Experience the Festivities: When In Chinese New Year 2017
Chinese New Year, known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most significant festivals in the Chinese calendar. As 2017 rings in the Year of the Rooster, people around the world will be celebrating with fireworks, food, and family gatherings. But when exactly is Chinese New Year 2017?
The celebration takes place on a different date each year as it follows the lunar calendar. In 2017, Chinese New Year will begin on January 28th and will run until February 15th.
Preparing for Chinese New Year begins weeks in advance. Homes are cleaned to sweep away bad fortune from the previous year and decorations, such as red lanterns and couplets with auspicious phrases, are hung for good luck throughout the house and streets.
One of the most important traditions during Chinese New Year is the reunion dinner. Family members from far and wide come together to enjoy a feast, representing unity and harmony in the family.
But the celebration doesn't end there. Festivities continue for 15 days, with each day having its own unique rituals and customs. One of the most significant events is the Lantern Festival, where children carry brightly-lit lanterns through the streets.
Along with the lively atmosphere, Chinese New Year also brings about some interesting superstitions. For example, wearing red is believed to ward off bad luck, while sweeping or taking out the garbage during the holiday may bring poverty.
Food also plays a major role during Chinese New Year. Traditional dishes such as dumplings, fish, and spring rolls all hold symbolic meanings. Dumplings resemble gold ingots, while fish symbolizes wealth and abundance.
Statistics show that it's one of the busiest travel periods in China as millions of people make their way back to their hometowns. It's known as the largest human migration in the world, with train tickets often selling out within minutes.
Whether you're celebrating in China or around the world, Chinese New Year is a time of joy, family, and tradition. So put on your red clothes, enjoy some delicious food, and welcome in the Year of the Rooster with open arms.
In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a celebration with deep cultural roots that continue to thrive today. Its tradition and customs connect its people through generations, signifying unity and good fortune in the months to come. So join in the festivities and experience the magic of this holiday for yourself.
"When In Chinese New Year 2017" ~ bbaz
When Is Chinese New Year 2017?
The year 2017 marked the start of a new lunar cycle for the Chinese community. Chinese New Year is a time to celebrate fresh beginnings, family, and good fortune. As one of the most significant and widely celebrated holidays in China and other global regions with a sizable Chinese population, Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, holds a special place in the hearts of many. So when did the festivities begin?
Chinese New Year Schedule
The Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar and typically occurs on different dates each year in the Gregorian calendar. For instance, Chinese New Year started on January 31st in 2014, February 19th in 2015, February 8th in 2016, and January 28th in 2017.
The year 2017 marks the year of Rooster, and it had its New Year's Eve on January 27th. The Chinese community usually celebrates the beginning of the New Year with several days of festivities and traditions that vary from region to region. However, in most circles, celebrations last for fifteen days, from the New Year's Eve until the Lantern Festival.
The Significance of the Lunar Calendar
Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which most countries use for official timekeeping, the lunar calendar follows the moon phases. The lunar calendar consists of twelve lunations or lunar cycles of approximately 29.53 days each. One year on the lunar calendar is 354 days long compared to the 365 days for a standard Gregorian year since the lunar calendar doesn't account for leap year.
China adopted the lunar calendar more than 2,000 years ago. Although the calendar became obsolete for practical purposes, its calendar traditions and customs continue to date. The major events that Chinese people celebrate, such as New Year or Mid-Autumn day, follows the lunar calendar.
Chinese New Year Traditions
The Spring Festival is a time when families and friends gather, share meals and express their wishes for good fortune as they walk into the New Year. People usually clean their homes, decorate their houses with red spring couplets or banners and hang paper-cut window decorations that symbolize good luck and happiness.
To celebrate the occasion, many families prepare dumplings or jiaozi, which in Chinese stands for midnight food. The legend has it that Zhang Guolao, one of the eight immortals in Chinese mythology, has advised a poor family to make dumplings and put coins inside the dumplings on the last night of the year. Whoever finds the coin will have an abundant year, according to legend. However, more contemporary activities include setting off fireworks to ring in the New Year. Firecrackers believed to ward off evil spirits.
