Learn Chinese Chinese Culture and Traditions 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which animal is NOT part of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs?
- Rat
- Cat (Correct answer)
- Ox
- Tiger
Correct answer: Cat
The cat is not part of the Chinese zodiac; the 12 animals are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
Question 2: What is the traditional Chinese concept of 'face' (面子, miànzi)?
- A skincare tradition
- One's social reputation and prestige (Correct answer)
- A theatrical mask tradition
- The front of a building
Correct answer: One's social reputation and prestige
面子 (miànzi) refers to social reputation and dignity—losing face means being embarrassed publicly, which is a serious matter in Chinese culture.
Question 3: What does the Dragon Boat Festival (端午节) commemorate?
- The dragon emperor's birthday
- The poet Qu Yuan's death (Correct answer)
- The founding of China
- The harvest season
Correct answer: The poet Qu Yuan's death
The Dragon Boat Festival commemorates the death of the patriotic poet Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in protest of corruption.
Question 4: In traditional Chinese medicine, what does 气 (qì) refer to?
- Blood flow only
- Vital life energy or force (Correct answer)
- Breathing technique
- Herbal medicine
Correct answer: Vital life energy or force
气 (qì) is the concept of vital life energy or force that flows through the body, central to traditional Chinese medicine.
Question 5: What is the traditional Chinese greeting used during the Lunar New Year?
- 你好 (nǐ hǎo)
- 再见 (zàijiàn)
- 恭喜发财 (gōngxǐ fācái) (Correct answer)
- 谢谢 (xièxie)
Correct answer: 恭喜发财 (gōngxǐ fācái)
恭喜发财 (gōngxǐ fācái) means 'Wishing you prosperity' and is the classic Lunar New Year greeting.
Question 6: What is the significance of giving clocks as gifts in Chinese culture?
- It symbolizes long life
- It is considered bad luck because it means 'attending a funeral' (Correct answer)
- It represents punctuality and respect
- It is a sign of wealth
Correct answer: It is considered bad luck because it means 'attending a funeral'
Giving a clock is taboo in Chinese culture because 送钟 (sòng zhōng, give a clock) sounds like 送终 (sòng zhōng, attend a funeral).
Learn Chinese Chinese Culture and Traditions 2
Which animal is NOT part of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs?