Festivals Around China
What is the most widely celebrated festival in China during Chinese New Year?
Spring Festival - Chūnjié, 春节
Why are dumplings (饺子, jiǎozi) eaten during Chinese New Year?
Dumplings are a symbol of wealth and prosperity because their shape resembles ancient Chinese gold ingots. Eating dumplings during the New Year is believed to bring financial success and good fortune for the coming year.
What animal is 2025?
Snake
Is Chinese New Year only celebrated in China?
No, it is also celebrated in Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, ect.
What color represents good luck?
Red
元宵节 yuánxiāo jié - people light and release lanterns, eat rice balls, and enjoy dragon dances
What is the significance of fish (鱼, yú) in Chinese New Year meals?
Fish symbolizes abundance and surplus because the Chinese word for fish (鱼, yú) sounds like "surplus" (余, yú). A whole fish is often served at the New Year’s Eve dinner to represent prosperity and a good year ahead. It is traditionally left partially uneaten to carry over good fortune into the new year.
What to Dragons represent in personality traits
Ambitious and Energetic
In Chinese New Year the same as New Years for US?
No, it follows the lunar calendar rather than being on January 1st it is late january.
What fruit represents luck for chinese new year and in what way?
Oranges and Tangerines - they represent wealth and fortune
How do different regions in China celebrate Chinese New Year differently?
In northern China, people eat dumplings (jiaozi, 饺子) for good fortune, while in southern China, sticky rice cakes (nian gao, 年糕) are popular. Some regions have elaborate dragon dances, while others hold temple fairs and firework displays.
What do glutinous rice cakes (年糕, niángāo) represent?
Niangao, or sticky rice cake, symbolizes growth, progress, and a higher position in life because "年糕" (niángāo) sounds like "year high," meaning improvement in career, wealth, and personal life in the new year.
Which Chinese zodiac animal is considered the luckiest?
Dragon
Is Chinese New Year only celebrated for one day?
No, Chinese New Year is a 15-day festival
What do red evelopes represent?
The money means blessings for wealth and success and the envelope is protection from evil spirits
Why do people set off firecrackers and fireworks during Chinese New Year?
Firecrackers and fireworks are believed to scare away the mythical beast "Nian," which, according to legend, attacked villagers at the start of the new year. The loud noises and bright lights are also thought to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck for the year ahead.
Why are mandarins and oranges popular during Chinese New Year?
Mandarins and oranges symbolize wealth and good luck because their round shape and golden color resemble coins. Additionally, the Chinese word for orange (橙, chéng) sounds like "success" (成, chéng), making them a lucky fruit to eat and gift during the holiday.
How did the zodiac animals come about?
Jade Emperor invited them all to race
Do all Chinese people celebrate Chinese New Year the same way?
No, different regions in China have unique customs. For example, northern China traditionally eats dumplings (jiaozi) for good luck, while southern China often eats sticky rice cake (nian gao).
What character means blessings or good fortune?
福 (fú) word for upsidedown
What traditional activities take place during Chinese New Year?
Common activities include cleaning and decorating homes with red lanterns, paper cuttings, and couplets; family reunions with feasts; giving red envelopes (hongbao) with money to children; lighting firecrackers; and watching dragon and lion dances. These traditions are meant to bring luck and drive away evil spirits.
What is the meaning behind eating longevity noodles (长寿面, chángshòu miàn)?
Longevity noodles represent long life and good health. These noodles are served uncut to symbolize an unbroken, long life, and eating them carefully without breaking them is believed to bring good fortune and longevity.
What are the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, and how are they assigned to years?
Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig
What is the saying about cleaning your house on chinese new year?
It is bad luck - it is said taking the trash out and clearing things away removes good luck
Why is fish a symbol of good luck?
Symbolizes having enough wealth and prosperity for the future.