With Chinese New Year so close, you may be looking fo some beautiful and inexpensive ways to decorate your house in the spirit of the season.
In the year of the Wood Snake, it’s auspicious to include serpentine or snake-like motifs to increase your prosperity throughout the year.
Moreover, they are a fun way to introduce your kids to the concept of the Chinese zodiac, which is important in Chinese culture.
One of the ways you can do this is by creating some DIY snake crafts with them.
But before we get to those, let’s explore the meaning and symbolism behind the snake in Chinese culture.
Snake: A Symbol of Wisdom and Mystery
A symbol of wisdom and cunning, snakes are often depicted in myth and legend as powerful beings with astonishing powers, particularly that of shape-shifting.
Many gods and spirits of Chinese mythology have also been depicted as snakes or having snake-like qualities such as Yanwei, the two headed serpent god who can grant one power over the natural world if worshipped.
Universally known to represent rebirth and resurrection, Snakes mimic the act of spontaneous transformation when they shed their skins.
Their venom, which is deadly, was thought to give the snake power over life and death itself.
In Chinese metaphysics, the Snake zodiac is naturally associated with the element of Fire, which just like the snake, also has the power to create or to destroy.
DIY Snake Craft to Do with Your Kids
Ang Pao Snakes
This paper snake is made using wires and ang pao packets.
It can be used as a beautiful decoration in your home as part of Chinese New Year.
All you need is some ang pao packets, a wire and some glue.
Paste on a pair of eyes and the iconic forked tongue to give your creation the necessary features.
This snake can be placed upright like an actual snake reared to strike.
Red Packet Snakes
Also made from ang paos, this red packet snake can be used as wall or door decorations. Simply hang them up and they’ll definitely liven up your room!
All you need are some ang pao and staplers. glue on googly eyes and a red tongue so your guests won’t be confused.
The circular shape of the craft makes it look like a coiling snake.
Jumping Snake
This fun little snake toy can entertain your child hours.
By cutting out the shape of the snake in a spiral form, you get a natural springing mechanism.
Simply press on the snake and release and it’ll jump back out at you.
This project uses coloured papers, scissors and glue – and any other accoutrements that you may want to help your child add uniqueness to their creations.
Paper Snake
Another snake craft using paper, this project is one of the easier ones to complete with your kids.
You can finish it within minutes and even give some away to guests or younger family members during Chinese New Year celebrations.
This craft uses paper circles or hoops to create the snake’s long body.
Clay Snake
Quick drying polymer clay has so many applications in arts and craft.
It’s not different when it comes to creating tiny cute figurines for Chinese New Year.
When it comes to making snakes, nothing is easier.
You can even coax out your child’s inner creativity by teaching him how to fill in details like scales and eyes.
Then, paint the figurines with acrylic paint in any colour you want.
Moving Snake
Just like the springing snake, the moving snake uses a special paper folding technique to create a spring mechanism.
When you press on the snake and release it, you launch it away from you.
With some glue, paper and scissors you can easily help you kids create this fun toy.
Don’t forget to put on googly eyes and a forked tongue!
Slithering Towards Prosperity
Whether they’re for home decoration or for fun play time with the kids, these snake crafts are perfect for bringing cheer and joy into your Chinese New Year celebration.
With easy-to-find and cheap items, you can easily get your children into the fun of creating these beautiful snake crafts.
Don’t forget to explain to them the power and wisdom behind the symbol of the serpent and the qualities that they can learn from such an enigmatic creature.
Happy Chinese New Year to you and yours from all of us at Motherhood with love! May the Year of the Wood Snake be a properous one filled with good health and happiness!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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