Chinese Festivals III - the Lunar New Year Quiz

Answer: Spring Festival

Originally known as Chūnjié or Spring Festival, it symbolized a time of renewed fertility of the earth - a significant event to ancient farmers whose livelihood depend on the soil. Today, the Lunar New Year signifies renewed energy and a fresh start in life.

Answer: dust must be swept inwards from the outside and collected

Good fortune favours a sparkling clean house, so a very thorough cleaning is essential! It is also important that all dusting be done by New Year Eve, as sweeping on New Year Day means good fortune will be swept away. Not only that, sweeping must be from outside towards the inside, lest good luck and wealth be swept out of the house and not return.

Answer: cleanliness

The character is deliberately placed upside down because fu dao ( 福倒 ) - fortune "upside down" has the same pronunciation as fu dao (福到) - fortune "arrives". This is a simple word play by the imaginative Chinese to capture every bit of good luck possible!

Answer: people can guess the amount in the red envelope by its weight

Red envelopes are freely given to children and to the unmarried. The amount in the envelope should be an even number (except any amount containing the number 4 - which sounds like "death") in order to be lucky and auspicious.

To reflect good upbringing, the recipient should receive the red envelope respectfully with both hands. It is also considered very rude to open the envelope in front of the giver or other people.

Answer: knives and scissors

During this season, all sorts of instruments with sharp edges or ends are kept away, or they will sever "the thread of good fortune" from the family. Therefore food should be prepped before New Year's day, and hair cutting and all needlework are also taboo.

If glass is accidentally dropped on the floor and shattered into shards, the misfortune can immediately be turned around by uttering luòdì kāihuā (落地開花) meaning "dropped to the ground and burst into bloom" - symbolizing wealth and splendour instead.

Answer: peach blossom

Peach blossoms are pretty and pink, and symbolizes romance and prosperity. Those who are in love are said to have taohuāyun (桃花運) - "peach blossom luck". So people who wanted their love to "bloom" in the new year will be sure to have a peach blossom tree placed in their homes.

Answer: bamboo

The original Chinese name for firecracker bàozhú (爆竹) literally means "exploding bamboo". In ancient times, hollow bamboo stalks were thrown into the fire. When the air inside the tube get heated up, it expands and the bamboo stalk explodes with a very loud bang due to the pressure buildup inside. Ancient Chinese believe this loud explosion can scare off evil spirits and monsters.

Answer: may you increase in wealth

Don't be mistaken that this means the Chinese are materialistic money-grabbers. It is simply believed that if one begins the new year well, everything you do throughout the year will be crowned by success and abundance.

The Chinese prefers new year wishes than resolutions. If wishes are not granted the responsibility is on the gods; if resolutions are not kept then there is no one to blame but yourself.

Answer: mandarin oranges

Not only does the mandarin orange have a vibrant "golden" color and taste good, the way its name is pronounced is also homonymous with many good words. The mandarin orange "gam" (柑) in Cantonese sounds the same as gold (金) as well as "sweetness" (甘). Therefore, they bring sweetness and wealth if offered in pairs to families and friends.

Answer: 7th

On this day, one of the traditions is to prepare a seven-vegetable soup (七菜羹) or stir-fry (七樣菜) There is no rule about which vegetables to pick but each vegetable chosen have meanings attached to it and represents the wishes of the family. For example:
- Scallions (chong葱) which sounds like "cleverness" (聰), so one will be blessed with intelligence and wit.
- Celery (cun 芹) which sounds like "hardworking" (勤) , so one will be blessed with diligence.
- Chinese chives (gau 韭) which sounds like "everlasting" (久), so one will be blessed with longevity and lasting goodness.

By the same token, other vegetables chosen may include: Lettuce (growing wealth), Chinese coriander (blessed destiny), Napa cabbage (integrity), Chinese Leek (adequate wealth), Chun Cai (progression) etc.