Chinese New Year Traditions
This primary color is seen everywhere during the New Year because it is believed to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck.
Red
Who is on a soccer team?
Tim
In this American city, a massive crystal ball drops in Times Square at the stroke of midnight.
New York City
Often eaten in the Southern U.S. on Jan 1st, these legumes represent coins and are thought to bring wealth.
Black-eyed peas
Because it is based on the phases of the moon and the sun, the Chinese New Year is also known by this "astronomical" name.
Lunar New Year
Children often receive these "envelopes" (known as hongbao) filled with money from their elders for prosperity.
Red Envelopes
Who learns about CVI and teaches students?
Mom
People in Spain traditionally eat 12 of these fruits—one for each chime of the clock—to ensure 12 months of luck.
Grapes
In China, these are served long and uncut to represent the wish for a long and healthy life.
Longevity Noodles
In 1582, this Pope introduced the calendar that set January 1st as the start of the New Year for most of the Western world.
Pope Gregory XII
To make room for incoming good luck, families perform this thorough chore a few days before the New Year begins.
cleaning the house? (or "Sweeping the dust")
Who has more sport cards, Tim or Bo.
Tim around 1000+
In Scotland, New Year's Eve is called this, and the "first-footer" (the first person to cross your threshold) brings gifts.
Hogmanay
These "wrapped" treats look like silver or gold ingots (money) and are a staple of Chinese New Year feasts.
Dumplings
This island nation is often the first major country to ring in the New Year because of its location near the International Date Line.
Kiribati (or New Zealand)
This specific food is served whole because its name in Mandarin sounds like the word for "surplus" or "abundance."
Fish
Who built the basketball hoop?
Trick question it was already there
This Southeast Asian festival marks the New Year with a massive, country-wide water fight to symbolize "cleansing."
Songkran (Thailand)
Known as Osechi-ryori, this country’s New Year meal consists of many colorful dishes served in special lacquer boxes.
Japan
Historically, the Chinese Zodiac was created by this legendary figure, who hosted a "Great Race" for all the animals.
Jade Emperor
According to legend, this terrifying beast was the reason people started using firecrackers and red decorations.
Nian
Who mainly built the chicken coop?
Gong Gong
In Brazil, many people wear this specific color of clothing on New Year’s Eve to signify their desire for peace.
White
This sticky rice cake's name sounds like "getting higher year by year," symbolizing progress or growth.
Nian Gao (or Year Cake)
This ancient Mesopotamian civilization is credited with holding the first recorded New Year’s festival, called Akitu, 4,000 years ago.
Babylonians