Chinese New Year trivia questions test knowledge of traditions, customs, and history associated with this important holiday. Here are 100 diverse questions covering various aspects of Chinese New Year celebrations, along with their answers, to educate and entertain readers.
100 Chinese New Year Trivia Questions and Answers
History and Origins
- Q: When does Chinese New Year typically fall?
A: Between late January and mid-February - Q: What is another name for Chinese New Year?
A: Spring Festival - Q: According to legend, what mythical creature attacked villages at the start of each new year?
A: Nian - Q: What color was Nian afraid of?
A: Red - Q: How many days does the traditional Chinese New Year celebration last?
A: 15 days - Q: What marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebration?
A: The Lantern Festival - Q: In which dynasty was the celebration of Chinese New Year first recorded?
A: The Han Dynasty - Q: What calendar is used to determine the date of Chinese New Year?
A: The lunar calendar - Q: What year will it be on Chinese New Year in 2025?
A: The Year of the Snake - Q: How old is the tradition of celebrating Chinese New Year?
A: Over 3,000 years old
Zodiac and Astrology
- Q: How many animals are in the Chinese zodiac?
A: 12 - Q: What animal represents the year 2025 in the Chinese zodiac?
A: Snake - Q: Which zodiac animal is associated with wisdom and intelligence?
A: Rat - Q: What is the order of the animals in the Chinese zodiac?
A: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig - Q: Which animal is not part of the Chinese zodiac?
A: Cat - Q: What determines a person’s zodiac sign in Chinese astrology?
A: The year they were born - Q: Which zodiac animal is considered the luckiest?
A: Dragon - Q: How often does each zodiac animal year repeat?
A: Every 12 years - Q: What are the five elements associated with the Chinese zodiac?
A: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water - Q: Which zodiac animal is associated with the current year (2025)?
A: Snake
Traditions and Customs
- Q: What color is predominantly used in Chinese New Year decorations?
A: Red - Q: What is the traditional greeting for Chinese New Year?
A: “Gong Xi Fa Cai” (Mandarin) or “Kung Hei Fat Choy” (Cantonese) - Q: What is the name of the special dinner held on New Year’s Eve?
A: Reunion Dinner - Q: What are the red envelopes filled with money called?
A: Hongbao (Mandarin) or Lai See (Cantonese) - Q: What type of food is traditionally eaten to symbolize long life?
A: Noodles - Q: What fruit is often given as a gift during Chinese New Year?
A: Mandarin oranges - Q: What activity is considered bad luck on New Year’s Day?
A: Cleaning the house - Q: What do people typically wear on New Year’s Day?
A: New clothes, often red - Q: What traditional performance involves two people in a costume?
A: Lion Dance - Q: What is hung on doors to bring good luck?
A: Spring couplets (chunlian)
Food and Symbolism
- Q: What food symbolizes wealth and prosperity?
A: Dumplings - Q: What dish is eaten for good luck because its name sounds like “surplus” or “profit”?
A: Fish - Q: What sweet treat is often eaten during Chinese New Year?
A: Nian gao (sticky rice cake) - Q: What vegetable represents long life and eternal youth?
A: Chinese cabbage (bok choy) - Q: What fruit symbolizes fullness and wealth?
A: Pomelo - Q: What food item is shaped like ancient Chinese gold ingots?
A: Jiaozi (dumplings) - Q: What dessert symbolizes family togetherness?
A: Tangyuan (sweet rice balls) - Q: What meat is often served to represent strength and prosperity?
A: Pork - Q: What food is avoided during New Year because its name sounds like “death”?
A: Pears - Q: What type of candy is traditionally offered to guests?
A: Hard candy or chocolates in a candy box
Decorations and Symbols
- Q: What flower is associated with wealth and high social status?
A: Peony - Q: What animal is often depicted in New Year decorations to ward off evil?
A: Lion - Q: What mythical creature is believed to bring good luck and prosperity?
A: Dragon - Q: What plant symbolizes growth and prosperity?
A: Bamboo - Q: What type of artwork is hung on doors and windows?
A: Paper cuttings - Q: What symbol represents double happiness?
A: 囍 (shuāngxǐ) - Q: What type of lantern is released into the sky during the Lantern Festival?
A: Sky lantern - Q: What fruit represents good luck and is often used in decorations?
A: Tangerines or oranges - Q: What color is considered unlucky and avoided during New Year celebrations?
A: White - Q: What type of tree is often decorated for Chinese New Year?
A: Kumquat tree
Superstitions and Beliefs
- Q: Why is it considered unlucky to wash hair on New Year’s Day?
A: It’s believed to wash away good luck - Q: What sound is believed to scare away evil spirits?
A: Firecrackers - Q: Why is sweeping avoided on New Year’s Day?
A: To avoid sweeping away good luck - Q: What is believed to happen if you cry on New Year’s Day?
A: You’ll cry throughout the year - Q: Why is it considered unlucky to use scissors or knives on New Year’s Day?
A: It’s believed to cut off good fortune - Q: What is the significance of staying up late on New Year’s Eve?
A: To welcome the New Year and prolong the lives of one’s parents - Q: Why is it considered bad luck to lend money during the New Year period?
A: It’s believed you’ll be lending money all year - Q: What is the significance of opening windows and doors at midnight?
A: To let the old year out and the new year in - Q: Why is it considered unlucky to say negative words during New Year?
A: It’s believed they will bring bad luck for the entire year - Q: What is the significance of wearing red underwear during the New Year?
