12 Fun Facts about Chinese Lunar New Year: The Year of the Ox (2021)

1. In 2021, Chinese New Year falls on February 12th. What is the other name for this important holiday?

Answer: Spring Festival, 春节(chūnjié)

2. Chinese New Year isn't just a one day affair! How many days does the Chinese New Year celebration traditionally last?

Answer: For fifteen days, until the Lantern Festival (元宵节, yuánxiāo jié) - that's February 26 this year!

3. Each Chinese New Year is defined by an animal sign, in a cycle of twelve. What is the animal sign for 2021?

Answer: It is the Year of the Ox 牛（niú)!

4. 2021 is the Year of the Ox! Are you a lucky cow? What about your friends and family members?

Answer: You are if you were born in other years of the Ox: 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021.

5. It's the Year of the Ox! In Chinese culture, what are some of the celebrated qualities of Ox?

Answer: Due to the role of the Ox in Chinese agriculture, the Ox is seen as hardworking, reliable, modest, and trustworthy.

6. Chinese New Year day changes every year because it follows a lunar calendar. Is Chinese the only culture that celebrates the lunar New Year?

Answer: No, many Asian cultures celebrate the Lunar New Year including Japan, Korea, Laos, Singapore, Nepal, Tibet, Vietnam, and more.

7. There are twelve animal signs that incorporate the Chinese New Year cycle. Which of the following animals is NOT included?

A. Rabbit

B. Sheep

C. Fish

D. Rooster

Answer: Fish

8. What are some popular foods for Chinese New Year?

Answer: Dumplings, 饺子(jiǎo zi); Spring rolls, 春卷 (chūn juǎn); Glutinous rice ball, 汤圆 (tāngyuán); New Year rice cake, 年糕 (niángāo)

9. When did the Chinese start to celebrate Chinese New Year?

Answer: We don't know the exact year, but surely before the Han Dynasty (206 BC to 220 AD). That's more than 2,000 years ago!

10. Which of the following is a traditional Chinese New Year tradition?

A. Eating moon cakes

B. Giving out red envelopes

C. Having a dragon boat competition

D. Displaying floating river lanterns

Answer: B. Giving out red envelopes

11. Why are oranges a special part of Chinese New Year celebrations?

Answer: The sound and look of the word “orange” in Chinese, 柑桔（gān jú ), symbolizes sweetness and luck! Who doesn't want a sweet and lucky new year?

12. A traditional (Mandarin) greeting for Chinese New Year is...

恭贺新禧（gōng hè xīn xǐ): Wishing you a happy and auspicious new year.

Join China Institute of America's New Year celebrations on Saturday, February 13th.

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