Discover the Traditions and Significance of Chinese New Year 2017
Are you curious about what Chinese New Year is and what it entails for 2017? This is an excellent event that officially begins the Chinese lunar calendar, which falls on January 28. The Chinese New Year marks the beginning of spring and is a time of amazing celebration and tradition.
This year, the Chinese New Year of 2017 falls onto the year of the Rooster. In Chinese astrology, the year of the Rooster is believed to bring forth a lot of energy and enthusiasm. Roosters are portraited as being honest, trustworthy, and responsible individuals.
The Chinese New Year is an opportunity, especially for the Chinese people, to reflect and celebrate their culture and heritage. For instance, it is customary to clean one's house before the New Year. Symbolically, this means sweeping away bad fortune and making space to welcome good luck and blessings.
Decorations are equally important during this period, as they symbolize wealth, happiness, and good fortune. One of the most common decorations is the red banner featuring different Chinese characters for good luck. Other decorations include paper cutouts and lanterns.
If you're looking forward to celebrating the Chinese New Year, you can indulge in delicious meals and snacks. Dumplings, for example, a Chinese delicacy, symbolize wealth and fortune. You can even try different recipes at home to mark the occasion.
Fireworks are an essential aspect of the celebration and a chance to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new. It's common to light and view fireworks at midnight on the eve of the Chinese New Year. They are ideal to spark jubilation and enthusiasm for the future.
Finally, the Chinese New Year is more than just a festival. It is a chance to reunite with family members and friends. It's crucial to make-up and reconcile with people you've quarrelled within the past year. Additionally, gifting family members with red envelops filled with money is a solid representation of one's love and care.
In conclusion, the Chinese New Year is a fantastic event that brings joy, culture, and tradition to the fore. It presents an opportunity to enjoy delectable food, reflect on one's heritage, and appreciate the importance of family and friends. Celebrate it properly, and you're bound to have a memorable experience.
"What Chinese New Year Is 2017" ~ bbaz
Introduction
Chinese New Year is one of the most popular and exciting festivals celebrated by people all around the world. The celebration of Chinese New Year spans over 15 days and begins on the first day of the lunar calendar year. In 2017, Chinese New Year falls on January 28th. As per the Chinese zodiac, 2017 is the year of the Rooster.
The Origins of Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year has its roots in mythology and legend. According to a popular legend, there was once a fierce beast called Nian that terrorized villagers on the first day of the lunar calendar year. It was believed that this creature was afraid of loud noises and the color red. This led to the tradition of decorating homes with red lanterns and wearing red clothes during the Chinese New Year celebrations.
The Celebration of Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year celebrations usually begin a week before the actual day with cleaning activities in homes and businesses. This signifies the removal of bad luck from the previous year and making way for good fortune in the new year. Celebrations are marked by parades, dragon and lion dances, fireworks, and feasts with family and friends. The festival ends on the 15th with the Lantern Festival.
The Significance of the Rooster in 2017
As per the Chinese Zodiac, each year is characterized by an animal and its attributes. 2017, being the year of the Rooster, symbolizes hard work, punctuality, bravery, and confidence. People born in the year of the Rooster are said to be trustworthy and responsible individuals.
Tips to Celebrate Chinese New Year
If you’re looking to celebrate Chinese New Year, here are some tips to make the most of the occasion:
- Wear red clothes or accessories
- Decorate your home with lanterns and other red decorations
- Give red envelopes with money inside to children as it signifies good luck
- Try traditional Chinese food like dumplings, tangyuan, and spring rolls
- Attend a parade or lion dance performance
- Make your own Chinese New Year decorations or crafts.
In conclusion
Chinese New Year is a time of joyous celebration, filled with tradition, symbolism, and cultural significance. Celebrating this festival can bring you closer to your family members and friends, and it is an experience that can’t be missed. So, let’s embrace the year of the Rooster with open arms and enjoy everything that Chinese New Year has to offer!
What Chinese New Year Is 2017?
