Discover the Duration of Chinese New Year 2017: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you ready to ring in the Chinese New Year 2017? It's an exciting time for people all over the world, particularly those with Chinese heritage and culture. The Chinese New Year is a time to celebrate new beginnings, good fortune, and family traditions. But how long does it last, and what are some of the most important customs and activities to observe during this special occasion?
The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, traditionally lasts for 15 days. This year, it begins on January 28th and continues through February 11th. During this time, families gather together to celebrate and honor their ancestors, exchange gifts, and enjoy traditional foods.
One of the most iconic customs of the Chinese New Year is the dragon dance, which is performed with a long, colorful dragon made of fabric, paper, and bamboo poles. This lively dance is said to bring good luck and fortune for the coming year.
In addition to the dragon dance, there are many other traditions associated with the Chinese New Year holiday. One popular custom is to thoroughly clean one's home before the start of the new year, symbolizing a fresh start and removal of bad luck from the previous year. Another tradition is to decorate with red lanterns, banners, and decorations, as the color red is believed to ward off evil spirits.
But amidst all the festivities and merrymaking, it's important to remember the significance of the Chinese New Year for those who celebrate it. Many people spend time reflecting on the previous year and setting goals and intentions for the year ahead, both personally and professionally.
Of course, no celebration would be complete without delicious food! The Chinese New Year is a time to enjoy traditional dishes such as dumplings, spring rolls, and longevity noodles, as well as other popular foods like fish, which is believed to bring wealth and success in the new year.
For those who aren't able to celebrate with loved ones in person, there are still many ways to honor the Chinese New Year from afar. Some communities hold public festivals and events, and there are many online resources available for learning more about the traditions and customs associated with the holiday.
In conclusion, the Chinese New Year is a time of joy, reflection, and celebration for millions of people around the world. From the dragon dance to the traditional foods, there are many customs and activities that make this holiday unique and special. Whether you're celebrating with loved ones or simply learning more about the cultural significance of the Chinese New Year, it's a time to come together, reflect on the past year, and look ahead with hope and optimism for the future.
So, why not join in on the fun and festivities this year? Whether you're of Chinese descent or simply interested in learning more about this beloved holiday, there's something for everyone to enjoy during the Chinese New Year 2017!
"Chinese New Year 2017 How Long" ~ bbaz
Introduction
China has a rich culture, and the Chinese New Year is a testament to it. This significant holiday is observed by the Chinese people worldwide in January or February every year, depending on the lunar calendar. It is celebrated for up to 15 days and is commonly known as the Spring Festival. 2021 marks the Year of the Ox, which symbolizes hard work, honesty, and reliability, and it's always fascinating to see how the Chinese celebrate the new year festivities.Preparations
Before the Chinese New Year, there are a lot of preparations that must be done. Chinese New Year celebrations at home typically involve house cleaning, shopping for food items, decorating the house with traditional Chinese decorations such as lanterns, red couplets (short phrases on red paper), and door-god paintings. The goal of these preparations is to clean away ill-fortune from the past year and prepare for incoming luck and fortune in the coming year.New Year’s Eve
On the New Year's Eve, families gather for a traditional feast, usually comprising of dumplings, fish, and rice cakes. Many Chinese believe that consuming these dishes during the festivities would boost their wealth and prosperity in the coming year. At midnight, fireworks illuminate the sky, and the sounds of firecrackers resonate throughout the city, all while people wish each other Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái!Red Envelopes
One charming tradition of the Chinese New Year is the exchange of red envelopes filled with money. The packets are also known as lucky money and given to children, employees, and unmarried adults by their elders. The money inside is believed to bring good luck, ward off evil spirits, and drive away misfortune.New Year’s Day
On New Year's Day, people typically visit family and friends. It’s a time to reunite with loved ones and catch up on current events over tea and traditional Chinese snacks. Chinese New Year is also an opportunity to showcase traditional Chinese clothing known as Qipao or Cheongsam. The attire typically features lovely hues of red plastic buttons and embroidery, symbolizing happiness, joy, and good fortune.Lantern Festival
The main celebration usually lasts for three days, but the festivities don't end there! There are street performances, traditional Chinese dances, and parades that happen over the weeks following the new year. The last day of celebrations, The Lantern Festival, marks the end of the Chinese New Year. Streets and houses are lit up with glowing lanterns of various shapes and sizes, people build and light floating lanterns and release them into lakes and rivers, and it’s a magical way to depict the end of the festive period.Impact of Covid-19
While the Chinese New Year has always been filled with bustling streets, family gatherings, feasts, and merry-making, this year was a little different due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The Chinese government took measures like recommending virtual reunions, placing restrictions on travel, and tightening social distancing protocols.Conclusion
The Chinese New Year is a joyous occasion celebrated by millions worldwide. The festivities showcase Chinese culture and traditions that are deeply rooted in history and have been passed down for generations. Although this year's celebrations were impacted by the pandemic, it was still a time to spread good wishes and hope, even if it was from a distance. We look forward to the day when we can celebrate together again in person.Chinese New Year 2017: How Long?