A: It’s believed to bring good luck, especially if it’s your zodiac year
Regional Variations
- Q: In which country is Chinese New Year called “Tet”?
A: Vietnam - Q: What is the Korean name for Lunar New Year?
A: Seollal - Q: In Singapore, what dish is traditionally tossed and shared for good luck?
A: Yu Sheng (raw fish salad) - Q: What is the main dish eaten during Korean New Year?
A: Tteokguk (rice cake soup) - Q: In Japan, what is eaten for good luck on New Year’s Eve?
A: Toshikoshi soba (year-crossing noodles) - Q: What is the traditional New Year greeting in Vietnam?
A: “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới” - Q: In Malaysia, what dance is performed during Chinese New Year celebrations?
A: Lion Dance - Q: What is the Filipino term for Chinese New Year?
A: Pasko ng Tsino - Q: In Thailand, what water festival coincides with the traditional New Year?
A: Songkran - Q: What is the main color used in Korean New Year celebrations?
A: White
Modern Celebrations
- Q: What is the world’s largest annual human migration, associated with Chinese New Year?
A: Chunyun (Spring Festival travel rush) - Q: In which famous square in Beijing is the New Year flag-raising ceremony held?
A: Tiananmen Square - Q: What popular social media platform do Chinese people use to send digital red envelopes?
A: WeChat - Q: What type of TV program is traditionally watched on New Year’s Eve in China?
A: Spring Festival Gala (chunwan) - Q: In which U.S. city is the largest Chinese New Year parade outside of Asia held?
A: San Francisco - Q: What modern tradition involves sending New Year greetings via text message?
A: Sending digital greeting cards or stickers - Q: What type of fireworks display is held in Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour?
A: A musical fireworks show - Q: What online shopping event often coincides with Chinese New Year preparations?
A: Chinese New Year shopping festival - Q: What type of technology is increasingly used to give digital red envelopes?
A: Mobile payment apps - Q: What modern tradition involves posting New Year’s resolutions on social media?
A: Sharing “New Year, New Me” posts
Historical and Cultural Significance
- Q: Who is the Kitchen God in Chinese mythology?
A: Zao Jun - Q: What is the significance of the Jade Emperor in Chinese New Year mythology?
A: He is believed to determine the order of the zodiac animals - Q: What is the story behind the tradition of putting up spring couplets?
A: It originated from the practice of hanging peach wood charms to ward off evil spirits - Q: What historical event led to the adoption of the Gregorian calendar in China?
A: The founding of the Republic of China in 1912 - Q: What is the significance of the number 8 in Chinese culture?
A: It sounds like the word for prosperity and is considered lucky - Q: What is the story behind the tradition of giving red envelopes?
A: It started as a way to protect children from evil spirits and bring good luck - Q: What is the cultural significance of the color red in Chinese New Year?
A: It symbolizes good fortune and joy - Q: What is the meaning behind the lion dance performance?
A: It is believed to bring good luck and chase away evil spirits - Q: What is the significance of the Lantern Festival that marks the end of New Year celebrations?
A: It symbolizes the return of spring and reuniting with family - Q: What is the cultural importance of paying respects to ancestors during Chinese New Year?
A: It maintains family bonds and honors those who have passed
Global Impact and Recognition
- Q: In which year did the United Nations recognize Chinese New Year as a global celebration?
A: 2023 - Q: Which major stock exchanges close for Chinese New Year?
A: Hong Kong and Singapore stock exchanges - Q: What famous landmark in New York City is lit red for Chinese New Year?
A: Empire State Building - Q: Which country outside Asia has the largest Chinese New Year celebrations?
A: United States - Q: What international fast-food chain often creates special menu items for Chinese New Year?
A: McDonald’s - Q: In which year did Australia first issue a lunar new year commemorative coin?
A: 1996 - Q: What famous London street hosts an annual Chinese New Year parade?
A: Trafalgar Square - Q: Which major airline often offers special Chinese New Year-themed flights?
A: Singapore Airlines - Q: What global luxury brand often releases limited-edition products for Chinese New Year?
A: Louis Vuitton - Q: In which year did Canada issue its first Chinese New Year postage stamp?
A: 1997
Understanding Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most significant traditional holiday in Chinese culture. It marks the beginning of a new year according to the lunar calendar, typically falling between late January and mid-February in the Gregorian calendar. In 2025, Chinese New Year will be celebrated on January 29th.
Origins and Significance
The origins of Chinese New Year date back thousands of years. According to legend, the celebration began as a way to ward off a mythical beast called Nian, which would come out of hiding to attack villages at the start of each new year. People discovered that Nian was afraid of loud noises and the color red, so they used firecrackers and red decorations to protect themselves.
Today, Chinese New Year remains a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and wishing for good fortune in the coming year. The festival typically lasts for 15 days, with each day having its own significance and traditions.
Key Traditions and Customs
- Reunion Dinner: Families gather for a feast on New Year’s Eve, often featuring symbolic foods like fish (for abundance) and dumplings (for wealth).
- Red Envelopes: Elders give red envelopes (hongbao) containing money to children and unmarried adults as a symbol of good luck.
- Decorations: Homes and streets are adorned with red lanterns, paper cuttings, and couplets with auspicious messages.
- Fireworks: Loud fireworks and firecrackers are set off to drive away evil spirits and welcome the new year.
- Lion and Dragon Dances: These traditional performances are believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
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