Ring in the Year of the Rooster: Chinese New Year 2017 Date Revealed!
Are you excited to celebrate Chinese New Year? Do you know what year it is in the Chinese Zodiac calendar? If not, then this article is the solution to your curiosity.
Chinese New Year is celebrated annually and is also known as Spring Festival. It is considered the most important festival in China, and it usually falls between January 21st and February 20th each year.
In 2017, Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, starts on January 28th and lasts for 15 days. This year marks the beginning of the year of the Rooster in the Chinese Zodiac calendar.
The Chinese zodiac calendar is a twelve-year cycle, where each year is assigned an animal representing different personality traits that people born in that year are believed to possess.
People born in the year of the Rooster are known to be responsible, hardworking, courageous, and honest. They can also be arrogant, impatient, and critical at times. Do you know anyone born in the year of the Rooster?
Chinese New Year celebrations involve various activities such as cleaning houses, putting up red decorations, having reunion dinners, giving red envelopes with money inside, and watching dragon and lion dances.
One fascinating fact about Chinese New Year's Eve is that it is considered the world's largest human migration day, with millions of people travelling to their hometowns to reunite with family members.
Globally, more than one-fifth of the world's population celebrates Chinese New Year. Moreover, it is celebrated in countries with significant Chinese populations such as Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.
The date of the Chinese New Year varies each year because it follows the lunar calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar. It usually starts on the first day of the new moon and ends on the full moon after fifteen days.
In conclusion, Chinese New Year 2017 marks the year of the Rooster and is set to start on January 28th, continuing for 15 days. The festival involves family gatherings, feasting, colourful decorations, and exciting celebrations.
So, what are you waiting for? Join in the festivities and wish everyone a Happy Chinese New Year or Gong Xi Fa Cai.
"What Year Is Chinese New Year 2017" ~ bbaz
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most significant traditional holiday in China and among Chinese communities worldwide. It is marked by a series of celebrations and activities that last for around two weeks, starting on the first day of the lunar calendar, which falls on a different date of the Gregorian calendar every year. In this article, we explore what year Chinese New Year 2017 is, and some of the customs and traditions associated with this festive occasion.
What Year Is Chinese New Year 2017?
Chinese New Year 2017 fell on January 28th, according to the lunar calendar. This year marked the beginning of the Year of the Rooster, which ended on February 15th, 2018. The rooster is one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac cycle, each representing a different character trait and fortune.
Chinese New Year is based on the lunar cycle, which accounts for why it falls on a different date every year, unlike the Western New Year, which is always on January 1st. The lunar calendar is based on the phases of the moon, and its cycle usually spans 12 months. However, since the lunar year is approximately 11 days shorter than the solar year (the time taken by the Earth to orbit the sun), a leap month is added to the lunar calendar once every few years to catch up with the solar year.
The Significance of Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is steeped in symbolism and tradition. It is a time to honor ancestors, reunite with family, and renew hopes for the future. It is also a time to ward off evil spirits and bring in luck and prosperity. Here are some of the customs and practices associated with Chinese New Year:
Spring Cleaning
In the run-up to Chinese New Year, people undertake a thorough cleaning of their homes. This is believed to sweep away any bad luck accumulated over the past year and make room for good fortune to come in. Cleaning should be finished before New Year's Eve to avoid sweeping away good luck.
Reunion Dinner
The eve of Chinese New Year is a time for families to gather together and share a special meal called the reunion dinner. This meal usually features traditional dishes such as dumplings, fish, and rice cakes, and is a symbolic way of showing gratitude for the blessings of family.
Hongbao
Hongbao, or red envelopes, are packets filled with money that are given to children and unmarried adults during Chinese New Year. They are considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity. The amount of money in the hongbao often follows certain auspicious numbers, such as multiples of eight, which is considered a lucky number in Chinese culture.
Dumplings and Tangyuan
Dumplings and tangyuan (sweet rice balls) are also important foods during Chinese New Year. Dumplings are shaped like gold ingots, which were used as currency in ancient China, and represent wealth and prosperity. Tangyuan, meanwhile, symbolize unity and togetherness, as they are often enjoyed by families while sharing stories and memories.
Dragon and Lion Dance
Dragon and lion dances are an essential part of Chinese New Year celebrations. These colorful performances involve performers dressed in dragon or lion costumes, accompanied by loud music and festive cheers. The dances are meant to bring good fortune and drive away evil spirits.
Conclusion
Chinese New Year is a most cherished holiday for many people around the world. It's a time for honoring traditions and family, spreading goodwill and cheer, and welcoming the new year with hope and optimism. Although the year of the rooster is now past, the customs and themes of Chinese New Year remain timeless, and we wish everyone a happy and prosperous year ahead.
What Year Is Chinese New Year 2017
Chinese New Year is an important event celebrated worldwide by Chinese communities. It marks the start of a new year according to the Chinese lunar calendar, which is different from the Gregorian calendar used in the West. Every year is represented by one of the 12 zodiac animals, and each animal has its own characteristics and meanings. 2017 is the year of the rooster, and the Chinese New Year falls on January 28.