The Lantern festival
The end of the fifteen days celebration brings us to the Lantern Festival. It's the first full moon of the new lunar year, and people hang colorful lanterns outside their homes or carry them into the public square while watching lion and dragon dances.
The Chinese community worldwide celebrates the Lunar New Year with a multitude of festivities and traditions, reminding everyone to embrace new beginnings with humility and grace. May the New Year holidays bring us peace, prosperity, and happiness!
Conclusion
Chinese New Year celebrations differ across various cities, towns, and families. However, the key tradition is similar to all – togetherness and celebration with your loved ones. This is a time to embrace the New Year with humility and gratitude for all the blessings bestowed upon us, and for wishing peace, happiness, and good fortune for the year ahead.
When In Chinese New Year 2017: Comparing Traditions, Decorations, and Celebrations
Introduction
The Chinese New Year is a widely celebrated occasion that marks the first day of the lunar calendar. The festivities last for 15 days and usually occur between January and February. The year 2017 marked the Year of the Rooster and was celebrated on January 28. In this blog post, we will compare the traditions, decorations, and celebrations during the Chinese New Year in various parts of the world.Traditions
The Chinese New Year is rich in tradition and culture. One of the most important traditions is the reunion dinner, where families would gather to enjoy a scrumptious feast. During this time, it is customary to serve dumplings, which symbolize wealth and prosperity. Another popular tradition is the giving of red envelopes, which contain money as a gift to children. This tradition is believed to bring good luck and fortune. Homes are decorated with red lanterns and couplets, and firecrackers are set off to ward off evil spirits.In China, people would clean their homes thoroughly before the New Year, as it is believed to sweep away bad luck. However, sweeping and cleaning should not be done during the actual New Year, as it may sweep away good luck. Also, people are encouraged to wear new clothes, which symbolizes a fresh start for the coming year.Decorations
Red is the dominant color during the Chinese New Year, as it symbolizes good fortune and joy. In addition to red lanterns, homes and public spaces are decorated with paper cutouts of various shapes and sizes. These are known as chunlian or Spring Festival couplets. They often contain auspicious sayings or blessings for the coming year.In Singapore, streets are adorned with colorful decorations, and Chinatown transforms into a vibrant display of Chinese culture. In Hong Kong, the famous Victoria Harbour is lit up with a fireworks display.Food
Food plays a significant role in the Chinese New Year celebrations. Apart from dumplings, mandarin oranges are also served as they represent wealth and good fortune. Noodles are popular as they symbolize longevity. Fish is a must-have dish during the New Year as it symbolizes prosperity. A common saying before eating fish is “nian nian you yu,” which translates to “may you have abundance year after year.”In Malaysia, traditional dishes such as yee sang, a raw fish salad, and glutinous rice cakes are served. In Indonesia, boxi cakes and tangerines are a must-have during the New Year.Celebrations
The Chinese New Year is celebrated around the world and is often marked by grand parades and performances. In China, the most spectacular celebration is the Spring Festival Gala, which features various artists showcasing their talents. The celebrations culminate with the Lantern Festival, which takes place on the 15th day of the New Year, where lanterns are released into the sky.In Singapore, the light-up ceremony and the Chingay Parade are the main events. In Thailand, Chinatown becomes the center of celebrations, with plenty of street food and cultural activities.Comparison Table
Below is a comparison table highlighting the similarities and differences in the traditions, decorations, and celebrations in various parts of the world during the Chinese New Year.| Traditions | Decorations | Food | Celebrations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | Reunion dinner, red envelopes, cleaning, new clothes | Red lanterns, chunlian, firecrackers | Dumplings, mandarin oranges, fish, noodles | Spring Festival Gala, lantern festival |
| Singapore | Reunion dinner, red envelopes | Colorful decorations, light-up ceremony | Yee sang, glutinous rice cakes | Chinatown celebrations, Chingay Parade |
| Hong Kong | Reunion dinner, red envelopes | Famous Victoria Harbour fireworks display | Fish, dumplings, traditional sweets | Cultural performances |
| Malaysia | Reunion dinner, red envelopes | Decorated streets, lanterns | Yee sang, glutinous rice cakes, pineapples | Cultural performances, lion dance |
