Chinese New Year zodiacs
how many chinese zodiacs are there
12
What do 饺子(jiaozi/dumplings) symbolize?
These crescent-shaped dumplings symbolize wealth because they resemble ancient Chinese silver or gold ingots.
According to legend, the color red and loud firecrackers are used during the New Year to scare away this mythical, man-eating beast.
年nian
新年快乐 Xīn Nián Kuài Lè
Happy New Year！
What position does the Horse hold in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle？
七
Which Chinese zodiac is the first?
the rat
Why Chinese eat noodles for the Chinese New Year Eve dinner?
Eating this long, uncut food during the New Year celebration symbolizes longevity and a long life.
You should avoid doing this household chore on New Year's Day, as it is believed you might accidentally "wash away" or "sweep out" your good luck for the year.
What is Cleaning (specifically sweeping or washing hair/clothes)?
恭喜发财 Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái
Wish you prosperity and wealth！
How long does the Chinese New Year usually last?
十五天
Which Chinese zodiac is the last?
the pig
What is 年糕(nian gao/rice cake)?
This sweet, sticky rice cake is eaten to symbolize a higher income or position in the coming year.
When giving red envelopes (hongbao), you should avoid any total that includes this number, because its name sounds like the Chinese word for "death."
What is the number 4?
学习进步 xuexi jinbu
May you make progress in your studies！
According to the Five Elements cycle, the year 2026 is specifically the year of this "type" of Horse, which only occurs once every 60 years.
What is the Fire Horse?
Which Chinese zodiac can fly?
the dragon
Why do the Chinese eat whole fish for New Year's Eve dinner?
This whole fish dish is served because the Chinese word for it sounds like “surplus,” symbolizing abundance in the new year.
What are hongbao (or lai see), the red envelopes? 🧧
These red envelopes filled with money are given to children and unmarried adults during Chinese New Year to symbolize good luck and ward off evil spirits.
大吉大利 Dà Jí Dà Lì
Wish you good fortune and big profits！
Chinese New Year is also called
春节 chunjie
What is the zodiac for 2026 in 中文?
马 ma
Why Chinese eat tangerines during 春节(chunjie/spring festival)?
These round fruits are commonly displayed and eaten during the holiday because they symbolize wealth and good fortune.
If you accidentally break a plate or bowl during the festivities, you should immediately say "Sui Sui Ping An" to ward off bad luck, because the word for "broken" sounds like the word for this.
What is Age?
Note: Sui 碎, broken, is a homophone for Sui 岁, age
身体健康 Shēn Tǐ Jiàn Kāng
Wish you good health!
This 15th day celebration concludes the New Year festivities; it is marked by the eating of Tangyuan, the hanging of red lanterns, and in the Year of the Horse, it represents the final transition into the animal's energetic influence for the months ahead.
What is the Lantern Festival? (Also accepted: Yuan Xiao Jie)