Unlocking the Dates: Chinese New Year 2017 - Know When to Celebrate
Are you excited for Chinese New Year 2017? It’s the biggest celebration in China and one of the most anticipated holidays around the world. The date of this auspicious event varies annually but here’s a quick guide on when it will be celebrated this year.
The Chinese calendar is based on a 12-year zodiac cycle with each year represented by an animal. In 2017, it’s the year of the rooster. Chinese New Year differs from the Gregorian calendar, which is why the date changes every year. This year, it falls on January 28th and marks the beginning of the Spring Festival.
A fascinating fact is that Chinese New Year is not just a one-day celebration. It actually lasts for 15 days! During this period, families gather to share meals, exchange gifts, and participate in various activities. Symbolic of the event are the red lanterns that you’ll see hanging all around the country.
Red is a significant colour during Chinese New Year as it symbolizes good fortune and prosperity. People wear red clothes, put up red posters at their door, and even give out money in red envelopes. This tradition is called “hongbao” and is given to unmarried children or anyone who is not yet working.
Another interesting element of Chinese New Year is the food. Different regions have their unique dishes but some common favourites include dumplings, fish, and spring rolls. These dishes represent luck and wealth according to Chinese beliefs.
Did you know that Chinese New Year is the world’s largest human migration? Millions of Chinese people travel back home to be with their families during this time. In fact, it is estimated that over three billion trips will be made during this year’s holiday season.
If you’re thinking of traveling to China during this period, it’s best to book your flights and accommodation well in advance. It can get crowded during this time of the year, but the atmosphere is simply electric and not to be missed!
Chinese New Year is celebrated not just in China but throughout the world. Communities with large Chinese populations hold events and parades in honour of the occasion. In many cities, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the iconic dragon dance and other traditional performances.
If you want to fully experience Chinese New Year, you should also check out the fireworks displays. It’s a significant part of the celebrations as the loud noises are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck for the coming year.
In conclusion, Chinese New Year 2017 will be celebrated on January 28th and will last for 15 days. It’s a time for families to come together, share meals, and exchange gifts. Red is the dominant colour symbolizing good fortune and prosperity while fireworks and the dragon dance are integral parts of the festivities. So why not join in the fun, and be a part of one of the largest celebrations in the world?
"When Is Chinese New Year 2017" ~ bbaz
Introduction
The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival is considered the most important traditional festival of the Chinese people. It is celebrated annually on a different date because it follows the lunar calendar which is different from the Gregorian calendar used worldwide.
The Date for Chinese New Year 2017
The Chinese New Year in 2017 falls on Saturday, January 28th, which marks the beginning of the Year of the Rooster. This year’s celebrations will last until February 15th, ending with the famous Lantern Festival.
A Closer Look at Celebrations
Chinese people around the world start their preparations well in advance to welcome this auspicious occasion by cleaning thoroughly, shopping for new clothes and decorative items, and preparing special food. For those who are unable to be home with family, they flock to Chinese cultural centers or other communal centres for community meals and celebrating.
The Significance of the Year of Rooster
Each year is associated with an animal sign according to the Chinese Zodiac Calendar. The animals rotate every 12 years, and in total, there are twelve zodiac signs. The animal sign for this year is the Rooster, which represents hard work, punctuality, honesty, and being sociable in nature. Astrologers predict that this year people will have to be resourceful and use their talents wisely to achieve success.
Traditional Activities During New Year’s Celebrations
When the day arrives, people start by offering fruits and incense at shrines and temples to thank the gods and seek blessings. They also exchange gifts and red envelopes filled with money. It is customary to eat dumplings symbolizing good luck, longevity noodles, and fish representing abundance and prosperity. Firecrackers are set off to ward off evil spirits and brighten the sky. Red decorations, lanterns, and banners with lucky charms and symbols adorn homes and streets.
Regional Custom
s
Each region in China has its own customs and traditions that add even more fun and excitement to celebrations. For instance, in Southern China, locals enjoy eating sticky rice cakes, also known as nian gao. It is a glutinous cake made from glutinous rice flour, wheat starch, salt, sugar and water. It represents community harmony, prosperity, and good fortune. While in Northern China, there is a tradition of making jiaozi or dumplings, a mid-night snack after offering prayers in temples.
The Lantern Festival
The final day of the Chinese New Year celebration is known as The Lantern Festival. The festival marks the end of the Spring Festival. Celebrations involve lighting and releasing lanterns which symbolize happiness, good fortune, and wishes coming true. Night parades are held throughout cities and towns featuring large colorful paper lanterns are carried and displayed.
Conclusion
The Chinese New Year is a unique and significant festival that has been celebrated for centuries. This time of year is all about family, festivities, traditions, and rich cultural heritage. The new year offers everybody an opportunity to turn their path towards happiness, success, and good fortune. If you haven't had the pleasure of experiencing the joy and excitement of this special festival yet, do make it a point of experiencing it at least once in your lifetime.