The Rooster
According to the Chinese zodiac, people born in the year of the rooster are said to be hardworking, observant, honest, and confident. They also have a sense of humor and are often popular with friends and family. The year of the rooster is believed to bring prosperity, luck, and happiness, but also challenges and struggles that require courage and determination to overcome.
The Lunar Calendar
The Chinese lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon and uses a system of intercalation to align it with the solar year. This means that while the lunar year has 12 or 13 months, it is slightly shorter than the solar year, which has 365 days. To compensate for this discrepancy, a leap month is added every few years. The lunar calendar also assigns an animal to each year in a cycle of 12 years, repeating indefinitely. The origin of this tradition is unclear, but it has been around for at least 2,000 years.
The Gregorian Calendar
The Gregorian calendar, also called the Western or Christian calendar, was introduced in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII to replace the Julian calendar, which had become outdated. It has 365 days, divided into 12 months, with leap years occurring every four years except for years divisible by 100 but not by 400. Unlike the lunar calendar, the Gregorian calendar does not have a fixed cycle of animals or other symbols representing years.
The Dates
The Chinese New Year falls on a different date every year according to the lunar calendar, which varies from one year to the next. However, it usually falls between January 21 and February 20 in the Gregorian calendar. The exact date is determined by the second new moon after the winter solstice, which is the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. In 2017, the second new moon falls on January 28, which is the start of the Chinese New Year.
The Celebrations
Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions, feasting, exchanging gifts, and honoring ancestors and deities. It is also a time for cleaning and decorating homes, wearing new clothes, and setting off fireworks and firecrackers to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck. Each day of the 15-day festival has its own customs and rituals, such as giving red envelopes filled with money to children on the first day, visiting relatives on the second day, and eating dumplings on the fifth day.
The Similarities and Differences
| Chinese New Year | Western New Year | |
|---|---|---|
| Date | January 28 (2017) | January 1 |
| Celebration | 15 days | 1 day |
| Symbol | Rooster | None |
| Origin | Chinese lunar calendar | Julian and Gregorian calendars |
| Customs | Cleaning, decorating, feasting, fireworks, giving red envelopes | Parties, drinking, countdown, making resolutions |
Although Chinese New Year and Western New Year both celebrate the start of a new year, they have many differences in terms of date, duration, symbol, origin, and customs. Chinese New Year is based on the lunar calendar and lasts for 15 days, while Western New Year is based on the Gregorian calendar and lasts for one day. In addition, Chinese New Year has a yearly zodiac animal representing it, while Western New Year does not have a specific symbol. The origins and customs of both festivals also differ greatly due to their respective cultural and historical backgrounds.
The Conclusion
Overall, Chinese New Year is a fascinating, colorful, and joyous festival that embodies the rich traditions and beliefs of Chinese culture. Whether you are a Chinese or a foreigner, experiencing Chinese New Year can be a memorable and enlightening experience that gives you insights into the diversity and complexity of the world around us. By knowing what year is Chinese New Year 2017 and understanding its significance, you can join the millions of people worldwide who celebrate this wonderful occasion with warmth, happiness, and hope for a brighter future.
What Year Is Chinese New Year 2017?
The Celebration of Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is one of the biggest celebrations in China. It is the time when families reunite and feast together, exchange gifts, and decorate their homes with lucky symbols to welcome the new year. The celebration usually begins on the first day of the lunar calendar and lasts for 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival.The Zodiac Cycle in Chinese Culture
The Chinese zodiac cycle consists of 12 animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal symbolizes different personality traits and auspicious qualities. Legend has it that a race was held among the 12 animals, and their rank in the race determined their place in the zodiac cycle.The Year of the Rooster
In 2017, Chinese New Year falls on January 28th, and it marks the beginning of the Year of the Rooster. The Rooster is the tenth animal in the zodiac cycle, and it is associated with punctuality, hard work, honesty, and confidence. People born in the Year of the Rooster are said to be loyal, trustworthy, and sociable, but they can also be blunt and impatient. Those who were born in the Year of the Rooster will celebrate their zodiac animal year this year.The Chinese Zodiac and Its Impact on Daily Life
Many Chinese people believe that the zodiac animal year has an impact on their destiny, luck, and fortune. They follow certain customs and taboos during their zodiac animal year to avoid bad luck or attract good fortune. For example, in the Year of the Rooster, it is considered unlucky to wear the color red or black, which are the Rooster's unfavorable colors. It is also believed that people should avoid getting a haircut or cleaning their house on the first day of the lunar calendar to prevent cutting off their good luck.Preparations for Chinese New Year
In the weeks leading up to Chinese New Year, people start preparing for the celebration by cleaning their house, buying new clothes, and stocking up on food and decorations. They also visit their relatives and friends to exchange greetings and wish them good luck. Businesses and organizations usually close for several days during this time, so people can spend time with their families.The Importance of Food in Chinese Culture
