Ring in the Year of the Rooster with Our Guide to Chinese New Year 2017

Chinese New Year is one of the most celebrated festivals in the world. It's a time when families reunite, people decorate their homes with red lanterns, and fireworks light up the sky. But what is the Chinese New Year 2017, and what can we expect from this year's celebrations?

The Chinese New Year starts on January 28th, 2017, and it's the year of the Rooster. The Rooster is the tenth animal in the Chinese zodiac, and it's believed that those born in this year will be confident, honest, and hardworking.

But the Chinese New Year isn't just about celebrating a new zodiac sign. It's a time for families to come together and share a special meal. In fact, the Chinese New Year Eve dinner is considered to be the most important meal of the year.

Are you interested in learning more about the customs and traditions of the Chinese New Year? One of the most important customs is cleaning your home before the New Year arrives. This is done to sweep away any bad luck and make room for good luck.

You might also be interested in learning about the red envelopes that are given out during the Chinese New Year. These envelopes are filled with money and are exchanged between family members and friends as a gesture of good luck.

If you're planning to celebrate the Chinese New Year, you may want to know about the traditional decorations that are used to bring good fortune. Red lanterns, couplets, and paper cuttings are some of the most popular decorations used during this festive season.

Another fun tradition during the Chinese New Year is the lion dance. This is a traditional dance that's performed by two people dressed in a lion costume. The dance is meant to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck to the community.

Did you know that the Chinese New Year celebrations last for 15 days? It's true! The final day of the Chinese New Year is known as the Lantern Festival, and it's celebrated with colorful paper lanterns, fireworks, and delicious rice dumplings.

If you're interested in experiencing the Chinese New Year celebrations for yourself, there are many events and festivals held in cities around the world. From parades in San Francisco to temple fairs in Beijing, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

So why not join in on the fun and celebrate the Chinese New Year 2017? With delicious food, beautiful decorations, and amazing traditions, it's sure to be a festive and memorable occasion.

In conclusion, the Chinese New Year is a time for families to come together and celebrate. With traditions like cleaning your home, giving out red envelopes, and performing the lion dance, there's no shortage of fun activities to enjoy. So why not embrace the spirit of the Chinese New Year and join in on the celebrations?

"What Is The Chinese New Year 2017" ~ bbaz

About Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is the most important festival celebrated by Chinese people all over the world. It is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and bringing good fortune for the upcoming year. The festivities begin on the first day of the lunar calendar and continue for 15 days until the Lantern Festival.

The Year of the Rooster

2017 is the Year of the Rooster in the Chinese zodiac, which is one of the 12 animal signs associated with each year. People born in the year of the rooster are believed to be hardworking, confident, and independent, but also sometimes boastful and prone to showing off.

Preparations and Traditions

The Chinese New Year is an occasion that requires much preparation. In the weeks leading up to the festival, homes are thoroughly cleaned to sweep away any bad luck from the previous year. The color red, symbolizing good luck, is everywhere during the festival, from decorations and clothing to red envelopes filled with money given to children.

Food is also an important aspect of Chinese New Year celebrations. Families often gather for a big feast on New Year's Eve and traditional dishes such as dumplings, fish, and rice cakes are served. Each dish has a symbolic meaning, such as dumplings representing wealth and prosperity, fish being a symbol of surplus, and rice cakes symbolizing advancement and success.

Fireworks and Dragon Dances

Fireworks are an integral part of Chinese New Year celebrations, and they are believed to help ward off evil spirits. Dragon and lion dances are also popular during the festival, with performers dressed in colorful costumes parading through the streets to the sound of drums and gongs. These dances are meant to bring good luck and fortune for the new year.

The Lantern Festival

The 15th day of the lunar calendar, known as the Lantern Festival, marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations. It is a time for families to gather and enjoy sweet glutinous rice dumplings, which symbolize reunion and harmony. Lanterns are also lit and released into the sky or floated on water, creating a magical and festive atmosphere.

Conclusion

The Chinese New Year is a time for reflection, gratitude, and celebration. It brings together families and communities in a spirit of joy and unity, and it is a reminder of the rich cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations. As we enter the Year of the Rooster, may we all be blessed with good health, prosperity, and happiness!

Chinese New Year 2017: A Comparison with Previous Celebrations

Introduction

The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most significant events in China and celebrated by millions of people worldwide. Based on the lunar calendar, the festival marks the beginning of a new year and is usually celebrated between January 21 and February 20. Chinese New Year 2017 falls on January 28, marking the Year of the Rooster. In this article, we will compare this year's celebration with previous ones.

History and Significance

The history of the Chinese New Year can be traced back to ancient times when it was celebrated as a way to honor gods and ancestors. Today, the festival is an occasion for families to get together, exchange gifts, and usher in good luck and fortune for the coming year. The significance of the festival lies in its customs and traditions, such as the giving of red envelopes containing money, cleaning the house to sweep away bad luck, and exchanging oranges for good luck.

