Chinese New Year Traditions Quiz
What traditional gift is often given to children during the festival?
- Red is symbolic of good luck, and the small amount of money inside can be used to buy children's treats.
How many zodiac animals are celebrated during Chinese New Year?
- 12 different animals are included in Chinese New Year celebrations, with one being the focus of each year.
What is the name of the horrible monster that was said to wreak havoc at the end of each year, plaguing the ancient Chinese people?
- It was said that this monster's features included those of a lion, an ox, and a unicorn.
What is the 15th day of the first lunar month called during Chinese New Year festivities?
- Traditionally the first full moon of the new year, it's also called yuán xiāo jié ("first night of the full moon").
In Mandarin Chinese, what phrase is used to wish people a happy Chinese New Year?
- Wishing someone "Xīnnián hǎo" is a good way to observe one of the most important celebrations of the entire Chinese year.
Which number is the luckiest in Chinese cultural tradition?
- Because it's associated with wealth, 8 is an important number in Chinese culture.
What are the "Door Gods" or "Door Spirits" that protect a celebrant's house also called?
- These guardians protected the inhabitants of a house by keeping them safe from evil and dangerous spirits or influences.
On Chinese New Year's Eve, what is the traditional food eaten by people in northern China?
- By both preparing these delicious morsels together with loved ones, and enjoying them when freshly made, this traditional meal brings families together.
Known as a "benming year", your birth year also determines the Chinese zodiac animal that you are associated with. But which of the following facts is believed about your birth year?
- The year in which you were born is supposedly the most fraught with spiritual danger and is the most unlucky for a person.
What things do most traditional Chinese New Year greetings revolve around?
- It's a time to wish the best for everyone, including health, wealth, and abundance.
