4. Fold the paper strips back and forth like a fan to create the wave look
5. Staple the paper strips around the paper plate
6. Glue the Chinese Dragon face on top of the paper strips

Here are more fun things to do after you made your dragon puppet:

Learn about the Chinese Dragon

Learn about the symbolic meaning of food in the Chinese New Year Feast

Learn about Chinese New Year celebration in Hong Kong