Preparations and Decorations

Preparations for the Chinese New Year begin weeks before the actual festival and involve buying gifts and food, decorating homes, and cleaning to welcome good fortune. This year's decorations have been more extravagant than previous years, with shops and cities embellished with giant rooster statues, banners, and red lanterns. The color red is particularly important during the Chinese New Year as it symbolizes good luck and happiness.

Food and Drinks

Food and drinks hold great importance during the Chinese New Year, and it is a time when families come together to share meals. Traditional dishes include dumplings, fish, spring rolls, and rice cakes. It is also customary to drink rice wine and a sweet rice soup called tangyuan. Lunar New Year 2017 also saw the introduction of new traditional recipes that cater to the taste buds of a younger and more discerning Chinese population.

Gifts and Presents

During the Chinese New Year, it is customary to give gifts and presents to family members and friends as a way to express gratitude and love. Traditional gifts include red envelopes or hong bao containing money, along with other items such as fruit baskets and tea sets. This year's gifts also included luxury items such as designer handbags and watches, which are becoming increasingly popular among affluent Chinese consumers.

Entertainment and Performances

Entertainment plays a crucial role during the Chinese New Year festival, and there are various forms of performances such as dragon and lion dances, acrobatic shows, and traditional music recitals. This year's entertainment has been spectacular, with celebrities and performers from around the world participating in shows and concerts held across China and other countries with significant Chinese populations.

Travel and Tourism

Chinese New Year is also a time for travel and tourism, and millions of people across China venture out to visit their families and friends. The annual travel rush, also known as chunyun, is one of the biggest migrations in the world and poses a logistical challenge to transport authorities. Lunar New Year 2017 also saw an increase in international tourism, with visitors from around the world traveling to China to experience the festivities first-hand.

Business and Economy

The Chinese New Year also has significant implications for businesses and the economy. It is a time when companies launch marketing campaigns, offer discounts, and introduce new products targeted at Chinese consumers. This year's festival was particularly important for online retailers such as Alibaba and JD.com, which saw a surge in sales despite the economic slowdown in China.

Cultural Implications

The Chinese New Year is not just a festival but also carries cultural and social significance for the Chinese people. It is an occasion for people to connect with their roots, honor their traditions, and celebrate their shared heritage. It is also an opportunity for non-Chinese communities to learn about and appreciate Chinese culture, fostering greater cross-cultural understanding and tolerance.

Conclusion

The Chinese New Year 2017 has been a spectacular celebration, characterized by extravagant decorations, sumptuous food, and world-class entertainment. While it follows many of the same customs and traditions as previous festivals, it also reflects changing social and economic trends in Chinese society. As we welcome the Year of the Rooster, we wish all our readers a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year!

The Chinese New Year 2017: Celebration, Traditions and Popular Activities

Introduction: The Most Important Traditional Chinese Festival

The Chinese New Year 2017, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most important traditional Chinese festivals that spans over 15 days. This year, it will be celebrated on January 28th, and it marks the beginning of the Year of the Rooster according to the Chinese zodiac. This festival is not only popular among Chinese people but also widely celebrated around the world, especially in Asian countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. It is a time for families to come together and enjoy various activities and traditions.

History: Origins and Legends of the Chinese New Year

The history of the Chinese New Year can be traced back to the Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BC) when people offered sacrifices to gods and ancestors to welcome the spring and good weather. According to legend, the monster Nian would appear on New Year's Eve to harm people and their livestock. But eventually, people discovered that Nian was afraid of red color, firecrackers, and loud noises. Hence, the use of red decorations, fireworks, and drums became prominent during this festival.

Preparations: Cleaning, Decorating, and Shopping

In preparation for the Chinese New Year, most households will do a thorough cleaning, which symbolizes sweeping away bad luck and welcoming good luck. Houses are decorated with paper cutouts, lanterns, couplets, and other decorations featuring auspicious words and pictures. People also go out shopping for new clothes, food, and gifts for family and friends.

Traditions: Family Reunion Dinner, Red Envelopes, and Fireworks

One of the most significant traditions of the Chinese New Year is the Family Reunion Dinner, which takes place on Lunar New Year's Eve. Extended families gather and enjoy a lavish feast together, often featuring traditional dishes such as dumplings, fish, chicken, and rice cake. During the festival, red envelopes are given to children and unmarried adults, which contain money and blessings for good luck and fortune in the new year. Another important tradition is the use of firecrackers and fireworks to ward off evil spirits and celebrate joyously.

Activities: Festivities, Parades, and Performances

During the Chinese New Year, many festivities, parades, and performances take place all across China and other Asian countries. Dragon and lion dance performances are common, along with temple fairs and carnivals that offer yummy food, games, and stalls selling various goods and souvenirs such as cray paper-cut pictures, sugar paintings, and other traditional handicrafts. Also, some cities hold giant lantern festivals where people can experience the beauty of illuminated artworks in various shapes and colors.

Food: Traditional Dishes and Snacks for the Chinese New Year

Food plays a crucial role in the Chinese New Year celebration. People prepare special dishes that symbolize auspiciousness, good fortune, and prosperity. Dumplings are a must-have food, representing wealth and treasure. Fish is another essential dish, signifying abundance and surplus. Other popular foods include rice cakes, spring rolls, tang yuan (sweet glutinous rice balls), and niangao (New Year Cake). There are also lots of Chinese New Year snacks that are delicious and unique, such as melon seeds, crispy sweet potato chips, and candied haws.

