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About This Quiz
Red has long been a symbol of good luck and happiness in China, which is why it features so prominently in the culture. This is why the red envelope is so important for the tradition of giving a gift of money to someone. It's not the money so much as the red paper that covers it that has value. The red bestows a blessing on the receiver more than just handing over a pile of cash on its own. As you can see, the symbolism is of great value.
Why give a red envelope at all? It's really the spirit of giving as well as offering protection and good fortune. As someone who earns money, sharing it with others is significant. You would share the most with your parents and employees, people to whom you owe a debt of gratitude. Children and friends also receive envelopes. Legend has it that the origin of the red envelope is wrapped up in the story of a demon called Sui that would appear at the New Year and prey on sleeping children. Parents would give their children coins wrapped in red paper, and the children would play with them and not fall asleep.
While we may not believe in demons any longer, the tradition still stands. So how much will be in your envelope? Let's find out!
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Have you ever given or received red envelopes in the past?
Many, many times
I haven't, but it sounds fun!
Yes, a few times
Once or twice
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When the holidays roll around, would you rather spend them with family or with friends?
Family, of course
Everyone!
I'd rather work, to be honest.
Friends
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Do you know what sign from the Chinese zodiac you were born under?
Of course!
Not a clue
I do, but I don't put a lot of stock in that sort of thing.
I forget.
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Are you married or single?
Married!
Of course I'm not married.
In a relationship
Who's asking?
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Without getting too personal, what's your age range?
Over 40
Under 20
30 to 40
20 to 30
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Are you making a steady paycheck these days?
Yes
Not so much
I work too much.
I do OK.
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Would you ever give someone $400 in an envelope?
Never — it's bad luck.
I'd like to get $400!
I'm not in a position to do that.
Seems a little much.
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How big of a deal is New Year's for your family?
It's always been very important.
Not too big, I'd say.
We celebrate it every year.
It's just another day.
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Is it "Gong hei fat choy" or "Kung hei fat choy?"
Either one
Wait, what?
I've always heard "Gong hei fat choy."
I think it's "Kung hei fat choy."
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Do you ever set off sky lanterns?
Every year!
I never have.
Yes, sometimes
I've only done it once.
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How well do you clean the house before New Year's?
From top to bottom!
I will avoid cleaning if at all possible.
A thorough clean is a good idea.
Well, you should tidy up a little.
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Do you have a large family?
Very big
Average size, I guess
Bigger than some, smaller than others
Not really
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How many friends do you have that you would trust with an important secret?
One or two
Tons!
Not too many
I have a very tight group of a few friends.
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Do you ever check out a parade during the Chinese New Year?
I used to go to them.
It's one of my favorite parts!
When I have the time
Not really
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What's your favorite Chinese New Year dish?
Fish
Sweet rice balls
Dumplings
Noodles
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If you only got to put up one decoration for the holiday, what would it be?
Door couplets
Red lanterns
Paper cuttings
A kumquat tree!
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Do you believe in luck?
Very much
I have no idea. Maybe?
Yeah, but that means bad luck is a thing, too.
Not really
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Have you ever performed a lion dance?
Long ago
I don't even know what that is.
No, but I have seen one.
Never have
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The lion dance is supposed to scare off the monster Nian. Do you believe in monsters?
Not the mythical kind
I used to.
Of course not
I dunno, there's some weird stuff in the world.
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How important are family traditions to you?
Extremely important
I dunno. Some of them are a little weird.
I enjoy some of them.
I'd rather make my own.
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Do you plan on visiting your grandparents for Chinese New Year?
Mine have passed away.
I hope so!
Not this year, but I'll see them when I can.
If there's time
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How likely are you to hit up a fireworks display to celebrate the new year?
If they're close by, I'll watch.
I'd love to!
I'm not that interested.
I do enjoy fireworks sometimes.
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Someone gives you a white envelope with $44 inside. What did they do wrong?
White is for funerals and four means death.
Not give enough?
The envelope should be red.
Nothing
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How well do you know the etiquette of gift giving for Chinese New Year?
I know all there is to know.
There's etiquette?
I think I have the basics down pretty well.
I hope I know the important rules.
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If you were young and single, how much would you be giving in an envelope?
Nothing
I am young and single!
Whatever I can spare
A few dollars
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How many gatherings do you have for your family over the course of a year?
As many as we can
I lose track of how many.
We try for the big holidays.
Barely any
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Does your family celebrate Chinese New Year every year?
Yes, we always have.
Not at all
We don't make a big deal out of it.
It's only something I got into recently.
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Are you going to cook for your family over Chinese New Year?
You bet!
I'm not much of a cook.
I'm more of a takeout person.
Maybe a few things
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Have you ever experienced a truly lucky event?
Many times
Nothing major
I don't think my good fortune is the result of luck.
I won something once.
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Do you practice feng shui around your house?
I sure do.
I don't even know what that is.
Nope
I know what it is but don't really do anything about it.
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