Introduction
Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is one of the biggest and most important traditional holidays in China. It is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, which falls sometime between late January and mid-February, depending on the year. In 2017, Chinese New Year was celebrated on January 28th.Origins and traditions
According to legend, Chinese New Year began with a battle against a mythical beast called Nian, who would terrorize villages on the night of New Year's Eve. The people discovered that Nian was afraid of loud noises, bright lights, and the color red, so they began to use firecrackers, lanterns, and paper cutouts to ward off the beast. These customs evolved over time into the colorful and festive celebrations we know today.Some of the key traditions of Chinese New Year include cleaning the house to sweep away bad luck, wearing new clothes to symbolize a fresh start, and giving red envelopes filled with money to children for good luck. Many families also gather for a reunion dinner on New Year's Eve, where they eat symbolic foods like fish, dumplings, and rice cake.Compared to Western New Year
While New Year's Eve is a big celebration in the West, with fireworks, parties, and countdowns to midnight, Chinese New Year festivities last for 15 days. The focus is more on family reunions, cultural traditions, and auspicious rituals, rather than drinking and revelry. Additionally, Western New Year is always on January 1st, while the date of Chinese New Year changes every year according to the lunar calendar.Year of the Rooster
Every year in the Chinese zodiac is associated with one of twelve animals, and 2017 is the Year of the Rooster. People born under this sign are said to be confident, hardworking, honest, and punctual. They also tend to be a bit cocky (pun intended) and have a strong need for recognition and admiration.Decorations
Decorations play a big role in Chinese New Year celebrations. Red is the dominant color, as it symbolizes good luck and happiness. Many homes and businesses will hang up red lanterns, banners with auspicious phrases, and paper cutouts of animals or characters representing prosperity, longevity, or other blessings.Food
Food is a major focal point of Chinese New Year, with each dish having its own symbolic meaning. Fish, for example, sounds like the word for surplus, so it signifies abundance and prosperity. Dumplings represent wealth and good fortune, while rice cakes symbolize advancement and elevated status.Travel
Chinese New Year is the biggest annual migration in the world, as millions of people travel back to their hometowns to spend time with family. This can cause major congestion and delays on trains, buses, and highways, as everyone tries to get home at the same time. In recent years, many people have started using online booking platforms to secure tickets well in advance and avoid the last-minute rush.Greetings and superstitions
Just like in the West, there are many greetings and superstitions associated with Chinese New Year. People will often wish each other Gong Xi Fa Cai (pronounced gong she fa tsai), which means May you have a prosperous new year. It's also common to avoid sweeping or throwing out garbage during the first few days of the festival, as this could sweep away the good luck.Entertainment
During the New Year period, many people will watch traditional performances like dragon and lion dances, as well as various song and dance shows. Some cities also hold lantern festivals, where huge illuminated sculptures can be seen at night. In addition, modern forms of entertainment like movies, TV shows, and mobile games have also become a popular way to pass the time during the holiday.Conclusion
Overall, Chinese New Year is a rich and colorful cultural tradition that has been celebrated for thousands of years. While it may not be as well-known in the West as other holidays, it is still a major event that brings millions of people together to honor their ancestors, strengthen family bonds, and welcome in a new year full of hope and happiness.What Chinese New Year Is 2017
Introduction
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important traditional festival in China. It usually falls on a different date each year based on the lunar calendar, but in 2017 Chinese New Year will be celebrated on January 28. This day marks the start of the Year of the Rooster and the beginning of a 15-day celebration that includes a wide range of rituals and traditions.History
The history of Chinese New Year dates back thousands of years to ancient times. According to legend, there was once a beast called Nian that preyed on villagers every year during the spring festival. To protect themselves, they began to decorate their homes with red banners and set off firecrackers to scare the beast away. This tradition has continued to this day, and red decorations continue to be an important part of Chinese New Year celebrations.Preparations
Preparations for Chinese New Year usually begin weeks in advance. People clean their homes from top to bottom to sweep away any bad luck from the previous year. They also hang red lanterns and banners, which are believed to bring good fortune. The Chinese also typically buy new clothes to wear during the festival, as a way to symbolize a fresh start for the year ahead.Traditions
There are many different traditions associated with Chinese New Year, including the giving and receiving of red envelopes filled with money, the eating of dumplings, and the lighting of fireworks. Additionally, families often gather together to perform rituals such as paying respects to ancestors and preparing offerings for the gods.Food
Food plays a major role in Chinese New Year celebrations, with symbolic significance attached to many dishes. For example, fish symbolizes abundance, while dumplings are shaped like gold ingots to represent wealth. Other popular dishes include rice cakes (nian gao), which symbolize progress and prosperity.Activities
Chinese New Year is a time when families come together to celebrate and participate in various activities. One popular activity is the dragon dance, which involves a team of people carrying a long, colorful dragon costume through the streets. Another popular activity is the lion dance, which is believed to bring good luck.Gifts
In addition to red envelopes, there are many other gifts that are exchanged during Chinese New Year celebrations. Popular gifts include dried fruits, nuts, and candies, as well as teas and wines. Additionally, it is customary to give small gifts to children and elder relatives as a sign of respect.The Lantern Festival
The final day of Chinese New Year celebrations is called the Lantern Festival, and it marks the end of the Spring Festival. On this day, people light lanterns and hang them around their homes as a way to symbolize a bright future. Additionally, families often gather together to eat tangyuan, a sweet glutinous rice ball filled with sesame, peanuts, or red bean paste.Conclusion
In conclusion, Chinese New Year is an important festival that is celebrated throughout China and by Chinese communities around the world. The many traditions associated with the festival provide a way for people to connect with their cultural heritage and to look forward to a new year full of hope and promise. Whether you are participating in Chinese New Year festivities for the first time or are a seasoned veteran, one thing is for sure – the energy and excitement of the festival is infectious!What Chinese New Year Is 2017
Chinese New Year is the most important traditional holiday in China. Also known as the Spring Festival, it celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, which varies from year to year. This year, Chinese New Year falls on January 28, 2017. During this period, millions of Chinese people gather with their families to celebrate the new year and wish each other good fortune for the coming year.
