Kickstarting the Year of the Rooster: What Is The Celebrated 2017 Chinese New Year?

Are you excited about the upcoming Chinese New Year? Well, get ready because 2017 is the year of the Rooster! This special event is celebrated all over the world by millions of Chinese people, and it's a time to reflect on the past year and look forward to new beginnings.

You might be wondering, what exactly is Chinese New Year? This holiday marks the first day of the lunar calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon. That means the date changes every year, but it usually falls between late January and mid-February.

One of the most important traditions of Chinese New Year is the reunion dinner, where families gather together to enjoy a feast. In fact, it's estimated that over 1 billion Chinese people travel home for this special meal!

But the celebrations don't stop there. Chinese New Year festivities last for 15 days, and each day has its own unique customs and traditions. From lighting fireworks to exchanging red envelopes filled with money, there's always something exciting happening during this holiday.

If you're wondering why the Rooster is the symbol for this year, it's because this zodiac animal represents hard work, efficiency, and confidence. So if you were born in the year of the Rooster, it's a good time to make some big moves and take charge of your life.

Did you know that Chinese New Year is the biggest annual human migration in the world? That's right, over 3 billion trips are made across China during this time, as people travel back to their hometowns to celebrate with loved ones.

Of course, food plays a major role in Chinese New Year celebrations. Some popular dishes include dumplings, fish, noodles, and rice cakes, all of which have special meanings and symbolism. Eating these foods is thought to bring good luck and prosperity in the new year.

If you're planning on celebrating Chinese New Year, don't forget to wear red! This color is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. You'll also see lots of decorations featuring the color red, including lanterns, banners, and even clothing.

So there you have it, everything you need to know about the 2017 Chinese New Year. Whether you're Chinese or not, this holiday is a great time to reflect on your own goals and make plans for the future. So let's all raise a glass (or a dumpling) to a happy and prosperous new year!

"What Is 2017 Chinese New Year" ~ bbaz

Introduction

In today's world, the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival is celebrated all over the globe, and millions of people participate in this auspicious event. It is a time when Chinese people worldwide embrace their traditions and culture. The festival goes on for around 15 days, starting on the first day of the lunar month. This year it will be celebrated on 28th January.

What to expect?

The Spring Festival is a time for families to gather together, and Chinese people do everything possible to celebrate it properly. A reunion dinner is the most important event in the festival, and the Chinese believe that eating together during the New Year strengthens family ties. Expect firework displays that light up the night sky and are believed to scare away evil spirits!

Origins of the Festival

The Chinese New Year is rooted in ancient myth and legend. According to the legend, the yearly cycle began with Nian, a ferocious beast that preyed on humans. However, Nian was eventually defeated by villagers who used bright red to scare off the monster and beat him with wooden sticks. Hence, the colour red and fireworks are significant features of the festival to this day.

Zodiac Animals

Every year, the Chinese New Year is associated with one of the twelve zodiac signs - the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. This year is the Year of the Rooster, which is considered a lucky sign. A rooster is perceived to bring good fortune and is seen as a symbol of integrity, courage, kindness and trust.

Customs and Traditions

One popular tradition practised during the Spring Festival is the giving of red envelopes, known as Hong Bao. These envelopes contain cash and are given to children and elders as a token of respect and blessings for the coming year. It is also customary to clean the house before the New Year, symbolizing the sweeping away of bad luck and making their homes ready to receive good fortune.

The Lion Dance

This ancient dance is prevalent in Chinese culture and believed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits. Two dancers perform in a lion costume, entertaining people of all ages on the street during the festive period. Dancers often accompany the lion and perform firecrackers to add excitement to the performance.

Food & Drink

Chinese families love to celebrate their New Year with traditional foods. Dumplings, rice cakes, spring rolls, noodles are some easy favourites. Also, mandarin oranges are frequently seen as symbols of good luck and fortune. The Chinese New Year is a time to eat and be merry!

Conclusion

The Chinese New Year is an essential event that engulfs Chinese citizens across the globe. It is about connecting with one's roots and embracing a shared heritage with friends and family. Despite political and geographical disagreements, this event brings us together and reminds us of the beauty of diversity. May this Chinese New Year bring peace, prosperity, and joy to everyone- Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Comparing 2017 Chinese New Year Celebrations

Introduction

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is one of the most important celebrations in China and other East Asian countries. It is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, which usually falls between January and February. In this article, we will compare the 2017 Chinese New Year celebrations in China and other parts of the world.

Background

Chinese New Year has a long history, with more than 4,000 years of traditions and customs. It is a time for families to come together, share meals, and exchange gifts. The main symbols of Chinese New Year are the zodiac animals, which rotate on a 12-year cycle. Each year is associated with a different animal, such as the Rooster in 2017.

Celebrations in China

Chinese New Year is a national holiday in China, and the celebrations typically last for 15 days. The biggest events take place on New Year's Eve and the first day of the new year. On New Year's Eve, families gather for a reunion dinner and watch the Spring Festival Gala on TV. Fireworks also play a big role in the celebrations, as people believe they ward off evil spirits.

