Question 1

True or false: Firecrackers were originally used to scare away a mythical beast called Nian, which means 'year' in Chinese.

Accepted Answer

True. True. Legend says the monster Nian was frightened by loud noises and the color red; firecrackers and red decorations became traditions to drive it away.

Question 2

True or false: Red envelopes are always filled with crisp new bills to symbolize a fresh start and good luck.

Accepted Answer

True. True. Giving new, uncirculated bills in red envelopes (hongbao) is a tradition meant to symbolize new beginnings and ward off evil.

Question 3

True or false: During Chinese New Year, it's considered bad luck to sweep or take out trash on the first day.

Accepted Answer

True. True. Sweeping or discarding trash on New Year's Day is believed to sweep away good fortune and wealth, so it's avoided.

Question 4

True or false: Chinese New Year's date is determined by the lunar calendar, so it always falls between January 21 and February 20.

Accepted Answer

True. Correct. It's based on the lunisolar Chinese calendar, so the date shifts each year but always lands in this window.

Question 5

True or false: Chinese New Year is celebrated for exactly 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival.

Accepted Answer

True. True. The festivities last 15 days, from New Year's Eve to the Lantern Festival, though public holidays are shorter.

Question 6

True or false: Chinese New Year is also widely celebrated in Japan, where it's called 'Shōgatsu' and follows the same lunar date.

Accepted Answer

False. False. Japan's Shōgatsu is celebrated on January 1 (solar calendar) since 1873, not the lunar date. Some Japanese communities still observe lunar New Year separately.

Question 7

True or false: The Chinese zodiac has 13 animals, including the cat, which is why it's unlucky in some years.

Accepted Answer

False. False. The Chinese zodiac has 12 animals; the cat is not included. A folk tale says the cat was tricked by the rat, causing its exclusion.

Question 8

True or false: The holiday is called 'Lunar New Year' in China, while 'Chinese New Year' is only used outside of Asia.

Accepted Answer

False. False. In China, it's commonly called 'Spring Festival' (Chun Jie). 'Chinese New Year' and 'Lunar New Year' are both used internationally, but not exclusively.

Chinese New Year Trivia Questions