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It’s 2021, which means it’s the Year of the Ox! Celebrate fresh beginnings with these fun and simple Chinese New Year Crafts for Kids!

It’s a brand new year, and it couldn’t have come sooner! While all of us are glad to bid 2020 goodbye and welcome 2021 on the 1st of January, there’s another new year’s celebration to look forward to – the Chinese New Year!

The Chinese calendar is different to the Gregorian one, and it follows the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac, with each zodiac being represented by an animal. 2020 was the Year of the Rat, 2022 will be the Year of the Tiger and this year is – you guessed it – the Year of the Ox!

One of the myths regarding the Chinese zodiac is based on a race held between various animals, to choose the ones on whom the zodiac would be based on. Apparently, the Ox was easily the strongest and could navigate all kids of terrain and water bodies. Besides being strong, the Ox was also kind-hearted, and agreed to give the rat a ride on its back. However, at the last minute, the rat jumped off the Ox’s back and crossed the finish line, coming first in the cycle of the zodiac and leaving the Ox in second place.

Now that’s an interesting story, and we’re ready to back it up with some more interesting crafts! Let these crafts be a starting point to learn more about the Chinese zodiac and Chinese mythology. Who knows, you might come across some really amazing stories!

Year of the Ox – Chinese New Year Crafts for Kids

1. Year of the Ox Printable Headband for Kids

The Ox is an animal that denotes honesty, hard work and strength, all of which are great qualities to have. Make this Ox headband to wear and try to imagine yourself already having these positive traits – perfect to begin the New Year with!

2. Year of the Ox Corner Bookmark

Another trait associated with the Ox is of being loyal and trustworthy, and this fun Ox bookmark from Red Ted Art is something you can rely on to hold your place in your favorite book! Another way to ensure you reach your reading goals this year!

3. Paper Ox Standing Decoration

If you’ve ever seen oxen work, you’ll notice how grounded and solid they are. Holidappy celebrates this aspect of the ox in a standing craft that’s quite stable on its own!

4. DIY Year of the Ox Felt Craft

One of the main uses of an ox is in agriculture, since they’re strong enough to turn over hard earth with a plow. Across the world, people have started using machines for these purposes, but the ox still reigns supreme in many countries! Discuss the various ways oxen help us, while making this easy felt ox craft!

5. Paper Ox Craft

An ox is stronger than a horse, but slower. Their stance itself is an indication of their slow and steady nature, with the neck slightly bent. Alpha Mom brings out this anatomical feature of oxen beautifully in this simple paper craft that even younger kids can put together.

6. Ox Mason Jar Lantern

Most cultures celebrate festivals with some kind of lights, whether it’s diyas lit during Diwali or Christmas lights on a tree. Alpha Mom gives us a fun way to celebrate the Chinese New Year with lights too, with the help of a mason jar lantern craft!

7. Hidden Ox Art Activity

We absolutely love how gorgeous this art project from The Imagination Box is! They have an art activity for every year of the Chinese zodiac, and this year’s is probably my favorite one from the lot!

8. Printable Ox Finger Puppet

Fancy enjoying some pretend play fun with an Ox this New Year? Holidappy has the solution, in the form of a paper finger puppet. Didn’t think I would say this, but this ox actually looks quite cute!

9. Paper Plate Ox

Activity Village has an ox craft that’s perfect for the little ones, as it involves larger pieces and simple techniques. Not to mention, all the materials are easily available and probably already lying around at home!

10. Ox Canvas Art

The more you learn about the Ox, the more you’ll become a fan of this animal! Craft Project Ideas has a project that you can hang in your room to remind you of all the positive qualities embodied by the grand ox.

11. Year of the Ox Foam Pendant

If you’d like a more traditional kind of craft project for the Year of the Ox, Craft Ideas has just the thing for you! This foam pendant is quite pretty, and it also features Chinese script, giving your project an authentic feel!

The Ox is an important animal in Chinese mythology, but also in other cultures like Korean, Vietnamese and Nepalese. In nearly every culture, it is considered an auspicious animal, and figurines are often placed in homes and businesses to attract positive vibes. We think it also serves as a reminder to work hard and be kind, no matter what the circumstances may be. Isn’t that a great thought to start the New Year with?