Keywords: Reunion dinner, Spring Festival Gala, fireworks

In recent years, there has been a trend towards traveling during Chinese New Year, as many people have time off work and school. This can lead to transportation chaos, with millions of people on the move across the country. However, it also provides a great opportunity for tourism, as many scenic spots offer special discounts and activities during the holiday period.

Celebrations in Taiwan

Taiwan also celebrates Chinese New Year, but with some differences compared to mainland China. The celebrations last for 6 days, and the emphasis is on family activities such as visiting relatives and friends. One unique event in Taiwan is the Yanshui Beehive Rockets Festival, where participants wear helmets and protective gear while launching fireworks at the crowds.

Keywords: Family activities, Yanshui Beehive Rockets Festival

Another tradition in Taiwan is the reunion dinner, which is usually held on New Year's Eve. The menu typically includes dishes with special meanings, such as fish for prosperity and dumplings for wealth. Red envelopes containing money are also given to children and unmarried adults as a symbol of good luck.

Celebrations in Singapore

Singapore also has a large Chinese population, and Chinese New Year is an official public holiday. The celebrations typically last for 2 days, and the highlight is the Chingay Parade, a colorful procession featuring elaborate floats and performances. The River Hongbao event is another popular attraction, with lantern displays and traditional performances.

Keywords: Chingay Parade, River Hongbao

In addition to these public events, families in Singapore also celebrate by cleaning their homes, buying new clothes, and preparing festive foods. The atmosphere is lively and festive, with decorations such as lanterns, banners, and red flowers adorning the streets and homes.

Comparison Table

	China	Taiwan	Singapore
Celebration Duration	15 days	6 days	2 days
Main Event	New Year's Eve and first day of new year	Reunion dinner	Chingay Parade
Special Attraction	Fireworks	Yanshui Beehive Rockets Festival	River Hongbao
Food Tradition	Nian gao (sticky rice cake)	Dumplings	Bak kwa (barbecued meat)

Conclusion

Chinese New Year is a vibrant and colorful holiday, celebrated in different ways across the world. Whether it's the traditional customs of mainland China, the family-oriented celebrations of Taiwan, or the public events of Singapore, the spirit of Chinese New Year remains the same - to welcome the new year with hope, prosperity, and good fortune.

What Is 2017 Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is the most important festival celebrated in China, and it is also known as the Spring Festival. This year's Chinese New Year falls on January 28th, 2017, which marks the start of the Year of the Rooster. The festival is celebrated for 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the new year. It is a time of family reunion, when people travel long distances to be with their loved ones.

Preparation

The preparation for Chinese New Year usually starts a few weeks before the day itself. During this time, families will clean their homes from top to bottom, in order to sweep away any bad luck from the previous year. They will also decorate their homes with red paper cutouts and banners with auspicious phrases written on them, such as 福 (fú) meaning good fortune. The color red is an important part of Chinese New Year, as it is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.

Food

One of the most important parts of Chinese New Year celebrations is the food. Traditional dishes will be served, and each dish has a special meaning. Dumplings, for example, represent wealth and prosperity, while fish symbolizes abundance. Another popular dish is nian gao, a sticky, sweet rice cake, which represents progress. It is believed that by eating these dishes, you will bring good luck to the coming year.

Red Envelopes

Another important tradition is the giving of red envelopes, or hongbao. These are small envelopes filled with money, and are given by adults to children and unmarried relatives as a way of wishing them good luck for the coming year. It is also customary to give hongbao to service workers, such as hairdressers or cleaners, during this time.

Fireworks

Fireworks are a big part of Chinese New Year celebrations, and they are believed to ward off evil spirits. They are set off both on New Year's Eve and throughout the festival period. However, in recent years, many cities have banned fireworks due to safety concerns.

The Lantern Festival

The final day of the Chinese New Year celebrations is the Lantern Festival, which falls on the 15th day of the new year. Lanterns are lit and carried through the streets in a parade, and people also celebrate by eating sweet rice dumplings known as tangyuan. It is a day of joy and celebration, and marks the end of the Chinese New Year festivities.

Conclusion

Chinese New Year is a time for family, food, and celebration. It is a time to look ahead to the coming year with hope and optimism, and to wish for good fortune and happiness for yourself and your loved ones. Whether you are celebrating in China or elsewhere in the world, the spirit of Chinese New Year is one that brings people together and reminds us of the importance of family and community.

Tips:

• Make sure to greet others with auspicious phrases such as gong xi fa cai (恭喜发财) which means Congratulations and best wishes for prosperity.
• If you plan to give red envelopes, make sure to include crisp new bills with no creases or folds.
• Be prepared for crowds and traffic, as many people will be travelling to be with their families during this time.
• Remember to wear red, which is believed to bring good luck during Chinese New Year.

