Chinese New Year Food
Chinese New Year Zodiacs
Chinese New Year Traditions
Chinese New Year Fun Facts
100
What do long noodles traditionally symbolize during Lunar New Year?
A. Happiness
B. Family unity
C. Longevity
D. Good fortune
C. Longevity
Long noodles represent a long life, which is why you’re not supposed to cut them before eating.
100
How many animals are in the Chinese zodiac?
A. 10
B. 12
C. 14
D. 16
Answer: B. 12
The zodiac runs on a 12-year cycle, with one animal per year.
100
Why are red decorations commonly used during Chinese New Year?
A. Red was historically rare
B. Red symbolizes luck and protection
C. Red represents the emperor
D. Red marks the end of winter
Answer: B. Red symbolizes luck and protection
Red is believed to ward off bad luck and bring good fortune.
100
Chinese New Year is also commonly called what?
A. Winter Festival
B. Spring Festival
C. Lantern Day
D. Harvest Festival
Answer: B. Spring Festival
It’s called the Spring Festival because it marks the beginning of spring in the lunar calendar.
200
Why is fish traditionally served at Chinese New Year meals?
A. It’s considered a luxury dish
B. It represents abundance and surplus
C. It’s believed to bring good health
D. It was historically eaten after fasting
Answer: B. It represents abundance and surplus
The word for fish (鱼, yú) sounds like “surplus,” symbolizing having more than enough in the new year.
200
Which zodiac animal comes immediately after the Horse?
A. Snake
B. Monkey
C. Goat
D. Rooster
Answer: C. Goat
200
What is the main purpose of giving red envelopes (hongbao)?
A. To pay off debts
B. To exchange gifts
C. To share good luck and blessings
D. To honor ancestors
Answer: C. To share good luck and blessings
Red envelopes symbolize passing along luck and good wishes, especially to younger family members.
200
How long can Chinese New Year celebrations last?
A. 3 days
B. 7 days
C. 10 days
D. Up to 15 days
Answer: D. Up to 15 days
Celebrations traditionally last from New Year’s Day to the Lantern Festival on day 15.
300
Why are dumplings commonly eaten during Chinese New Year?
A. They’re quick to make for large families
B. They resemble ancient Chinese money
C. They were traditionally eaten only in winter
D. They’re meant to bring good health
Answer: B. They resemble ancient Chinese money
Dumplings look like old gold ingots, so eating them symbolizes wealth and prosperity for the new year.
300
Why is the Rat first in the zodiac cycle?
A. It was the fastest
B. It was the smallest
C. It tricked the Ox
D. It was chosen by humans
Answer: C. It tricked the Ox
In the legend, the Rat rode on the Ox’s back and jumped ahead at the finish.
300
Why are fireworks traditionally used during Chinese New Year celebrations?
A. To celebrate the end of winter
B. To honor ancestors
C. To scare away evil spirits
D. To welcome visitors
Answer: C. To scare away evil spirits
Loud noises were believed to frighten away bad spirits and bad luck.
300
Which of these is traditionally given in red envelopes?
A. Jewelry
B. Food
C. Money
D. Written wishes
Answer: C. Money
Money in red envelopes represents blessings and good fortune.
400
Which of these foods is traditionally avoided during Chinese New Year because of its meaning?
A. Porridge
B. Chicken
C. Fish
D. Dumplings
Answer: A. Porridge
Porridge is associated with poverty or hardship, so it’s often avoided during the New Year period.
400
Can you name all 12 Chinese zodiac animals in the correct order?
Rat -> Ox -> Tiger -> Rabbit -> Dragon -> Snake -> Horse -> Goat -> Monkey -> Rooster -> Dog -> Pig
400
Name two traditions people do before Chinese New Year begins.
Some examples:
Cleaning the house
Decorating with red couplets
Buying new clothes
Preparing food for the reunion dinner
A lot of these traditions are meant to clear out old luck and prepare for a fresh start.
400
Chinese New Year is celebrated by more than how many people worldwide?
A. 500 million
B. 1.5 billion
C. 2 billion
D. 2.5 billion
Answer: C. About 1.5 billion
It’s one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world.