CNY quiz

When does Chinese New Year start in 2024?

• 10th February 2024

• 11th February 2024

• 20th February 2024

• 1st January 2024

What zodiac year is the 2024 Chinese New Year? 

• Rabbit

• Snake

• Dragon

• Tiger

Answer explanation

The Chinese zodiac, known as Sheng Xiao or Shu Xiang, features 12 animal signs in this order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. 2024 is the Year of the Dragon according to Chinese zodiac, starting from the 2024 Chinese New Year on Feb. 10 and lasting until 2025 Lunar New Year's Eve on Jan. 28. 2025 is the Year of the Snake.

How long is Chinese New Year celebration?

• 1 Day

• 2 Days

• 16 Days including CNY's eve

• 16 Days excluding CNY's eve

Answer explanation

Celebrations of Chinese New Year traditionally last for 16 days, starting from Chinese New Year's Eve to the Lantern Festival.

What do Chinese people do to bring good luck in the coming year?

• Toss the salad (lou sang)

• Eat fish during family reunion dinner

• Elderly give red envelopes

• Dress in a colorful outfit

Answer explanation

1) The tradition of eating fish during the New Year stems from the fact that the Chinese word for “surplus” or “profit” sounds like the word for fish. It is believed that eating fish will bring wealth in the new year.

2) For "Lou Sang", salad is tossed (the messier, the better!) at the start of a meal to symbolize good luck and fortune falling everywhere.

3) An Ang Pao, also known as a red envelope or red packet, is a monetary gift traditionally given to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck during Chinese New Year. From a senior to a younger person, it symbolizes a blessing.

Why do Chinese people set off firecrackers?

• To drive away evil spirits

• To celebrate Chinese New Year

• To increase the new year vibes

• To have fun

Answer explanation

New Year’s firecrackers are made from strings of rolled red paper containing gunpowder that, when set off, leave shreds of scarlet paper. Traditionally, it is believed that the loud noise of the firecrackers serves to scare away evil spirits.

What does red envelopes mean to Chinese?

• Ang Pao Qian

• Heng Ong Qian

• Kai Xin Qian

• Ya Sui Qian

Answer explanation

The red envelope (money) is called Ya Sui Qian (压岁钱), which means 'Suppress (Ya) evil spirit (Sui) money (qian)'. Those who receive a red envelope are wished another safe and peaceful year.

What activities will Chinese people NOT do on the first day of CNY?

• Sweep the floor

• Use scissors

• Wear black clothes

• Wash hair

Answer explanation

Chinese people believe that as the Spring Festival is the start of a new year, some actions will affect your luck in the coming year.

• - The act of sweeping on this day is like sweeping wealth away.

• - The act of washing hair or clothes indicate “wash one’s fortune away.”

• - The use of knives and scissors could cause an accident, which could symbolize the depletion of wealth in the coming year.

• - Do not wear white or black clothes. These two colors are for mourning.

How do you say “Happy New Year” in Mandarin?

• Gong Xi Fa Cai

• Xin Nian Kuai Le

• Ang Pao Na Lai

• Heng! Ong! Huat!