Do You Know the Traditions of Chinese New Year?

By: Teresa McGlothlin
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Do You Know the Traditions of Chinese New Year?
Image: Unsplash by lali_ph

About This Quiz

The days leading up to the start of the Chinese New Year are hectic for those who follow its traditions. There are meals to prepare, gifts to buy and new clothes to find! Once the Reunion Dinner starts, the celebration begins. Don't expect to wash your hair for a few days, though! 

Celebrated by over 2 billion people all over the world, Chinese New Year features customs that are chock full of symbolism and goodwill. From red envelopes to peace-bringing plants, there are tons of facts about the traditions that can show off how much you know about it. When you read the questions you're presented, do your best to tap into the easy answers to solve the more complex problems. Will you know as much about the holiday as you think you do? 

Attending a Lantern Festival back when you were small might not be enough to get you through this quiz, or you could ace it! Either way, when you finish, you'll know enough to honor the customs in a traditional way. Don't be afraid of odd numbers as you make your way to shou shi, and your results will be the yu at the end. We wish you nothing but peace and prosperity for the new year — and for this quiz. Xin nian kuai le!

1 lunar calendar
Karl Tapales / Moment / Getty Images
Is the Chinese New Year based on the Gregorian, lunar or solar calendar?
Roman
Gregorian
Solar
Lunar
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sometimes, Chinese New Year is called the Lunar New Year because the new lunar year begins on the first day of the festival. Every year, the celebrations end after 15 days — the moon is always full then.

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2 beginning date
Karl Tapales / Moment / Getty Images
What's the date that marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year?
It varies.
January 1st
The first full moon in January
February 14th
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The new year's celebrations do not start on any set day, but it's usually in mid to late January. The festivities begin when the moon reaches its last phase of the lunar year. In 2020, it will begin on January 25th.

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3 red
Images By Tang Ming Tung / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Which one of these colors is said to bring prosperity and is always used for Chinese New Year decorations?
Green
Blue
Red
Gold
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

No matter where you look when you attend a Chinese New Year event, you'll see the color red. From red envelopes to red banners and dragons, the color is used because it symbolizes fire, passion, joy and good fortune.

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4 dumplings
Natasha Breen / Moment / Getty Images
Commonly served at the Lunar New Year feast, one of these popular stuffed foods is said to represent wealth. Which one is it?
Chicken
Nian Gao
Dumplings
Tang Yuan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jiaozi, or dumplings, are traditionally eaten at midnight on the first night of the new year. Not only do they resemble the first Chinese currency, but they are also said to bring good luck. In fact, it's believed that the more you eat, the better luck you'll have throughout the year.

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5 festival of lanterns
Carlina Teteris / Moment / Getty Images
What day of the new year hosts the Festival of Lanterns — or Yuan Xiao Jie?
The first day
The 30th day
The 15th day
The 60th day
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When the moon reaches full, the events of the Chinese New Year come to a close. Friends and family gather for the Lantern Festival on the 15th day. Paper lanterns are illuminated and often decorated with riddles or good wishes for all passersby to see.

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6 spring festival
Khanh Bui / Moment / Getty Images
How many days does the Spring Festival usually last?
365
30
15
21
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In China, it's not uncommon to hear the Chinese New Year referred to as the Spring Festival. During the celebration, the country allows its children to have up of a month of school break even though it only lasts for 15 days.

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7 wishing a successful new year
Carlina Teteris / Moment / Getty Images
What's the common way to wish someone a successful new year in Mandarin?
Gong xi fa cai
Gong hey fat choy
Sae hae bok manhi bah doo seh yo
Akemashite omedetō gozaimasu
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

During the new year, it's customary to wish everyone you meet a successful new year. In Chinese, the phrase is "Gong xi fa cai!" Nearly one in four people across the world will celebrate the holiday.

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8 utensils
Jorg Greuel / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Which one of these utensils cannot be used on the first day of Chinese New Year celebrations?
Spoon
Fork
Whisker
Knife
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The first few days of the Chinese New Year come with a strict set of traditions that include not cutting things — even your hair! If you use scissors or a knife, you are said to be cutting out your luck.

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9 long noodles
images by Tang Ming Tung / Moment / Getty Images
Do you have any idea what eating long noodles symbolizes during Chinese New Year?
Abundance of wealth
Longevity
Fertility
Honor
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

As with so many traditions of the Chinese New Year, different foods are used to symbolize different things. Long noodles are made and served because it is believed that they will bring long life to the person eating them.

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10 visiting family and friends
Shan Lu / Moment / Getty Images
Out of these activities, which one takes place on the second day of the new year?
The Lantern Festival
The dragon dance
Visiting family and friends
Showering is allowed.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After spending the late-night hours feasting, it's customary to visit friends and family on the second day. However, showering for a few days is discouraged. You wouldn't want to wash your luck away!

