Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova extended Spring Festival greetings in an exclusive interview with China Media Group (CMG) on Monday.

The Spring Festival, the most important traditional festival in China that marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year, falls on Feb 17 or Tuesday this year, ushering in the Year of the Horse, the seventh animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle.

Zakharova delivered her blessings in Chinese to the Chinese people.

"I wish everyone a happy Spring Festival, all the best, and good fortune in the Year of the Horse," she said.

Zakharova expressed her anticipation for the Year of the Horse and noted the connection between her name and the Chinese character for "horse."

"I have high hopes for the Year of the Horse. My zodiac sign is the rabbit, not the horse, but my name has a (switch to Chinese) "Ma" [horse] in it. Maria [is my name], "Ma". (switch to Russia) So I really hope this year brings good things. [My nickname is] Masha, [and it sounds like] (switch to Chinese) Ma shang ji xiang [May auspiciousness arrive at once]," Zakharova noted.

She also shared her research on the festival and her favorite festive dishes.

"Let me tell you a secret. Don't tell anyone. I'm only telling you and your audience. Just now, my father, who's also a sinologist, called me and said he's already ordered Chinese takeout. So once we finish the Spring Festival event here at Red Square, I'm heading straight home. Our whole family is getting together to celebrate the arrival of Chinese New Year, and the table will be filled with all kinds of delicious food," she said.

"I know that in Chinese tradition, dumplings are a must on the table. Our family spread will be plentiful, and yes, we'll have dumplings too. Personally, I really love (switch to Chinese) gulaorou (sweet and sour pork), and yu xiang rou si (shredded pork with garlic sauce). (switch to Russian) And something I especially love, but is really hard to find in Moscow, only sold in a very few places, is (switch to Chinese) boiled peanuts. You can get fried ones, but not boiled. I really enjoy boiled peanuts, (switch to Russian) as a (switch to Chinese) cold dish. (switch to Russian) Anyway, there will be lots of dishes," said Zakharova.