When Is Chinese New Year 2017: A Comparison Between Traditional and Modern Celebrations
Introduction
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is celebrated by millions of people around the world. This year, Chinese New Year falls on January 28th, 2017. Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar and is celebrated for two weeks. In this article, we will explore the differences between traditional and modern Chinese New Year celebrations.Time Difference
Traditional Chinese New Year celebrations usually start on the first day of the lunar calendar, which varies each year. Modern Chinese New Year celebrations, however, follow the Gregorian calendar and always fall on January 28th.Traditional Chinese New Year celebrations are based on the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle that runs parallel to the solar calendar. Each year is represented by a different animal, with 2017 being the year of the rooster. The Chinese lunar calendar is also divided into cycles of 60 years, with each year being associated with one of the 10 heavenly stems and 12 earthly branches.
Food and Drinks
Feasting is an important part of Chinese New Year celebrations. Traditional Chinese New Year dishes include dumplings, fish, nian gao (a glutinous rice cake), and tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls). Drinking baijiu, a strong distilled liquor, is also a common practice. In modern Chinese New Year celebrations, people still enjoy traditional dishes but may also incorporate Western-style dishes into their feasts.Another tradition is the giving and receiving of hongbao, red envelopes filled with money. Hongbao are typically given to children, unmarried adults, and senior citizens. With modern technology, hongbao can now be sent through social media apps such as WeChat and Alipay.
Cultural Activities
During the two-week celebration, activities such as lion dancing, dragon boat racing, and temple fairs are popular in traditional Chinese New Year celebrations. People also set off fireworks and firecrackers to ward off evil spirits. In modern celebrations, people may watch dragon and lion dances on TV or in public squares.Family gatherings are a key part of the Chinese New Year tradition. In the past, people would return home to spend time with their families. Today, it is common for people to travel to tourist destinations during this holiday.
Symbolism and Decorations
In traditional celebrations, symbolism and decorations play an important role in Chinese New Year celebrations. Red is a dominant color because it represents good luck and happiness. Decorations often include red lanterns, couplets (poems written on red paper), and Chinese knots. People also put up posters with the character fu (meaning happiness or good fortune) printed on them.Modern celebrations still follow many of the same decorations and symbols but may incorporate Western designs and trends. For example, some malls and restaurants will decorate with cartoon characters instead of traditional Chinese designs.
Conclusion
While there are differences between traditional and modern Chinese New Year celebrations, both share the same purpose: to bring family and friends together to celebrate the start of a new lunar year. This holiday is an important part of China's cultural heritage and has become an increasingly important international event. Whether participating in traditional or modern celebrations, the Chinese New Year is a time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future with hope and optimism, while enjoying good food and company.Table Comparison
| Traditional Celebration | Modern Celebration |
|---|---|
| Celebrated on first day of lunar calendar | Celebrated on January 28th |
| Food: dumplings, fish, nian gao, tangyuan | Combination of traditional and Western dishes |
| Cultural activities: lion dancing, dragon boat racing, temple fairs | Watching cultural activities on TV or in public squares |
| Decorations: red lanterns, couplets, Chinese knots | Combination of traditional and Western decorations |
Opinion
From my personal experience, I prefer traditional Chinese New Year celebrations because it emphasizes the importance of family, tradition, and cultural identity. However, I also appreciate the modern celebrations because it incorporates new ideas and trends, making it more accessible to a wider audience. Regardless of which celebration one participates in, what matters most is that everyone has a joyful and prosperous start to the new year.When is Chinese New Year 2017: Guide and Tips
Introduction
Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, is one of the most celebrated festivals in the world. It's a time for family reunions, feasting, and welcoming good fortune for the year to come. As the date of Chinese New Year changes each year, it's important to know when it will happen to prepare for the festivities.1. What is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year traditionally marks the beginning of the lunar calendar, which determines the dates of all major Chinese festivals. The exact date of Chinese New Year varies every year, as it falls on the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon.2. When is Chinese New Year 2017?
