The Lunar New Year is more than just the turning of a calendar—it’s a celebration of renewal, connection, and tradition observed by millions across the globe. From the vibrant parades and symbolic red decorations to the heartfelt family gatherings and age-old customs, this holiday is steeped in meaning. Whether you’re ringing in the Year of the Snake or reflecting on the values of prosperity and unity, the Lunar New Year is a time to honor the past, embrace the present, and step confidently into the future.
In this blog, we’ll explore the rich history and traditions of Lunar New Year, share ideas for engaging your audience around this cultural celebration, and inspire you to incorporate its themes of connection and renewal into your own work and life.
Understanding the Chinese Zodiac
One of the quintessential parts of the Lunar New Year is celebrating a specific animal associated with each year. For example, 2025 is the Year of the Snake. To understand where these animals come from and how they are used, you need to step back in time to the Qin Dynasty, more than 2,000 years ago. Chinese astrologers studied the stars to track the Earth’s cycles and make predictions about the future. To simplify the 12-year cycle and make it easier to recall, they associated each year with an animal, creating a system that remains iconic to this day.
Part of the Chinese zodiac's lore is how the animals' order came to be. One legend tells the story of the Jade Emperor, who needed 12 animals to serve as palace guards, so he held a race to determine the order of the animals. The rat came first after he convinced the ox to let him ride on his head over a busy river crossing. The tiger came in third place, followed by the rabbit, who was helped by the dragon. The dragon would have been first, but he stopped to extinguish a fire threatening a nearby village and then fell further behind because he wanted to help the rabbit.
The legend of the 12 animals and their race is a captivating tale perfect for sharing. Interestingly, one of the most famous characters in the story doesn’t even appear in the Chinese zodiac. According to the myth, the cat asked the clever rat to wake it before the race began. However, the rat either forgot or deliberately failed to do so, causing the cat to miss the race entirely. This omission not only explains why the cat isn’t part of the zodiac but also lays the foundation for the timeless rivalry between cats and rats.
Lunar New Year Fun Facts
Beyond sharing the story of the Chinese zodiac, you can explore the rich traditions and customs that make Lunar New Year special. Each culture brings unique celebrations, rituals, and folklore to this festive season, offering a window into diverse ways of honoring the holiday. To spark engaging discussions and deepen everyone’s understanding of the Lunar New Year, here are some fascinating facts to share.
- While the Lunar New Year is often used as a holiday for praying to gods and celebrating ancestors, there are also monsters involved. Nian was a ferocious monster who would come out of the sea to hunt villagers who were hiding from the beast. One year, a boy ran out with firecrackers and bravely scared Nian away. To this day, the Lunar New Year is celebrated with fireworks and visits from Nian in costume.
- Some cultures burn printed money and paper gold bars in hopes that their ancestors will receive and use the money in the afterlife. This resembles Mexican practices for the Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos).
- Some practices are considered unlucky during the Lunar New Year. People avoid getting their hair cut, using scissors, breaking things, swearing, or using unlucky words because they might bring bad luck for the year ahead.
- In China, children may receive money in red envelopes as presents, bringing good fortune for the year ahead.
- Your zodiac year is bad luck. It is believed that you will face more risks and hurdles during your zodiac year than any of the 11 other years.
Lunar New Year Trivia
A great way to spark curiosity about Lunar New Year is through trivia. Trivia games are not only fun but also an interactive way to uncover what people already know about the holiday—and address any common misconceptions. Start with simple questions to break the ice, then follow up with deeper insights or lessons to keep the conversation engaging and informative.
Pro tip: Create a Competition with the trivia questions below and test your audience! The winner will be at the top of the leaderboard at the end.
- What is an alternative name for Lunar New Year? The Spring Festival.
- When does the Lunar New Year start? The dates range by year. In 2025, the Lunar New Year starts on January 29.
- How many Chinese cities have banned fireworks on Lunar New Year because they are so dangerous? More than 500.
- Which Chinese city banned fireworks for 13 years, but repealed the ban because of its unpopularity? Beijing.
- What color should you avoid wearing on Lunar New Year? Black.
- What do many people buy at the start of the new year? New clothes, which symbolize starting the year fresh.
- Which fruit represents good luck during Lunar New Year and is often eaten? Oranges.
- What festival symbolizes the end of the Lunar New Year? The Lantern Festival.
- When was Chinese New Year first celebrated in the United States? In 1851 in San Francisco.
- Lunar New Year is celebrated based on which calendar? The Lunar Calendar (also called the Chinese Calendar).
- What is the traditional color most associated with Lunar New Year celebrations? Red, symbolizing luck, prosperity, and happiness.
- Which animal represents the Lunar New Year in 2025? The Snake.
- What is the purpose of giving red envelopes (hongbao or angpao) during Lunar New Year? To give blessings of good luck and prosperity, often with money inside.
- How long does the Lunar New Year celebration traditionally last in China? 15 days, culminating with the Lantern Festival.
- What is the name of the traditional Chinese dish often eaten during Lunar New Year for good fortune? Dumplings, symbolizing wealth because of their resemblance to ancient Chinese gold ingots.
- What are the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac? Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
- Why are firecrackers and fireworks used during Lunar New Year? To scare away evil spirits and bad luck, and to welcome the new year with joy.
- What is the significance of cleaning your house before Lunar New Year? It symbolizes sweeping away bad luck and making room for good fortune in the coming year.
- In Vietnam, Lunar New Year is known by a different name. What is it called? Tết (short for Tết Nguyên Đán).
Get the Most Out of Trivia with Poll Everywhere
Lunar New Year trivia is a lively way to kick off a meeting or enrich a classroom lesson. It’s an engaging way to celebrate cultural traditions while encouraging your audience to learn about their peers’ heritage and experiences. While many people may have heard of Lunar New Year, they might not fully understand the rich history, traditions, and lore that make this holiday so special.
With Poll Everywhere, you can transform your discussions about Lunar New Year into interactive learning experiences. Use Multiple Choice trivia questions to test your audience’s knowledge, or opt for Open-Ended questions to invite participants to share their own ideas and personal traditions. Poll Everywhere’s variety of Activity Types makes it easy to tailor your approach to any group, whether you’re leading a corporate team or a classroom full of students. Try Poll Everywhere today to make your Lunar New Year conversations more dynamic, engaging, and meaningful.