Introduction
The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, marks the first day of the traditional lunar calendar in China. It is the most important traditional festival and a time for family reunions, food feasts, and cultural exchange. In 2017, the Chinese New Year began on January 28th, which is the Year of Rooster or Chicken. But how long does the Chinese New Year last?Duration of Chinese New Year
Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Chinese lunar calendar follows the cycles of the moon. Each year, the Chinese New Year falls on a different date, usually between January 21st and February 20th. It typically lasts for 15 days, starting with the New Moon and ending with the Full Moon. The first day of the New Year is also known as the Spring Festival, which is a national holiday in China.Preparation
The preparation for the Chinese New Year starts weeks before the actual event. People will clean their homes, decorate with red lanterns and posters with auspicious phrases, and buy new clothes for themselves and their children. They will also prepare food and drinks for the reunion dinner, which is considered to be the most important meal of the year. The reunion dinner usually takes place on New Year's Eve and is a time for family members to gather and eat together.Traditions
The Chinese New Year is full of traditions, such as the giving of red envelopes filled with money, the lighting of fireworks and firecrackers, and the Dragon and Lion dances. These dances are believed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits. Homes and streets are also adorned with red, which represents good fortune and joy in Chinese culture.Taboo
There are also many taboos during the Chinese New Year. For example, people should not sweep their homes during the first few days of the New Year since it is believed to sweep away good luck. They should also not cut their hair or wash their clothes on New Year's Day, as it is said to symbolize washing away good fortune.Food
Food plays a significant role in the Chinese New Year celebration. Some of the most popular dishes include dumplings, spring rolls, fish, rice cakes, and sweet glutinous rice balls. Each dish has its own special meaning, such as Dumplings, which represent wealth and prosperity, and noodles, which symbolize longevity.Comparison with Western New Year
The Chinese New Year differs from the Western New Year in many ways. While the Western New Year typically lasts for only one day, the Chinese New Year lasts for 15 days. The Western New Year is usually celebrated with parties and fireworks, while the Chinese New Year is marked with family gatherings, cultural traditions, and food feasts.Global Celebration
The Chinese New Year is celebrated not only in China but also in many other countries around the world. In major cities like New York, London, and Sydney, there are often parades, festivals, and firework displays to celebrate the Chinese New Year. This global celebration reflects the growing influence of Chinese culture in the world.Conclusion
In conclusion, the Chinese New Year is an important traditional festival with a rich history, unique customs, and delicious food. It lasts for 15 days and is a time for family reunions, cultural exchange, and new beginnings. Whether you are in China or elsewhere in the world, the Chinese New Year is a celebration worth experiencing.Chinese New Year 2017: Understanding its Length and Celebrations
Introduction
The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most significant events in Chinese culture. It is celebrated by millions of people around the world, marking the beginning of the Lunar New Year. The Chinese New Year 2017 started on January 28th, and it goes on for 15 days until February 11th, which is the longest festival in China.Why the Chinese New Year lasts for 15 days?
Some people ask why the Chinese New Year lasts for 15 days. It is because of the many folklores and legends surrounding the event. According to the traditions, the first day of the New Year is considered the birthday of the god of wealth. Thus, families clean their homes on New Year’s Eve to sweep out the bad luck from the past year and make way for good fortune in the coming one.The Red Envelope Tradition
The most anticipated part of Chinese New Year is probably the traditional giving of red envelopes, known as “Hong Bao.” These envelopes usually contain money, and as such, have become a symbol of good luck and prosperity.Chinese Zodiac Signs and Their Meaning
Another fascinating aspect of the Chinese New Year is the importance placed on the Chinese Zodiac sign that corresponds to the birth year of each individual. People believe that the Chinese Zodiac rotates every twelve years, and each year is represented by an animal that has specific characteristics. 2021 marks the year of the Ox, which represents diligence, strength, and determination.The Different Phases of Chinese New Year Celebrations
The Chinese New Year 2017 celebrations are divided into various stages. Here are the different phases and how they are celebrated:Phase One: Chinese New Year's Eve
Chinese New Year’s Eve is the most crucial day of the Spring Festival. Families typically gather to celebrate with a feast and enjoy each other's company. Firecrackers are set off at midnight, symbolizing good luck and chasing away evil spirits.Phase Two: The First Day of Chinese New Year
The first day of the Chinese New Year is when everyone puts on their new clothes and visits relatives and friends. In China, married couples would give red envelopes to unmarried children, wishing them auspiciousness and good luck.Phase Three: The Rise of the Lantern Festival
On the final day of the Chinese New Year, which is the 15th day, people celebrate the Lantern Festival. They release paper lanterns into the sky, write riddles on lanterns, eat sweet glutinous rice balls made of glutinous rice flour and red bean paste called Tang Yuan.The Conclusion
In conclusion, the Chinese New Year 2017 lasts for a total of 15 days and is a significant event in Chinese culture. It is celebrated by millions of people worldwide, and it plays an integral role in Chinese folklore and superstitions. As we enter the year of the Ox, let us embrace the spirit of perseverance, hard work, and determination that the animal embodies.Happy Chinese New Year 2017 - How Long?
