Chinese New Year 2017: Discover the Zodiac Animal and its significance
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is a traditional holiday that is celebrated in China and other parts of the world with large Chinese populations. The holiday falls on a different date each year, as it follows the lunar calendar. This year, Chinese New Year will be celebrated on January 28th, 2017, marking the start of the Year of the Rooster. Why is this holiday so important to Chinese culture? What’s with all the firecrackers and red decorations? Read on to learn more about Chinese New Year 2017.
For starters, Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in China. It’s a time when families travel far and wide to reunite and spend time together. In fact, it’s the largest annual human migration in the world, with millions of people traveling across the country to be with their loved ones. Can you imagine being stuck in traffic for hours – or even days – just to see your family?
One of the most iconic traditions associated with Chinese New Year is the use of firecrackers. It’s said that the loud noise of the firecrackers is meant to scare away evil spirits and bad luck. The bright red color that dominates the holiday is also believed to bring good luck and fortune. You’ll see red lanterns, red clothing, and even red envelopes filled with money being exchanged between family members and close friends. Speaking of which, if you’re invited to a Chinese New Year celebration, it’s customary to bring a small gift or token of appreciation for your host. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy – a box of tea or some fruit would be perfect.
The Year of the Rooster is just around the corner, so what does that mean for those born under this zodiac sign? Roosters are said to be honest, confident, and hardworking. However, they can also be a bit arrogant and impatient. Do any of those traits sound familiar? If you were born in the years 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, or 2005, you’re a Rooster according to the Chinese zodiac. Lucky colors for Roosters this year include gold, brown, and yellow. You might want to invest in a new outfit in one of those hues!
Of course, no Chinese New Year celebration would be complete without some delicious food. Different regions of China have their own specialties, but some popular dishes enjoyed during the holiday include dumplings, rice cakes, fish, and noodles. Dumplings are shaped like ancient Chinese money to symbolize wealth, while long noodles symbolize longevity. Why not try your hand at making some Chinese New Year dishes at home? It’s a fun way to explore a different culture and cuisine.
One thing to keep in mind if you’re planning to celebrate Chinese New Year is that many businesses in China shut down for the week-long holiday. That includes everything from restaurants and shops to factories and offices. Some cities and towns may essentially become ghost towns as residents travel back to their hometowns to celebrate with family. If you’re going to be in China during Chinese New Year, plan accordingly and make sure to stock up on any supplies you might need ahead of time.
While Chinese New Year primarily celebrates Chinese culture, it’s also become a global holiday. You’ll see celebrations taking place in cities all around the world, from London and Sydney to San Francisco and Vancouver. It’s a time when people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to celebrate a new beginning. So, whether you’re Chinese or not, why not take part in the festivities this year?
To sum it up, Chinese New Year is a time to reunite with family, scare away bad luck, and enjoy delicious food. It’s a holiday steeped in tradition that continues to bring people together across the globe. So, take a break from your usual routine and join in on the celebrations. You might just discover a newfound appreciation for Chinese culture – and have a whole lot of fun in the process.
Now that you know more about Chinese New Year 2017, why not share this article with your friends and family? They might be interested in learning more about this fascinating holiday. And who knows – maybe you’ll even inspire them to join you in celebrating this year!
"Chinese New Year 2017 What Animal" ~ bbaz
The Year of the Rooster
Introduction
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is celebrated by Chinese communities all around the world. Each year, the festival is symbolized by one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. This year, Chinese New Year falls on January 28 and it marks the beginning of the Year of the Rooster.The Legend Behind the Zodiac Animals
According to legend, the Jade Emperor invited all the animals in the world for a race. The first 12 animals to cross the river would be chosen to represent the Chinese zodiac. The rat, who was smart, hitched a ride on the back of the ox and won the race. The order of the other animals crossing the river determined the order of the zodiac signs.Traits of the Rooster
Those born in the Year of the Rooster are considered to be confident, honest, hardworking and resilient. They are also known for being loyal and outspoken. However, they can also be seen as vain, critical and impatient.The rooster is associated with the element of metal which means that he is analytical and precise. People born during the year of the rooster are said to be good at evaluating situations and can make good decisions.