Food plays a crucial role in Chinese New Year celebrations. Certain dishes have auspicious meanings based on their appearance or pronunciation. For example, dumplings symbolize wealth because they look like ancient Chinese gold or silver ingots, while fish represents prosperity because its name sounds like surplus in Chinese. Families usually gather around the table to enjoy a feast of traditional Chinese dishes and wish each other good luck and happiness.Symbols and Decorations for Chinese New Year
Red is the dominant color for Chinese New Year decorations, as it is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. Common decorations include Spring Festival couplets, red lanterns, red paper-cuttings, and oranges. The Chinese character fu (meaning fortune or good luck) is also commonly used and can be seen everywhere during the festival.The Fireworks Tradition
Another integral part of Chinese New Year celebrations is fireworks. According to legend, fireworks were invented in China over a thousand years ago, and they were used to scare away evil spirits and bad luck. To this day, people set off fireworks and firecrackers on New Year's Eve to ring in the new year and drive away any remaining negative energy.The Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival is the final day of Chinese New Year celebrations, which falls on the 15th day of the lunar calendar. Its origins can be traced back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD), and it has become a beloved tradition for many Chinese people. On this day, people light and release paper lanterns into the sky or on water, creating a colorful and magical scene. The Lantern Festival marks the end of the New Year celebrations and the beginning of a new year of opportunities and prosperity.Conclusion
Chinese New Year is a joyous and meaningful festival that brings families and communities together. Its customs, traditions, and symbols reflect the rich history and culture of China, and they continue to inspire and fascinate people around the world. Whether you are celebrating your own zodiac animal year or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere, Chinese New Year is a time to embrace positivity, optimism, and hope for a better future.What Year Is Chinese New Year 2017
Chinese New Year is one of the most significant traditional festivals in China. It celebrates the beginning of a new lunar year and marks the end of winter. The celebration lasts for 15 days, starting from the first day of the lunar calendar. It is also known as the Spring Festival, and it is a time to reunite with family members, exchange gifts, and enjoy delicious traditional food.
The Chinese zodiac has twelve animal signs, and each one represents a year on the lunar calendar. According to the cycle, 2017 is the year of the rooster. The Chinese believe that people born in the year of the rooster are hardworking, confident, and trustworthy.
The Chinese New Year celebration begins on January 28, 2017, and ends on February 11, 2017. However, the preparation starts weeks before the actual festival. People clean their houses, buy new clothes, and decorate their homes with red lanterns, couplets, and other auspicious symbols.
The color red is a symbol of prosperity, happiness, and good luck, and it plays a vital role in the Chinese New Year celebration. People wear red clothing, give out red envelopes filled with money, and keep red decorations in their homes.
On the eve of Chinese New Year, families gather together for a reunion dinner. It is a time to bond with loved ones and share a meal that usually includes fish, dumplings, rice cakes, and other traditional dishes. After dinner, people stay up late to usher in the New Year and watch the fireworks display.
The first day of Chinese New Year is a time for visiting family members and friends. It is also a custom to pay respects to elders by offering them gifts or red envelopes. Traditional activities include dragon and lion dances, the exchange of couplets, and the playing of games such as mahjong and Chinese chess.
The fifteenth day of Chinese New Year is known as the Lantern Festival. It marks the end of the celebrations, and it is a time for lighting lanterns and eating sweet glutinous rice balls.
Chinese New Year is not just celebrated in China, but it is also observed by Chinese communities around the world. In countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, there are parades, fireworks displays, and other events to mark the occasion.
In conclusion, Chinese New Year 2017 is the year of the rooster, and it begins on January 28, 2017. The celebration lasts for 15 days and includes traditional customs such as reunion dinners, red decorations, and visiting family members and friends. It is a time to welcome the New Year, bond with loved ones, and honor cultural traditions.
As we celebrate the Year of the Rooster, we wish all our readers from the Chinese community, a very Happy New Year!
What Year Is Chinese New Year 2017?
People Also Ask:
1. When is Chinese New Year in 2017?
Chinese New Year in 2017 is on Saturday, January 28. It is the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon.
2. What animal is the zodiac sign for 2017?
The zodiac sign for Chinese New Year 2017 is the Rooster. The Rooster is the tenth animal in the zodiac and is associated with punctuality, honesty, and confidence.
3. How long does Chinese New Year last?
Chinese New Year lasts for 15 days, starting on the first day of the lunar calendar and ending on the full moon 15 days later.
4. What are some of the traditions of Chinese New Year?
- Family reunions and gatherings
- Decorating with red and gold decorations, which are considered lucky colors
- Giving red envelopes filled with money as gifts to children and unmarried adults
- Preparing and eating traditional foods, such as dumplings and fish
- Performing dragon and lion dances
5. Why is Chinese New Year important?
Chinese New Year is an important holiday in Chinese culture because it is a time to honor ancestors, spend time with family, and bring good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year. It is also celebrated by millions of people around the world as a way to embrace and share Chinese culture.