LUNAR NEW YEAR BASICS
This holiday marks the beginning of a new year in many East Asian cultures.
The Lunar New Year
How many animals are in the Chinese zodiac?
12
What colour is most associated with good luck during Lunar New Year?
Red
What food is commonly eaten during Lunar New Year celebrations?
Dumplings
Which continent celebrates Lunar New Year the most?
Asia
This calendar is based on the cycles of the moon.
The Lunar Calendar.
Which animal starts the Chinese zodiac cycle?
The rat
What are people given in red envelopes during Lunar New Year?
Money
What do dumplings symbolise during Lunar New Year?
Wealth or prosperity
What is Lunar New Year called in Vietnam?
Tết
Why does Lunar New Year usually fall between late January and mid-February?
Because it follows the lunar calendar
What determines a person’s zodiac animal?
The year they were born
Why are fireworks used during Lunar New Year celebrations?
To scare away evil spirits or bad luck
Why are round foods important during Lunar New Year?
They symbolise unity and togetherness
What is Lunar New Year called in South Korea?
Seollal
What is another name commonly used for Lunar New Year in China?
The Chinese New Year
Which zodiac animal is the only mythical creature?
Why do people avoid cleaning or washing on New Year’s Day?
To avoid washing away good luck
What does the sweet rice cake nian gao symbolise?
Growth, progress, or improvement
What is the name of the mass travel period during Lunar New Year in China?
Chunyun
How many days do Lunar New Year celebrations often last?
Why does each zodiac animal repeat every 12 years?
Because the zodiac cycle lasts 12 years
What is the traditional reason for many Lunar New Year customs focusing on luck?
To bring good fortune and avoid bad luck for the year ahead
Why is food symbolism important during Lunar New Year celebrations?
Because foods represent hopes for the coming year
Why is Chunyun considered the largest annual human migration in the world?
Because hundreds of millions of people travel home at the same time