Exploring the Wonders of 2017 Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year is one of the biggest and most significant celebrations in the Chinese calendar. The year 2017 is no exception, and it brings in the Year of the Rooster. The festivities are spectacular, and they span over 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival. If you're curious about what this holiday entails and what's in store for this year, read on to discover more.

The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, falls on a different date every year, as it follows the lunar calendar. In 2017, the festival starts on January 28th and ends on February 11th. That's two incredible weeks of festivities that showcase the unique traditions and customs of Chinese culture.

During the Chinese New Year, families reunite and come together, much like Thanksgiving or Christmas. It's a time where loved ones bond and share in traditional foods like dumplings and mooncakes. Children receive extravagant red envelopes filled with money from their elders, signifying good luck and prosperity for the coming year.

The Color Red is a predominant color in Chinese New Year celebrations, as it's regarded as a lucky color that symbolizes joy, wealth, and happiness. Red decorations adorn storefronts and homes, lanterns light up the streets, and dragons roam the city center during parades and performances.

The official animal of the zodiac for 2017 is the rooster; people born under this sign are said to embody qualities such as hard work, honesty, and punctuality, although some can be perceived as stubborn and arrogant. Nevertheless, there is something magical about welcoming the energy of a new zodiac, and many people look forward to experiencing the unique dynamic it's thought to bring.

The traditional and modern elements of the Chinese New Year celebrations may vary in different regions and depending on personal preferences. Some families prefer to follow the same rituals that have passed down through generations, with lion dance performances and firecrackers. While other groups prefer sampling new customs that blend well with their personalities and lifestyles, such as fun runs and dance parties.

If you'd like to delve a little deeper into the activities that take place during the Chinese New Year, here are a few highlights:

The Reunion Dinner

The reunion dinner is one of the most important traditions of the Chinese New Year. It's an occasion where whole families gather around one table and share in delicious food that has symbolic meanings. The feast usually includes noodles signifying longevity, dumplings for wealth, whole fish for abundance, and glutinous rice cakes for harmony.

Red Envelopes

Red envelopes or “hongbao” in Mandarin are a significant part of the Chinese New Year celebrations. They represent good luck and prosperity and are usually filled with money. Red envelopes are given and received from married couples to unmarried individuals and children. It is a way of showing respect, gratitude, and honor to elders and family members.

Lion Dances

The Lion Dance is a traditional performance that is held during Chinese New Year celebrations. Beautifully crafted lions move their heads and mouths to the beat of drumming, cymbals, and firecrackers. The lion dance is meant to bring prosperity, good fortune, and ward off evil spirits.

Fireworks

Fireworks play a crucial role in Chinese New Year celebrations. They are believed to be a symbol of good luck because they scare off evil spirits. Every year Chinese people spend a vast amount of money on fireworks, creating an awe-inspiring display that lasts for several hours and illuminates the entire city.

In conclusion, the Chinese New Year is an incredible event that embraces the true essence of Chinese culture—family reunions, traditions, festivities, and good wishes. It's a time to celebrate the past year, express gratitude, catch up with loved ones, make way for new beginnings, and welcome the magic of a new zodiac.

Don't miss out on this fantastic celebration. Join in the fun and experience the wonders of the Chinese New Year. Gong Xi Fa Cai and wish you all a happy and prosperous Year of the Rooster!

What Is 2017 Chinese New Year?

What is the Chinese New Year?

The Chinese New Year is a festival that marks the beginning of the lunar new year according to the Chinese calendar.

When is Chinese New Year 2017?

Chinese New Year in 2017 will be celebrated on January 28, which is the first day of the Lunar New Year.

What is the significance of the year 2017 in the Chinese zodiac?

2017 is the Year of the Rooster according to the Chinese zodiac. The rooster is the tenth animal in the Chinese zodiac and is considered honest, hardworking, and confident.

How is Chinese New Year celebrated?

Chinese New Year is celebrated by making offerings to ancestors, exchanging gifts and having reunion dinners with family, cleaning the house to sweep away bad luck, and setting off firecrackers to scare off evil spirits.

What are some traditional foods eaten during Chinese New Year?

Some traditional foods eaten during Chinese New Year include dumplings, fish, spring rolls, tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls), and nian gao (sticky rice cakes).

How long does the Chinese New Year festivities last?

The Chinese New Year festivities last for 15 days, during which time there are parades, dragon and lion dances, lantern festivals, and other cultural events.

What is the significance of the color red during Chinese New Year?

The color red is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits during Chinese New Year. It is often used in decorations, clothing, and on hongbao (red envelopes filled with money).

What are some other customs and traditions associated with Chinese New Year?

Other customs and traditions associated with Chinese New Year include hanging red lanterns, giving gifts of pineapple, wearing new clothes, and visiting friends and relatives.

What is the history of Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year has been celebrated for centuries and is rooted in the legend of Nian, a fierce monster that was scared off by loud noises and the color red. The festival has also been influenced by Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism.

What countries celebrate Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year is primarily celebrated in China, but it is also celebrated in other East Asian countries such as Vietnam, Singapore, and South Korea, as well as in Chinatowns around the world.