Chinese New Year 2017 falls on January 28th, marking the year of the rooster. The celebrations typically last for 15 days, from the new moon to the full moon.3. Preparing for Chinese New Year
Preparation for Chinese New Year usually begins weeks in advance. Homes are cleaned, debts are paid off, and new clothes are purchased. Flowers and decorations are added to create a festive atmosphere. It's important to stock up on traditional foods and treats such as dumplings, rice cakes, and mandarin oranges.4. The Reunion Dinner
On New Year's Eve, families gather for the reunion dinner, a lavish feast that symbolizes unity and prosperity. Many traditional dishes are served, including fish, which symbolizes abundance, and sticky rice cakes, which represent a sweet and prosperous future.5. Red Envelopes and Fireworks
Children are given red envelopes filled with money, symbolizing good luck and fortune. Fireworks and firecrackers are set off to scare away evil spirits. It's important to note that many cities around the world have laws regarding the use of fireworks.6. Traditional Activities
Throughout the fifteen-day celebration, there are numerous traditional activities such as lion and dragon dances. People also visit temples and pray for good fortune and health.7. The Lantern Festival
The fifteenth day of the New Year is known as the Lantern Festival. People carry lanterns and enjoy lantern shows and parades. Tangyuan, sweet rice dumplings, are typically eaten during this festival.8. Celebrating Chinese New Year Abroad
Chinese New Year is celebrated throughout the world, with many countries holding their own festivities. Many Chinatowns and Asian districts hold vibrant parades and events. Food and gift shops often stay open late into the night.9. Conclusion
Chinese New Year is an important cultural holiday that has been celebrated for thousands of years. Understanding the traditions and customs is key to fully enjoying the celebration. While the date changes each year, the celebrations remain the same, bringing together friends and families and ushering in the year with hope and good fortune.10. Key Takeaways
To sum up, Chinese New Year 2017 falls on January 28th. It is a time when families come together to celebrate and wish each other good fortune for the upcoming year. Preparing for the New Year involves cleaning, decorating, and purchasing traditional foods. Traditional activities such as lion and dragon dances, and firework displays are popular. The fifteenth day of the New Year is marked by the Lantern Festival. Finally, while the origins of the holiday are Chinese, it is celebrated throughout the world with varied local traditions.When Is Chinese New Year 2017?
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is one of the most important festivals in China. The date of this festival varies every year, as it is based on the lunar calendar. In 2017, Chinese New Year falls on Saturday, January 28th.
The celebration usually lasts for 15 days, starting with the first day of the lunar calendar and ending with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day. During this period, people all over China will take time off work and return home to celebrate the festival with their families.
Preparations for Chinese New Year usually start well in advance, with many traditions and customs to follow. One such tradition is the practice of thoroughly cleaning the house before the New Year, signifying a fresh start. Another is the decoration of the house with red lanterns, banners, couplets, and other decorations.
Food is also an important aspect of Chinese New Year. Families will prepare a grand feast on New Year’s Eve, featuring dishes that have symbolic meanings. For example, dumplings are said to represent prosperity, while fish represents surplus.
On Chinese New Year’s Day itself, there are many traditions and customs to follow. These include giving red envelopes filled with money to children, visiting relatives and friends, lighting fireworks, and watching lion and dragon dance performances.
Chinese New Year is not only celebrated in China, but also in many other countries with significant Chinese populations. These include countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, among others.
While Chinese New Year is a time for celebration and joy, it is also a time for reflection and introspection. Many people will take time during the festival to set new goals and make resolutions for the year ahead.
Regardless of where you are in the world, Chinese New Year is an important cultural festival that should be respected and celebrated. If you have the opportunity to participate in any of the festivities, consider yourself lucky and take the time to learn more about the traditions and customs.
We hope this blog post has provided you with a better understanding of When Is Chinese New Year 2017. We wish you a happy and prosperous Chinese New Year!
When Is Chinese New Year 2017?
Chinese New Year is an important festival celebrated by Chinese people around the world. It is also known as the Spring Festival and marks the beginning of the Chinese lunar calendar. The date for Chinese New Year changes each year according to the lunar calendar.
What Date Is Chinese New Year in 2017?
Chinese New Year in 2017 falls on January 28th.
Why Does Chinese New Year Have a Different Date Each Year?
The Chinese lunar calendar follows the cycles of the moon, which means that its dates don’t correspond to the Gregorian calendar used in Western countries. Chinese New Year typically falls between January 21st and February 20th each year, depending on the new moon that falls closest to the beginning of spring.
How Long Does Chinese New Year Last?
Chinese New Year is a 15-day celebration that starts on the first day of the lunar calendar and ends on the 15th day with the Lantern Festival.
How Do People Celebrate Chinese New Year?
There are many traditions associated with Chinese New Year, including the exchanging of red envelopes filled with money, setting off fireworks, and preparing special foods like dumplings, fish, and rice cakes. Family reunions and cleaning the house to rid it of bad luck and negativity are also common traditions.
What Is the Animal Sign for 2017’s Chinese New Year?
2017 is the year of the Rooster according to the Chinese zodiac. People born under this sign are said to be hardworking, confident, and ambitious.
Some things to remember:- Chinese New Year in 2017 is celebrated on January 28th.
- The Chinese lunar calendar determines the date of Chinese New Year, making it different each year according to the cycles of the moon.
- Chinese New Year lasts for 15 days and has many traditional celebrations and customs.
- 2017 is the year of the Rooster according to the Chinese zodiac.