Celebrations
Chinese New Year is a time for families to gather together and celebrate. Festivities last for 15 days and involve food, fireworks, and parades. On New Year’s Eve, families will often have a reunion dinner which consists of dishes that are symbolic of good luck and fortune.Red is considered a lucky color and so many decorations will feature the color red. Traditional activities include exchanging red envelopes filled with money, setting off firecrackers, and hanging decorations. The lion dance and dragon dance are also commonly performed during Chinese New Year celebrations.
Superstitions
Many superstitions surround Chinese New Year. It is believed that cleaning your house before New Year’s Day will sweep away your good luck, so it’s important to leave the cleaning until after the celebrations.Other traditions to bring good luck include wearing red clothing, not washing your hair on New Year’s Day, and giving gifts in even numbers. The number four is considered unlucky as it sounds similar to the word for ‘death’ in Chinese.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a time to celebrate new beginnings, to reflect on the past year, and to spend time with loved ones. This year, we welcome the Year of the Rooster and all the traits and characteristics that come with it. May the year be filled with good fortune, happiness, and prosperity!Chinese New Year 2017: Comparison of the Rooster and Previous Animals
Introduction
The Chinese New Year represents a significant cultural celebration marked by a change in the lunar calendar. With a history dating back over 4,000 years, the holiday is widely celebrated by over 1 billion people worldwide. The tradition is characterized by zodiac animals assigned to each year in a twelve-year cycle. The most recent celebration in 2017 marked the year of the rooster, with festivities held across the globe.The Rooster Personality Traits
People born under the year of the rooster are known for their intelligence, courage, honesty, and independence. They can also be arrogant, impatient, and unyielding. Roosters tend to have a strong sense of time management and punctuality, which are valuable assets in achieving success.The Rooster vs. Other Zodiac Animals
While each zodiac animal is unique, some share similar personality traits. When comparing the rooster to other animals, several shared characteristics emerge. For instance, both horses and dragons are intelligent, confident, and have a great intuition. The snake and rabbit are calm and careful, while pigs and dogs are good-natured and honest.Rooster vs. Monkey (2016)
The previous Chinese New Year 2016 was marked as the year of the Monkey. Those born under this sign are witty, intelligent and love to entertain others. Comparatively, the rooster is more conservative, practical, and detail-oriented. However, both are charismatic leaders who can work hard and excel under pressure.Rooster vs. Sheep (2015)
In 2015, the year of the Sheep was welcomed, with people born during this sign being gentle and kind-hearted. Roosters, on the other hand, may come across as more aggressive and direct due to their confidence and tendency for perfectionism. However, both possess an intuitive sense of creativity.Rooster vs. Horse (2014)
Those born in the year of the horse are characterized by their adventurousness and passion. In contrast, roosters may be seen as more conservative. However, both share a great work ethic and are known for their dynamism and quick thinking.Rooster vs. Snake (2013)
The snake sign is known for being thoughtful, calm, and careful. Roosters, on the other hand, are confident, competitive, and impatient with details. Despite these differences, both possess strong leadership qualities and excel in fast-paced environments.Rooster vs. Dragon (2012)
In 2012, the year of the dragon was marked by its bold and fearless nature. Similarly, those born under the rooster sign are courageous and brave in their decision making. Both share a high level of intelligence, ambition, and status.Rooster vs. Rabbit (2011)
People born under the rabbit are regarded as being gentle, calm, and full of good will. Roosters, meanwhile, have a sharper edge and have a clear goal in sight. Despite these differences, both share a creative side and enjoy harmony in their environment.Rooster vs. Ox (2009)
The year of the Ox in 2009 celebrated practicality and reliability. In contrast, roosters are not as patient or focused on stability as they are on progression and ambition. However, both are highly respected and can be excellent leaders.Conclusion
The tradition of assigning zodiac animals to each year has a long history in Chinese culture. While each animal is unique, there are similarities and differences that can be drawn when compared with other signs. The year of the rooster was marked by its intelligence, courage, and independence; traits that set it apart from previous years. However, each sign has something to offer, with its own strengths and weaknesses. Regardless of the year, the Chinese New Year remains a time of cultural celebration and reflection on the year ahead.Chinese New Year 2017 and What Animal it Holds
