This Friday, February 16, 2018 begins the Year of the Dog. Those who would consider themselves to be dogs were born in the years 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, and of course, 2018. The dog is communicative, serious, and responsible in work. They are also hard working, brave, sincere, patient, and understanding. This Chinese New Year will bring the dog people romantic relationships, not the best luck in health, but good fortune if they choose to take the initiative. The dog’s lucky numbers are 3, 4, and 9. *

The Spice Hut, however, wants to make everyone lucky this year. Our Chinese Five Spice is now on sale for the Chinese New Year, as are all of our Chinese teas, including Keemun black, Pai-Mu-Tan white, Golden Pu-erh, organic Lapsang Souchong black, Russian Caravan black, Flowery Jasmine green, and Ti Kuan Yin oolong! So, even if you don’t celebrate Chinese New Year, you can still celebrate some amazing deals on our quality teas and spices. Steep some classic Chinese Keemun in a state-of-the-art Chinese teapot, which will also be on sale for the New Year! Featured on the back of every Chinese Five Spice packet is a delicious recipe for Quick ‘n Easy Stir Fry! Put on your own Chinese New Year Party with this entrée and a few accompanying appetizers, like dim sum!

This year, Chinese New Year actually falls on my birthday, but this is not a good thing. According to Chinese culture, if I were born in the year of the dog and my birthday were the day the New Year began, I would be more likely to break my arms and legs that year! Never thought I’d day this, but thank goodness I’m a pig!

Let’s take a quiz to find out how much you know about Chinese New Year. Check your answers at the end. Ready? GO!

1. Chinese New Year is celebrated in which countries?
   1. Vietnam
   2. China
   3. Taiwan
   4. All of the above
2. The celebration festival lasts ­­
   1. 3
   2. 5
   3. 10
   4. 15
3. What special gift do children receive from their families?
   1. A stuffed dragon
   2. A money envelope
   3. A single cup of tea
   4. A pair of red shoes
4. Next year, it will be the year of the .
   1. Snake
   2. Horse
   3. Pig
   4. Rabbit
5. Chinese New Year falls on ­what date each year?
   1. It is different every year
   2. February 16^th
   3. It alternates between February 16^th and August 16^th
   4. January 1^st, except on leap years when it is some day in February
6. BONUS! “Xinnian Kuaile” (shin-yen kwhy-luh) is a common Chinese greeting exchanged around this time. It means…
   1. May your family be lucky and prosper this year!
   2. Happy new year!
   3. I hope the demons do not get you!
   4. See you at the festival!

Answers:

1. All of the above. Actually 1/6 of the world’s population celebrates Chinese New Year!
2. The Spring Festival starts the day the year begins and lasts until the “Lantern Festival” 15 days later. I wonder if anyone will remember any of that party…
3. A money envelope. The red envelope is beautifully decorated with a crisp bill inside, usually just around a dollar or so.
4. Pig. My year! Next year, it will fall on February 5^th. PHEW!
5. It is different every year. Unlike American New Year, Chinese New Year starts on a different day each year, but it does take place around the same time.
6. Happy new year! Trick question. Learn how to pronounce this greeting and say it to everyone, so we can all celebrate a wonderful year of the dog.

Xinnian Kuaile!

*China Highlights Culture, January 23, 2018, Author: Kelly