The origin of Chinese New Year dates back more than 4,000 years ago, and it is deeply rooted in Chinese mythology and ancient traditions. According to legend, a monster named Nian used to terrorize the villagers on the first day of every year, eating their crops and livestock. However, a wise old man finally discovered that Nian was afraid of loud noises and the color red. So, the villagers decorated their houses with red banners and set off firecrackers to scare away the beast. Thanks to their bravery and ingenuity, they managed to drive Nian away, and the tradition has continued to this day.
In China, the celebrations usually last for 15 days, starting with the New Year's Eve dinner and culminating in the Lantern Festival. During this time, people engage in a wide variety of activities that are meant to bring good luck and happiness in the coming year. These include cleaning the house to get rid of bad luck, hanging up decorations like red lanterns and couplets, and preparing special food like dumplings and glutinous rice cakes.
Another classic symbol of Chinese New Year is the red envelope, also known as hongbao. These are small, red envelopes filled with money that are given as gifts during the holiday season. It is a longstanding custom to give red envelopes to children and unmarried adults as a way to show affection and wishes for good luck in the new year. Nowadays, people also send virtual red envelopes via messaging apps like WeChat and Alipay.
One of the most famous traditions of Chinese New Year is the lion dance. This is a vibrant and energetic performance that combines martial arts, music, and acrobatics. During the dance, performers dress up in elaborate lion costumes, complete with colorful fur and long tails. They dance and leap around to the beat of drums and cymbals, symbolizing good luck, prosperity, and happiness. The lion dance is often performed at public places such as shopping centers or community centers to entertain the crowds.
In addition to the lion dance, another ubiquitous form of entertainment during Chinese New Year is the dragon dance. This dance is similar in many ways to the lion dance, but involves a longer and more intricate dragon costume that is carried by several people. The dragon undulates and twists through the streets, accompanied by the sounds of gongs and trumpets. It is believed that the dragon dance brings good luck and drives away evil spirits.
Chinese New Year is also a time to reconnect with family members who may live far away. Many people travel long distances to return home for the festivities, leading to one of the largest human migrations on the planet. The journey is known as chunyun, and it can take days or even weeks to reach their destinations. However, the joy of reuniting with loved ones and celebrating the new year together makes it all worth it.
As the holiday approaches, Chinese people across the globe are gearing up to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Rooster. Each year is associated with one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, and the rooster is said to be a symbol of confidence, intelligence, and dexterity. It's a time to reflect on the past year, set new goals and aspirations, and welcome in a fresh start.
Lastly, Chinese New Year is not just celebrated in China but also in many other countries with significant Chinese populations. Countries like Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines have their own version of Chinese New Year which has various customs and traditions unique to the culture of each country. Regardless of where it is celebrated, the spirit of family, togetherness, and joy are always prevalent.
In conclusion, Chinese New Year is an important and joyful holiday that brings together families, friends and communities to celebrate good fortune and the start of a new year. From the spectacular fireworks displays to the mouth-watering traditional foods, there is something special about this festival that touches the hearts of millions.
Happy Chinese New Year to you all! May the Year of the Rooster bring you good health, happiness, and prosperity! Gong Xi Fa Cai!
What is Chinese New Year 2017?
People Also Ask About Chinese New Year 2017
Q: When is Chinese New Year 2017 celebrated?
A: Chinese New Year 2017 is celebrated on January 28th.
Q: Why is Chinese New Year 2017 important?
A: It is the most significant traditional holiday in China, as well as in many other Asian countries. The holiday marks the start of a new lunar year and is a time for family reunions, honoring traditions, and wishing for good luck in the coming year.
Q: How long does Chinese New Year 2017 last?
A: The holiday lasts for 15 days, with festivities starting from the eve of Chinese New Year and concluding with the Lantern Festival.
Q: What are some traditions associated with Chinese New Year 2017?
A: Traditions include cleaning the house to sweep away bad luck, decorating with red and gold to symbolize wealth and prosperity, giving red envelopes with money to children, and eating special foods such as dumplings and tangyuan.
Q: What zodiac sign is associated with Chinese New Year 2017?
A: 2017 is the Year of the Rooster in the Chinese zodiac, which symbolizes confidence, hard work, and honesty.
Q: How do people celebrate Chinese New Year 2017?
A: Celebrations vary by region and family, but common activities include attending temple fairs, lighting firecrackers, watching lion and dragon dances, and spending time with loved ones.
Overall, Chinese New Year 2017 is a time for joy, gratitude, and hope for a happy and prosperous New Year.