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11 red envelope
Kilito Chan / Moment / Getty Images
They are given with good fortune, but who traditionally gets to receive a red packet during Chinese New Year?
Unmarried, young people
The oldest relatives
The family hosting the feast
The person making paper lanterns
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

For young people, red packets are the best part of all the year's traditions. It wouldn't be the Chinese New Year without receiving a red envelope. In Cantonese, the small treasures are called "lai see."

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12 red envelopes 2
d3sign / Moment / Getty Images
Can you figure out which of these things is the same thing as a hong bao?
Paper lantern
Red envelope
Dragon dance
Firecrackers
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you are young and unmarried, there's a good chance you'll receive a hong bao with cash or other trinkets. Older or married folks prepare the envelopes to symbolize their hopes of good fortune throughout the year.

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13 gifts
twomeows / Moment / Getty Images
Should you give your loved ones an even number of gifts or an odd number of gifts?
Even
Odd
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

No matter what you do, make sure to give Chinese New Year gifts in even numbers. Even numbers are considered lucky, and the number eight is the luckiest of them all. Two oranges are sufficient and popular, though.

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14 gifts 2
Cheryl Chan / Moment / Getty Images
You should never give watches as a Lunar New Year gift because they represent what?
Stress
A different calendar
Time running out
Vanity
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Gifts like tea, fresh food or gold coins are perfectly fine to include in any Chinese New Year gift basket. Watches should never be added! The Chinese believe that watches symbolize that someone's time is running out.

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15 avoid black and white
Images By Tang Ming Tung / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Which one of these color combos should you avoid wearing during the Spring Festival?
Red and gold
Blue and red
Red and purple
Black and white
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In addition to foods and numbers, colors also have a lot of importance to the symbolism of the Chinese New Year. Whatever you do, avoid wearing black and white to any event you attend. White is associated with mourning, and black is simply not festive enough. It's considered disrespectful.

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16 hair cut
Busakorn Pongparnit / Moment / Getty Images
Is it true or false that you should not wash or cut your hair during the first few days of the new year?
True
False
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It's true! If you want to look your best during the Chinese New Year, you'll have to get your haircut and wash it really well before it begins. Washing and cutting your hair are considered ways to rid yourself of good luck. You wouldn't want to do that!

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17 reunion dinner
Carlina Teteris / Moment / Getty Images
What is the midnight dinner that takes place New Year's Eve?
Family dinner
Red dinner
Reunion dinner
Dumpling dinner
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The night before the Chinese New Year begins is called New Year's Eve, and it's the night that the reunion dinner is held. Families gather to feast on traditionally symbolic foods while they ring the year in.

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18 stay inside
chee gin tan / E+ / Getty Images
It's customary to avoid going outside on which day of the new year?
The 13th day
The 8th day
The first day
The third day
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In Chinese mythology, Chigou is the God of Blazing Wrath. The third day of the new year is named Chigou's Day, and it's customary to avoid reaping any wrath that day. It's a bad omen to host dinners or speak with family members on the day.

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19 firecrackers
by Ken Ilio / Moment / Getty Images
Because of pollution, one Chinese New Year custom is becoming less popular. Which one is it?
Firecrackers
Red envelopes
Spring couplets
Dumplings
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

With pollution levels at an all-time high in China, celebrations now include a central fireworks display. Rather than having a nation of 1.3 setting off individual firecrackers, these events minimize smoke and toxins going into the air. The largest display takes place in Hong Kong.

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20 horoscope animals
Alexander W Helin / Moment / Getty Images
Can you do the math and figure out which Chinese zodiac animal will represent the year 2021?
Rat
Monkey
Tiger
Ox
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Just like the astrological zodiac, there are 12 different signs, or animals, associated with the Chinese version. A different animal represents each year, and 2021 will be the year of the ox. 2022 will be the year of the tiger.

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21 new clothes
Shan Lu / Moment / Getty Images
Why is it important to wear new clothes during the Lunar New Year's reunion dinner?
They represent new beginnings.
It looks nice.
You can't wash your clothes for a few days, so you need to have more.
If you don't wear new clothes, you'll have bad luck.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Nearly every action has a symbolic meaning during the Chinese New Year. It's believed that wearing all new clothes, from the hat to the shoes, represents a fresh start for the new year.

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22 dragon dance
Sally Anscombe / Moment / Getty Images
A dragon often dances through the streets during festival celebrations. What does it represent?
Fortune and fame
Luck and passion
Evil and darkness
Strength and unity
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Just like dumplings, oranges, and number eight, the dragon is another symbol of luck. When the dragon dance takes place, it is an act that brings passion, fire and good fortune to all who witness it. Dancing with the dragon costume takes a team of coordinated people.