Introduction
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most significant annual celebration in China. It is an event with a tradition that dates back to thousands of years ago. The festivities usually take place between the 21st of January to the 20th of February, depending on the lunar calendar. Each year is associated with one of the twelve zodiac animals; 2017 is the year of the Rooster.Legend of the Chinese Zodiac Animals
According to the ancient legend, the Jade Emperor invited the animals for a race to determine who would represent the years going forward. The Ox was expected to win, but the cunning Rat hitched a ride on its back and jumped off at the finish line. The Rat was declared the winner, followed by the Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal’s characteristics were used to predict the future and personalities of people born under those year signs.Preparation for the Spring Festival
The frenzy of preparation for the Chinese New Year commences weeks ahead of time. Chinese people typically clean their homes during this period, symbolizing the elimination of negative energy accumulated for over the past year. The process involves using firecrackers, sweeping floors, and hanging red couplets around the house.Family Reunion
Unlike the Gregorian calendar's New Year, which people often spend partying with friends, Chinese New Year is a time for reuniting with family members. People return to their hometowns and gather with loved ones for a large feast on New Year’s Eve. The event usually signifies the start of a long holiday, where everyone takes a break from work to celebrate and relax for a week.The Lion and Dragon Dance
The Lion and Dragon Dances are another common spectacle during the Chinese New Year. The dance troupes usually dress up in colorful costumes of these mythical creatures to perform during the festivals, accompanied by loud drums and cymbals.Red Envelopes
Giving red envelopes, or red packets, is another Chinese New Year tradition where people, especially adults, give money to children as a way to share their fortune and wish them good luck. Red envelopes are regarded as a symbol of good wealth, and its red color is believed to ward off evil spirits.Holiday Food and Snacks
Chinese New Year's day also involves special kinds of food, symbolic of good luck, health, and prosperity. These include dumplings, which represent wealth due to their shape resembling old currency; fish (usually eaten whole) symbolizes abundance, long noodles signify longevity, and rice cakes are brought to bring higher income.Chinese New Year 2017 and the Year of the Rooster
As mentioned earlier, this year is the year of the Rooster, which is associated with hard work and confidence. According to Chinese zodiac, Roosters are known for being punctual, talented, and courageous. They naturally command authority, are outspoken, and never afraid to communicate what they feel. People born under the rooster sign are said to be active individuals.Closing Thoughts
Chinese New Year is about a new beginning, family, culture and traditions - it is one of China’s most important and widely celebrated festivals, a century-old custom that continues to prosper today. The festive period remains one of China's busiest travel weeks as massive crowds head home to spend time with loved ones. So, whether you're living in China or anywhere else worldwide, we would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy Chinese New Year full of happiness and good fortune.Chinese New Year 2017: The Year of the Rooster
The Chinese New Year is undoubtedly the most important festivity in China, and it is celebrated all around the world by Chinese communities. It is a special time to reunite with family, friends, and loved ones, enjoy fireworks, lion dances, delicious food, and welcome the new lunar year and zodiac animal sign. In 2017, the Chinese New Year falls on Saturday, January 28th, and it will mark the beginning of the Year of the Rooster.
The Rooster is the tenth animal of the Chinese Zodiac, which consists of twelve animals that rotate every 12 years. According to Chinese astrology, people born under the Rooster sign are said to be honest, hardworking, confident, flamboyant, and enthusiastic. They have a natural charm and are usually sociable individuals, good at making friends and inspiring others. On the negative side, they can be vain, critical, impatient, and prone to pessimism, but overall, they are considered to be auspicious in the Chinese culture.
The Chinese New Year celebrations last approximately two weeks, beginning with the New Moon on the first day of the lunar calendar and ending with the Full Moon on the fifteenth day, which is known as the Lantern Festival. During this time, there are a lot of traditions and customs that take place, and each one has its own meaning and symbolism.