| Indonesia | Reunion dinner, red envelopes | Decorated temples, tangerine trees | Boxi cakes, tangerines | Cultural performances, fireworks |
Conclusion
The Chinese New Year is a vibrant and colorful occasion celebrated by millions across the world. Despite the differences in traditions, decorations, and celebrations, the message remains the same - to usher in a new year with good fortune, happiness, and prosperity.Tips for Celebrating Chinese New Year 2017
Introduction
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most important festival celebrated in China and among the Chinese diaspora communities all over the world. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year and is a time to reunite with family, enjoy traditional food, and exchange gifts. Here are some tips on how you can best celebrate Chinese New Year 2017.Know the Date
The first tip is to make sure you know the date of the Chinese New Year. In 2017, the festival falls on January 28th, which is the start of the Year of the Rooster.Clean Your House
Another important tradition for Chinese New Year is to clean your house thoroughly before the festival. This is believed to sweep away bad luck and make room for good luck to come in.Decorate with Red
Red is an auspicious color in Chinese culture, so it’s no surprise that it’s heavily featured during Chinese New Year celebrations. Hang up red lanterns, decorate your door with a red couplet, and wear red clothes to bring luck into your life.Cook Traditional Food
Food is an integral part of Chinese New Year traditions. Cook up some traditional dishes like dumplings, rice cakes, whole fish, and tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls) to share with your loved ones.Give Red Envelopes
Giving red envelopes filled with money is a popular tradition during Chinese New Year. The money is believed to bring good luck and fortune to the receiver.Watch the CCTV Gala
The CCTV Spring Festival Gala is a big variety show that is broadcasted on Chinese New Year’s Eve. It showcases singers, dancers, acrobats, and various other performances. Watching it is considered a staple part of the Chinese New Year’s Eve celebration.Be Respectful of Superstitions
Like any major cultural festival, Chinese New Year has its superstitions. Don’t sweep the floor or wash your hair on Chinese New Year’s Day as it’s believed that doing so will sweep away good luck. Similarly, don’t buy sharp objects as they symbolize cutting off good fortune.Call Your Elders
Respect for elders is highly valued in Chinese culture, and Chinese New Year is a time to show gratitude and respect to your parents and grandparents. Make sure to give them a call or visit them during the festival.Watch the Fireworks
Watching fireworks is a big part of Chinese New Year celebrations. They are believed to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck. Find out where the nearest fireworks display is taking place and join in the fun.Conclusion
Chinese New Year is a wonderful time to immerse yourself in Chinese culture, traditions, and food. By following these tips, you can ensure that you have a memorable and enjoyable celebration with your loved ones. Happy Chinese New Year!When in Chinese New Year 2017: A Celebration of Culture and Tradition
As the Chinese Lunar Calendar turns a new page, people all over the world are preparing for one of the most significant cultural festivals on the planet – the Chinese New Year. Also known as the Spring Festival or Chunjie in Mandarin, this annual event officially begins on January 28, 2017, and marks the end of winter and the start of the farming season.
Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the Earth's revolution around the sun, the Chinese Zodiac is based on a 12-year cycle that assigns an animal to each year. For 2017, it is the Year of the Rooster – a symbol of courage, confidence, and self-assurance.
The popularity of the Chinese New Year celebrations has spread across the globe, with millions of people from different cultures joining in on the festivities. While the traditions may vary depending on location and family customs, the core essence of the festival remains the same – to welcome good luck, prosperity, and happiness for the new year.
Preparing for the Festival
The festivities start weeks before the actual date of the new year. People clean their houses from top to bottom to sweep away bad luck and welcome good fortune. They also decorate their homes with red banners, lanterns, and paper-cuts with the zodiac animal of the new year.
Families gather together to prepare for the new year by cooking special dishes such as dumplings and fish – each with their own symbolic meaning. Dumplings, for instance, represent wealth and prosperity as their shape resembles ancient Chinese gold or silver ingots, while fish symbolizes abundance and surplus as the Chinese word for fish sounds like surplus.
