Chinese New Year 🐉 Reunion, Zodiac & Luck | Kids Vocabulary Quest EP#17

Welcome to Litera City! Each episode follows a simple structure:Storytime: Mayor Bogart marches into the studio furious—Litera City has come to a standstill! The trains are packed, the roads jammed, and the shops are closed. He thinks productivity is plummeting, but Stax explains that people are travelling for the largest annual human migration: Chinese New Year. Families journey long distances to share a Reunion Dinner on New Year’s Eve. Bogart is skeptical but intrigued as Stax introduces the concept of reunion—coming together after time apart. They talk about the Chinese zodiac, a cycle of twelve animals that name each year. This year’s animal is the Fire Horse, symbolising energy and independence—much to Bogart’s delight. Stax also explains why red lanterns, envelopes and banners are everywhere: red represents happiness and luck and is believed to bring good fortune. Eventually, Bogart agrees to honour Chinese New Year. He decrees that everyone may travel home—but in typical Bogart fashion, he adds a twist: each citizen must return with a gift for him “to balance the luck.”Lightbulb Words: Listen out for three key vocabulary words sprinkled through the story. We’ll spotlight each one and explain its meaning.Reunion (n.): When people come together again after being apart—like families travelling home for a special dinner.Zodiac (n.): A cycle of twelve animals used to name years in the Chinese calendar, such as the Dragon, Rabbit or Horse.Luck (n.): The hope or belief that good things will happen.Song Spotlight: At the end, enjoy our song “Zodiac Parade” which weaves the words reunion, zodiac and luck into a festive tune about travelling home, meeting the Fire Horse and sharing good wishes. You can click the link in the description to hear the full version here More Fun at HomeExplore the illustrated Lightbulb Word cards for this episode and practise using the words in sentences. Try these review questions together:Why do so many people travel during Chinese New Year, and what is the Reunion Dinner?What is the Chinese zodiac, and which animal represents this year?How do people use red decorations to welcome luck, and what does luck mean to you?Check the podcast description to hear the full song and find links to the Lightbulb Word cards. Celebrate Chinese New Year with Mayor Bogart and Stax by learning about reunions, zodiac animals and welcoming luck!