The most common tradition during the Chinese New Year is the reunion dinner, which usually takes place on New Year's Eve. Family members from far and wide travel to gather together and enjoy a feast of traditional dishes, such as dumplings, fish, rice cakes, and vegetables, to name a few. Food plays a very significant role in Chinese culture, and each dish has a symbolic meaning based on the sound or shape of its name. For instance, fish represents prosperity and good luck; dumplings represent wealth and family togetherness; and mandarin oranges represent happiness and fortune.
Another essential aspect of the Chinese New Year celebrations is the red color. Red symbolizes good luck, happiness, and wealth in China, and it is believed that wearing red clothing, decorating homes and streets with red lanterns, couplets, and banners, and giving red envelopes with money inside to children and unmarried relatives can bring good fortune for the coming year. The number eight is also considered lucky in Chinese culture because its pronunciation is similar to the word for prosperity, so it is common to see decorations with eight of something, such as eight coins, eight flowers, or eight fruits.
The Chinese New Year also brings with it many superstitions and taboos that people try to avoid during this period. For example, it is customary to clean one's house before the New Year to sweep away bad luck and make room for good luck to enter. However, sweeping or throwing away rubbish on New Year's Day is seen as sweeping away good luck. Similarly, breaking dishes or cutting hair during the New Year is avoided as it is believed to bring bad luck and misfortune. Many people also refrain from using negative words or speaking about unhappy topics during the New Year to keep a positive atmosphere.
The Chinese New Year culminates in the Lantern Festival, which is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. This festival is filled with colorful lanterns, dragon and lion dances, music performances, and riddles written on lanterns that people try to solve. It is a joyful occasion to mark the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations and welcome the beginning of spring.
In conclusion, the Chinese New Year 2017 signifies the Year of the Rooster, a zodiac animal sign that represents honesty, hard work, and enthusiasm. During the two weeks of celebrations, people enjoy reunion dinners with their families, decorate their homes and streets with red colors and symbols of good luck, avoid taboos and superstitions, and participate in the Lantern Festival to welcome the new year. Whether you are Chinese or not, the Chinese New Year is an excellent opportunity to learn about and appreciate the rich customs and traditions of China and its people. Gong xi fa cai! Happy New Year!
Thank you for reading about the Chinese New Year 2017, and we hope you found it informative and intriguing. We encourage you to share this article with your friends and loved ones, and feel free to leave any comments or questions below. May the Year of the Rooster bring you prosperity, peace, and happiness!
People Also Ask About Chinese New Year 2017 What Animal
What is the Animal of Chinese New Year 2017?
The animal of Chinese New Year 2017 is the Fire Rooster. It is also known as the Phoenix or Fenghuang in Chinese mythology. In the zodiac calendar, the Rooster ranks tenth and symbolizes punctuality, honesty, and bravery.
What are the Characteristics of People Born in the Year of Fire Rooster?
- They are confident and outgoing.
- They are ambitious and always strive for success.
- They can sometimes be stubborn and overconfident.
- They have a strong sense of responsibility towards family and loved ones.
- They are quick-witted and have a good sense of humor.
What are the Traditions of Chinese New Year 2017?
- Cleaning and Decluttering Homes
- Reunion Dinner
- Red Envelopes
- Decorating with Red and Gold
- Festive Activities
Cleaning the house before the New Year is a Chinese tradition that symbolizes sweeping away bad luck and making way for good luck and fortune.
On New Year's Eve, families gather together for a big reunion dinner. This marks the start of the celebrations.
Red envelopes or “Hongbao” are often given to children during Chinese New Year. The red color is considered to bring good luck and fortune, while the money inside the envelope is believed to ward off evil spirits.
Red and gold are the dominant colors used during Chinese New Year. Red represents good luck and happiness, while gold symbolizes wealth and fortune.
During the fifteen-day celebration, people participate in various festive activities such as dragon and lion dances, fireworks, and lantern festivals.