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23 kitchen god
twomeows / Moment / Getty Images
What's the name of the Kitchen God that households traditionally try to appease during the new year?
Tsao Chun
Tianzhu
King Yan
Caishen
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It's important to appease the gods during the Lunar New Year — especially Tsao Chun! The Kitchen God or Stove God returns to the heavens every year to report on a family's progress. A new picture is placed during celebrations in the hopes that he'll give a good account.

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24 plants
photo by Pam Susemiehl / Moment / Getty Images
Which one of these plants — sometimes used to decorate homes during the Lunar New Year — are said to bring peace?
Bamboo
Peonies
Ivy
Jade Tree
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Decorating with fresh flowers and fruits is a tradition that brings life into celebrations. While no plant is turned away, peonies are a popular choice. They are a symbol of peace in Chinese culture.

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25 coin in dumplings
twomeows / Moment / Getty Images
You'll be lucky all year if you find what inside one of your dumplings?
Shrimp
A ribbon
A coin
A sprig of cilantro
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Traditional dumplings are shaped like ingots — the first form of Chinese money. It's not practiced as much these days, but finding a coin hidden in your dumpling meant that you would be fortunate all year.

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26 oranges
jin chu ferrer / Moment / Getty Images
Which one of these fruits is given to bring abundance and happiness?
Apple
Kiwi
Orange
Plum
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although it's also common to celebrate Chinese New Year with plums, kumquats, grapes and jujubes, oranges and tangerines are favorites. Representing the harvest, they are given to wish the recipient a fruitful and plentiful year.

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27 travelers
Jethuynh / Moment / Getty Images
In China, over 200 million people travel to attend the reunion dinner. What name is given to their travels?
Spring Migration
Lunar Migration
New Years Journey
Spring Journey
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Chunyun, or Spring Migration, is similar to what happens when Americans travel for Thanksgiving. Although Chinese New Year is celebrated, the mass travel occurs to be with family while you're ringing in the next season of the lunar new year.

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28 red banners
Yaorusheng / Moment / Getty Images
What name is given to red banners you see decorating the streets during Chinese New Year?
Da ji
Fu
Hui chun
Rue ping an
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Hui chun and spring couplets are both names used for the red banners seen everywhere during the celebration. Adorned with golden symbols that wish others luck, joy and hope, they are one of the most popular of all the new year traditions.

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29 lantern festival moon
Aumphotography / Moment / Getty Images
When the Lantern Festival is held, what moon phase would you look up and see?
New moon
Crescent moon
Full moon
Half-moon
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

On the 15th day of the year, the Lantern Festival is celebrated under the light of the full moon. The festival's start depends on the end of the last lunar cycle and ends during this first phase.

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30 luck phrase
Copyright Xinzheng. All Rights Reserved. / Moment / Getty Images
Those celebrating the new year often greet each other with which luck-bringing phrase?
Xin nian kuai le
Yao kaixin
Ni hao
Meihao de yitian
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Each of these Chinese phrases has a meaning of goodwill, but only "xin nian kuai le" wishes someone a year full of luck. It's a tradition to say it to everyone you meet — except for day three when you're supposed to avoid people.

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31 playing games
Photography by ZhangXun / Moment / Getty Images
When a family stays up late to welcome the new year together after dinner, what's the practice called?
Hui chun
Lantern Festival
Shengdan
Shou sui
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Once the clock strikes midnight and the reunion dinner's dishes have been put away, the family gathers for shou sui. Shou sui is the time spent playing games and reminiscing during the first hours of the new year.

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32 celebrating new year
Image Source / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Can you correctly guess how many people across the world will celebrate Chinese New Year?
75 million
2 billion
800 million
450 million
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

China isn't the only country that celebrates the Lunar New Year! In addition to festivals held in the world's largest cities, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and the Philippines also practice the tradition. Just to name a few ...

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33 elements
ThomasVogel / E+ / Getty Images
Which one of these Chinese zodiac elements is not one of the astrological zodiacs elements?
Fire
Water
Metal
Earth
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Before getting dressed for any Chinese New Year party, make sure the check the year's element. It would be considered taboo to wear a color that is the opposite of it. The five elements in the Chinese Zodiac are earth, air, water, fire and metal. The astrological elements do not include metal.

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34 reunion dinner yu
twomeows / Moment / Getty Images
At the end of reunion dinner, a yu will be served. What is a yu?
A whole fish
Noodles
Duck soup
Rice cake
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The yu might be a fish, but its name sounds like the Chinese words for both surplus and wish. For this reason, it's customary to serve a yu — the whole fish — at the end of every reunion dinner.

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35 festival of lanterns 2
Daniel Osterkamp / Moment / Getty Images
Are the Chinese New Year and the Lantern Festival the same thing?
Yes
No
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Festival of Lanterns is part of the Chinese New Year, but it's not the same thing. The beginning of the Chinese New Year takes place over two weeks before the Festival of Lanterns begins.

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