Flashcards
Answers to your questions about the Chinese New Year
Cards in this deck (10)
- 1When is the Lunar New Year?It begins on the date (in East Asia) of the second new moon after the winter solstice. This means that the first day of the Lunar New Year can occur any time between 21 January and 20 February.
- 2When does the Lunar New Year begin in 2023?In 2023, this new Moon occurs in China on Sunday 22 January, marking the beginning of a new lunar year.
- 3Who celebrates the Lunar New Year?Although the holiday is often referred to as 'Chinese New Year' in the West, China is not the only country that celebrates it. Other East Asian countries, such as Vietnam, Korea, Japan and the Philippines, celebrate their own New Year around this time.
- 4How is the Lunar New Year celebrated?The symbolic darkness of the night fades with the light of fireworks, lanterns and candles. Hundreds of paper lanterns are hung in public places to attract good luck, dragon dances, performances and festive parades with music and acrobatics.
- 5How long do the festivities last?The festivities last for two weeks and end with a special lantern festival, marking the end of the New Year celebration period.
- 6What food is served?It is traditional to serve long noodles, symbolising long life. Another popular New Year recipe is Chinese dumplings, a symbol of good luck and wealth. Families wrap them up and eat them when the clock strikes midnight.
- 7What are the traditions?Many children receive “lucky money” in red envelopes. People clean their houses and open the door to let good luck in. According to tradition, no one should pick up a broom, in case you sweep good luck for the New Year from the door!
- 8What is the animal of the Chinese New Year 2023?We are entering the Year of the Rabbit, one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. The zodiac animal designations follow a 12-year cycle and are always used in the same sequence.
- 9What clothes are traditionally worn?New clothes in colours such as red and gold. The former represents loyalty, success and above all happiness. White should be avoided as it is closely related to bad luck and mourning.
- 10How do you say “Happy New Year” in Chinese?In northern China, it is common to say “Xinnian Kuaile” (Mandarin for “Happy New Year”) when greeting someone. While in Guangdong and Hong Kong, the Cantonese version of the greeting is “Gong Hey Fat Choi” (wishing you a prosperous year).
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- The Lunar New Year, popularly known as Chinese New Year, is upon us. We invite you to welcome the Year of the Rabbit and learn more about these fantastic celebrations, full of colour and tradition, with our weekly flashcards.
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- Andrea Pan
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