Lunar New Year Around the World
A traditional children's summer toy is a staple of the Thai New Year (Songkran) to keep everyone "soaked" in luck.
What is a watergun?
In Chinese culture, Nian Gao (sticky rice cake) is eaten because its name sounds like "Year Higher," symbolizing this.
What is progress? (or growth/advancement)
This Ford sports car, introduced in 1964, features a galloping horse on its grille and shares its name with a wild breed.
What is the Mustang?
A squeaky rodent's head-covering.
What is a Rat Hat?
While most cultures celebrate the Year of the Rabbit, the Vietnamese Zodiac replaces it with this animal.
What is a cat?
In Hong Kong, these flaky-crust Egg Tarts are served because their bright yellow centers resemble these traditional "Yuanbao" or boat-shaped items.
What are gold ingots?
In Toy Story 2, this loyal horse is Woody’s personal steed and is famous for the phrase "Ride like the wind!"
Who is Bullseye?
A messy farm animal's curly hairpiece.
What is a Pig Wig?
In the Philippines, it is a popular LNY tradition to wear this fabric pattern, as the circles represent money and fortune.
What are polka dots?
In Korea, Tteokguk (rice cake soup) is served in a clear broth with white rice cakes to symbolize this type of "fresh start."
What is pure? (or clean)
This is the specific term for a baby horse that is under one year old.
What is a Foal?
A slithering reptile's sweet birthday treat.
What is a Snake Cake?
The only East Asian country that does not celebrate LNY, having moved its festivities to January 1st in 1873
What is Japan?
The Pomelo is a New Year staple because its name in several languages is a homonym for the phrase "to have" or "to possess" this.
What is abundance (or prosperity)?
Horses have the largest of this sensory organ of any land mammal.
What are Eyes?
A woolly farm animal's deep snooze.
What is a Sheep Sleep?
On the island of Bali in Indonesia, the "Lunar" New Year (Nyepi) is celebrated with 24 hours of total silence, fasting, and this activity.
What is meditation?
In Vietnam, Bánh Chưng is square to represent the Earth, while its counterpart Bánh Giầy is round to represent this.
What is Heaven (or Sky)?
During the Great Depression, this "little horse that could" became a national hero by defeating the Triple Crown winner, War Admiral.
Who is Seabiscuit?
A stubborn farm animal's cardboard container.
What is an Ox Box?