Tying a Chinese Knot

Introduction
Real Chinese knots are tied and plaited instead of being cut. Tying a Chinese knot de-
mands a lot of patience, but with practice, you will eventually learn how to make one of
your own. The following example of a simple knot is a good start.

Instructions
1. Stretch out a 20-inch long and 1 8 -inch thick red, braided ribbon or string on a
level surface, such as a desk.
2. Pick up one end and bring it down and across to the right to form a large loop.
3. Pick up and move the right end of the ribbon or string all the way to the left, beneath
the other end of the ribbon or string that is lying in the middle, and take it back be-
neath that end to the right to form a smaller loop under the bigger one (see a).
4. Take the end of the ribbon or string that is in the middle up across the entire
smaller loop under it and feed it into the bigger loop beneath it (see b).
5. Take the same end and bring it down to feed into the smaller loop on top of it (see b).
6. Carefully pull both ends (see c). You have created a Chinese knot!

Making a Lantern
Introduction
Lanterns are a big part of Chinese holiday celebrations. This is particularly true of the
Lantern Festival, which takes place on the eve of the fifteenth day of the first Chinese lunar
month, usually in early February. On that evening, all types of lanterns are on display every-
where in the country. Here you will learn how to make a simple one of your own. All you

58 Part 2: Food, Games, and Crafts