People also buy new clothes, particularly red ones, which represent good luck and happiness. It is customary to give money in red envelopes as gifts, especially to children, as a way of passing on good fortune.
Celebrating the Festival
On the eve of the new year, families gather together for a feast known as the reunion dinner. This is considered one of the most important events of the year, where relatives from near and far come together to celebrate their blessings.
At midnight, fireworks explode, filling the night sky with loud noises and bright colors. The purpose of the fireworks is to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck for the new year.
The following days are filled with a variety of activities, including lion and dragon dances, cultural performances, and visiting loved ones. It is also customary to pay respects to ancestors and deities at temples and shrines.
Superstitions and Beliefs
Superstitions and traditions play a significant role during the festival. For instance, it is believed that starting the new year with a clean house will bring good luck. However, sweeping during the festival is thought to sweep away good fortune, so cleaning must be done beforehand.
Similarly, taking a shower or washing hair on New Year's Day is believed to wash away good luck. Cutting hair and using sharp objects should also be avoided, as it is thought to cut away prosperity.
Another common belief is that wearing black during the festival is bad luck, as the color is associated with death and mourning. The ideal colors to wear are red and gold, which are thought to bring good fortune.
Celebrating the Chinese New Year Outside China
Millions of people around the world from different cultures and ethnic backgrounds celebrate the Chinese New Year. In fact, outside of China, it is one of the largest cultural celebrations with parades, cultural events, and performances taking place across major cities.
Places such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam get into the festive spirit by adopting unique traditions of their own. For instance, in Singapore, the Chingay Parade – an annual street procession – features elaborate floats, local performers, and a fireworks display.
Similarly, in North America and Europe, major cities put on massive celebrations, including street fairs, cultural exhibitions, and lion dances.
Conclusion
The Chinese New Year is much more than just a festive occasion – it is a celebration of culture, tradition, and heritage. It brings together families and communities, transcending history and geography.
No matter where you are in the world, if you are fortunate enough to experience the Chinese New Year, embrace it wholeheartedly and allow yourself to be immersed in its rich customs.
Wishing everyone a happy and prosperous Year of the Rooster!
When is Chinese New Year 2017?
What is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is a traditional festival celebrated by Chinese people around the world. It usually falls between January 21st and February 20th, depending on the lunar calendar.
When is Chinese New Year 2017?
Chinese New Year 2017 falls on January 28th, which is the year of the Rooster according to the Chinese zodiac.
Is Chinese New Year a public holiday?
Yes, Chinese New Year is a public holiday in many Asian countries including China, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam. However, it is not a public holiday in Western countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
How long does Chinese New Year last?
Traditionally, Chinese New Year lasts for 15 days, starting from the day of the new moon and ending with the full moon on the Lantern Festival. However, many people take off work for the entire week and celebrate with family and friends.
What are some Chinese New Year traditions?
Some common Chinese New Year traditions include cleaning the house to sweep away bad luck, decorating with red lanterns and couplets, eating dumplings and other special food, giving red envelopes with money to children, and setting off firecrackers to scare away evil spirits.
What should I wear on Chinese New Year?
It is traditional to wear red clothing during Chinese New Year because it symbolizes good luck and happiness. Some people also wear traditional Chinese clothing such as a qipao or a changshan.
What are some Chinese New Year greetings?
Some common Chinese New Year greetings include Xin Nian Kuai Le (Happy New Year), Gong Xi Fa Cai (Wishing you prosperity), and Hong Bao Na Lai (Give me a red envelope!).
How do people celebrate Chinese New Year around the world?
Chinese New Year is celebrated in many countries around the world with large festivals, parades, and fireworks displays. In the United States, Chinatown districts in cities like San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles hold annual celebrations. In Europe, cities like London and Paris also have Chinese New Year events.
Why is the rooster the zodiac animal for 2017?
The Chinese zodiac is a 12-year cycle that assigns an animal to each year. According to legend, the order of the animals was decided by a race across a river. The rooster came in tenth place because it stopped to help an elderly monkey and dog. Those born in the year of the Rooster are said to be hardworking, loyal, and confident.