As we say goodbye to the Rooster and welcome the Year of the Dog, it’s the perfect time to learn more about Chinese New Year traditions. This wonderful 15-day celebration is filled with ancient customs, delicious food and family gatherings. Let’s take a closer look at the significance, traditions, and celebrations of Chinese New Year 2017.
The Significance of Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is a major holiday in China, and is celebrated all around the world by Chinese people. Its date follows the lunar calendar and usually falls between January 21st and February 20th. The Chinese believe that during this period they can get rid of bad luck and start with a clean slate for a healthy prosperous year ahead. It is also called Spring Festival as it represents the start of spring after the cold winter and marks new beginnings.
Traditions of Chinese New Year 2017
Chinese New Year traditions date back thousands of years and are deeply rooted in Chinese culture. The event is celebrated over 15 days, each with its own customs and superstitions. These include:
- The cleaning of the house before New Year’s Eve to drive away evil spirits, and to make room for new luck and happiness.
- Reunion dinners on New Year's Eve where families come together to eat traditional dishes and share stories.
- Giving red envelopes filled with money to children and close relatives as a symbol of good luck.
- The dragon and lion dance which is performed as part of the festivities to ward off evil spirits.
- Decorating homes with red lanterns and couplets, and firecrackers are set off to scare away evil spirits.
- Visiting the temple to pray for good fortune and a prosperous year ahead.
Celebrations of Chinese New Year 2017
Chinese New Year is celebrated across the globe, but there are some cities where celebrations are grander than others. You can experience authentic Chinese New Year festivities in cities like Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Guangzhou, with plenty to see and do. While fireworks and firecrackers are commonplace throughout this period, be sure to check local regulations before setting them off yourself.
Chinese New Year Feasting
Food plays a significant role in Chinese New Year celebrations, as it is considered as a symbol of wealth, prosperity, and happiness. Traditional Chinese New Year food includes dumplings which look like silver ingots and will bring wealth in the coming year, longevity noodles which represent long life, and fish which is believed to bring good luck. You can also enjoy spring rolls, rice cakes, and nian gao, a sweet glutinous rice cake.
The Color Red in Chinese New Year
The color red is an integral part of Chinese New Year. It not only represents good luck, prosperity, and happiness but also wards off evil spirits. You will see the color everywhere during Chinese New Year celebrations - from red lanterns to clothing.
How long is Chinese New Year 2017?
This year, Chinese New Year begins on February 16th, which is the start of the lunar calendar year of the dog, and ends on March 2nd. The highlight of the 15-day celebration is the New Year's Eve family reunion dinner. In some places, the night before New Year's Day is celebrated as the traditional half-year anniversary, known as Little Year.
Wrapping up
By celebrating Chinese New Year 2017, we can learn to embrace this ancient tradition that honors family and new beginnings. We can experience the unity and richness of this vibrant culture. Wishing everyone a happy and prosperous Year of the Dog!
Thank you for reading our article about how long Chinese New Year 2017 is, we hope you found it informative. May this year be filled with joy, love and prosperity for you and your loved ones. Happy Chinese New Year!
People Also Ask About Chinese New Year 2017 How Long
What is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most important traditional festival in China. It is celebrated on the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar, which usually falls between late January and mid-February. The celebration lasts for 15 days and marks the beginning of a new year according to the traditional Chinese calendar.
How long does Chinese New Year last?
The Chinese New Year celebration lasts for 15 days, starting from the first day of the lunar new year and ending on the 15th day, which is also known as Lantern Festival. However, the exact dates of Chinese New Year vary each year because it is based on the lunar calendar, not the solar calendar.
What happens during Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions and traditional rituals. During the 15-day celebration, people prepare special food, decorate their homes with red lanterns and couplets, visit relatives and friends, exchange gifts, and set off fireworks to drive away evil spirits. There are also various traditional activities and performances, such as lion and dragon dances, temple fairs, and the famous CCTV New Year's Gala.
Why is Chinese New Year important?
Chinese New Year is an important festival for Chinese people because it symbolizes a new start, a time for renewal, and a time to honor ancestors and deities. The holiday also has many cultural and historical meanings, such as celebrating the harvest, driving away evil spirits, and promoting family harmony and prosperity.
How do I wish someone a happy Chinese New Year?
If you want to wish someone a happy Chinese New Year, you can use the traditional greeting Gong Xi Fa Cai (Mandarin) or Gong Hey Fat Choy (Cantonese), which means Wishing you prosperity or Congratulations and be prosperous. You can also give red envelopes filled with money as a gift to children or unmarried adults, which is a common Chinese New Year tradition.
In summary:
- Chinese New Year is celebrated on the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar, usually between late January and mid-February.
- The celebration lasts for 15 days, ending on the 15th day known as Lantern Festival.
- It is a time for family reunions, traditional rituals, special food, decorations, fireworks, and various activities and performances.
- Chinese New Year symbolizes a new start, renewal, and honoring ancestors and deities.
- You can wish someone a happy Chinese New Year by using the traditional greeting Gong Xi Fa Cai or Gong Hey Fat Choy, or by giving red envelopes filled with money as a gift.