Celebrations Worldwide: How Different Cultures Celebrate the Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year celebration has spread far beyond China and is now celebrated by many other cultures worldwide. In Singapore, many activities follow the same Chinese customs, while in Vietnam, Tet is their version of the Spring Festival, and they offer different traditional dishes and practice their unique customs, such as releasing carp into the river. Koreans have Seollal, which is similar to the Chinese New Year, and they celebrate by visiting relatives, eating traditional foods, and playing folk games.

The Significance of the Chinese Zodiak: Year of the Rooster

The Chinese zodiac system assigns animals to each year based on a person's birth year. This year is the Year of the Rooster, the tenth animal in the zodiac cycle representing hard work, intelligence, and confidence. People born in the year of the Rooster are believed to be honest, trustworthy, and helpful. They excel in many areas, but they may also tend to be arrogant and aggressive.

Closing Thoughts: A Time for Joy and Reunions

The Chinese New Year 2017 is a significant time for joy, reunion, and cultural exchange. Regardless of where you are from, everyone can enjoy the rich traditions, exciting activities, delicious food, and beautiful decorations that come with this magical festival. Whether you are watching the dragon dance or trying the special dishes, take the opportunity to appreciate the diversity and connect with others around you.

What Is The Chinese New Year 2017?

The Chinese New Year is a significant event in the Chinese culture. It is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, which usually falls between January 21 and February 20 every year. In 2017, the Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, will be celebrated on January 28.

This festival is known for its elaborate festivities that start weeks before the actual day. People start preparing for the celebrations by cleaning their homes, buying new clothes, and decorating their houses with red lanterns and couplets that bear lucky phrases. The color red is believed to bring good fortune, happiness, and prosperity.

The Chinese New Year is a time to welcome the coming of spring and bid goodbye to the old year. Traditionally, families gather at home to have a reunion dinner on the eve of the New Year. It is believed that having a complete family during this time brings good luck and happiness for the rest of the year.

During the New Year's Eve, people light fireworks and the sound of explosions can be heard everywhere. The fireworks are believed to scare away evil spirits and bad luck. Children receive red envelopes containing money from adults as a symbol of good fortune and blessings. In return, they give greetings expressing their respect and gratitude.

The Spring Festival lasts for 15 days, during which various activities take place. These include temple fairs, dragon and lion dances, and street performances. The climax of the festival is on the 15th day, known as the Lantern Festival, where people release paper lanterns into the sky and carry out a variety of activities.

One traditional way of celebrating the Lantern Festival is by solving riddles written on lanterns. People hang lanterns with riddles at home or in public places and those who can solve the riddle will have good luck for the coming year. People also eat yuanxiao or tangyuan, glutinous rice balls made with sweet fillings, which symbolize reunion and togetherness.

The Chinese New Year is not only celebrated in China but also in many other countries with significant Chinese populations. In fact, it is believed to be the largest annual human migration in the world as many Chinese people travel back home to celebrate with their families.

Thinking about the importance of family and tradition that the Chinese New Year embodies could inspire other cultures and societies to value their family ties and heritage. The celebration's meaning, though rooted in the Chinese culture, goes beyond cultural boundaries and reaches out to invite everyone to take part in the festival's joyous and colorful traditions.

As we welcome the year of the Rooster and say goodbye to the year of the Monkey, let's embrace a new start and hope for good fortune and prosperity throughout the year. Whether one is Chinese or not, the spirit of the Chinese New Year welcomes everyone to share in its rich culture and tradition. Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Thank you for reading about the Chinese New Year 2017. May this article have enlightened you about the significance and importance of this traditional event in the Chinese culture. We hope that this year will bring joy, good fortune, and happiness to you and your family. Gong Xi Fa Cai!

What Is The Chinese New Year 2017?

People Also Ask

1. What is the date of Chinese New Year 2017?

The Chinese New Year of 2017 falls on Saturday, January 28th, according to the lunar calendar.

2. What is the meaning behind Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year is one of the most important traditional festivals in China and marks the beginning of a new year. It is a time for families to reunite, pay respect to ancestors, pray for good fortune, and wish for happiness and prosperity in the coming year.

3. How long does the Chinese New Year celebration last?

The Chinese New Year celebration officially lasts for 15 days, starting on the first day of the lunar calendar and ending with the Lantern Festival. However, the preparations and festivities usually start weeks before the New Year's Day.

4. What are some typical customs and traditions during Chinese New Year?

• Cleaning the house to sweep away bad luck from the previous year
• Decorating with red lanterns, couplets, and paper cuts, which represent good luck and happiness
• Having a reunion dinner with family on New Year's Eve
• Burning incense, offering sacrifices to ancestors, and visiting temples to pray for good fortune
• Giving red envelopes filled with money to children and unmarried adults as a symbol of good luck

5. What is the zodiac animal for the year 2017?

The zodiac animal for 2017 is the Rooster, which is the symbol of diligence, bravery, and punctuality in Chinese culture.