Discover the Date of Chinese New Year 2017: Celebrate the Year of the Rooster with Joy and Traditions
Are you ready to ring in the year of the rooster? Chinese New Year is just around the corner, and in 2017 it falls on January 28th.
For those unfamiliar with Chinese New Year, it’s a holiday filled with tradition, symbolism, and, of course, lots of delicious food. It’s the most important traditional holiday in China and is celebrated by Chinese communities all over the world.
But why does the date for Chinese New Year change every year? The answer lies in the lunar calendar. Instead of following the Western calendar, which is based on the movement of the sun, the lunar calendar is based on the phases of the moon. Chinese New Year always falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice, which is usually sometime between January 21st and February 20th.
This year’s celebration will mark the beginning of the year of the rooster. Each year is associated with one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, which are said to have a profound impact on the personality traits and fortunes of people born during that year. According to Chinese astrology, those born in the year of the rooster are observant, hardworking, resourceful, courageous, and talented.
Preparations for Chinese New Year begin several weeks in advance. Homes are cleaned from top to bottom to sweep away bad luck and make way for good fortune. Red decorations are hung, as red is considered a lucky color in Chinese culture. Families come together for a reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve, often enjoying traditional dishes like dumplings and fish.
During the two-week holiday, there are also parades, dragon dances, fireworks, and temple fairs. One popular tradition is giving red envelopes filled with money to children for good luck. The envelopes are decorated with gold characters that wish the recipient wealth, health, and happiness in the coming year.
Interestingly, Chinese New Year is not just celebrated in China. Many other countries with large Chinese communities also celebrate the holiday, including Vietnam, Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia. In fact, some of the biggest Chinese New Year celebrations outside of China can be found in San Francisco, London, and Sydney.
If you’re planning to celebrate Chinese New Year this year, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, be sure to wear red, as it’s believed to bring good fortune. Second, avoid using scissors or sharp objects, as they’re said to cut away good luck. And finally, don’t wash your hair on New Year’s Day, as it’s believed to wash away good luck as well.
So whether you’re familiar with Chinese New Year or not, there’s no denying it’s an exciting, colorful, and festive holiday that’s not to be missed. So why not join in on the fun and ring in the year of the rooster with good food, good company, and lots of good luck?
"What Date Is Chinese New Year 2017" ~ bbaz
The Chinese New Year or Spring Festival is the most important traditional holiday in China. The date of this celebration varies from year to year as it follows the lunar cycle. This coming year, 2017, Chinese New Year falls on January 28, but the celebrations usually start a week before and last for 15 days until the Lantern Festival.
Why the Date Changes Every Year?
Chinese New Year is not like the Gregorian calendar which has fixed dates. It follows the Chinese lunar calendar that consists of 12 months and a total of 354 days. However, to synchronize with the solar year, the Chinese add an extra month every few years, making the calendar’s cycle of 19 years. Moreover, each year in the Chinese calendar is represented by an animal sign from the twelve zodiacs cycle.
This year, 2017, marks the Year of the Rooster, following 2016 which was the Year of the Monkey. The cycle repeats every 12 years, so the next Year of the Rooster will be in 2029. Each of the twelve animals of the zodiac is believed to have certain personality and fortune traits associated with it, which can influence individuals born in those years.
The History and Significance
The Spring Festival holds significant cultural and historical value for the Chinese people. It is believed to originate from an ancient myth about a monster called Nian who would appear each new year to attack and harm people and their homes, especially children. To prevent this, people would prepare food offerings and set off firecrackers to scare Nian away. Afterward, the festival transformed into an expression of happiness, unity, and renewal.
During the 15 days of celebration, families reunite, share meals, and exchange gifts. Streets and houses are decorated with red lanterns, banners with lucky messages, and the character “fu,” which represents good luck and fortune. The color red is especially significant as it is believed to ward off evil spirits and bad luck.
Preparation for the Chinese New Year
Days before the festival, people clean their homes thoroughly to sweep away any bad luck accumulated during the previous year. They also buy new clothes, pay off debts, settle disagreements, and stock up on foods and treats such as rice cakes, dumplings, and fish, which represents wealth and abundance.
The eve of the Spring Festival is the most crucial and exciting time to the Chinese, as it marks the beginning of the new year. Families gather to have a traditional reunion dinner which includes delicacies such as seafood, chicken, and pork. After dinner, they light firecrackers and fireworks to welcome the new year, and watch a televised gala show featuring song and dance performances, magic shows, and acrobatics.
The Lantern Festival
The celebrations conclude with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day. People light and release paper lanterns into the sky or on water, accompanied by riddles or wishes written on them. There are also dragon and lion dances in the streets and public parks. Some people compete in a game where they try to solve lantern riddles written on paper lanterns hanging from buildings or trees.
Chinese New Year has grown so significant that it is now celebrated worldwide. In countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines, it is observed as a national holiday. Cities with large Chinese populations such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Sydney hold grand parades and street fairs to join in the festivities.
Conclusion
Chinese New Year is an eventful and exciting time for the Chinese people, as it brings together families and communities in a spirit of joy and harmony. It is also a time to start fresh, leave behind the past, and welcome new opportunities. This coming year, put on your best red outfit, light up some firecrackers, and join in the global celebration of the Chinese New Year.
Comparison Blog Article: What Date Is Chinese New Year 2017?
Introduction
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is one of the most important traditional festivals in China. It is celebrated at the turn of the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar and lasts for 15 days. In this blog article, we will discuss the dates, traditions, and celebrations of Chinese New Year 2017.
The Dates
Gregorian Calendar vs. Lunisolar Calendar
The Gregorian calendar, which is the calendar used in most of the world today, is a solar calendar that is based on the cycle of the Earth's rotation around the sun. On the other hand, the lunisolar calendar, which is used in China, is based on the cycles of the moon and the sun. The Chinese New Year usually falls between January 21 and February 20 on the Gregorian calendar but varies each year on the lunisolar calendar.
Comparison Table
| Gregorian Calendar | Lunisolar Calendar | Year |
|---|---|---|
| January 28, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | Year of the Rooster |
| February 16, 2018 | February 16, 2018 | Year of the Dog |
| February 5, 2019 | February 4, 2019 | Year of the Pig |
The Traditions
Cleaning and Decoration
Before New Year's Day, families clean their homes to sweep away bad luck and make room for good luck. They also decorate their homes with red lanterns, couplets, and paper-cuttings, all of which symbolize good luck, happiness, and prosperity.
Family Reunions and Feasts
Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions, and it is believed that being together on this day will bring good luck for the family. Families gather for a feast, which usually includes dumplings, fish, sticky rice cakes, and other traditional foods. Eating these foods during the New Year is believed to bring good fortune for the coming year.
Red Envelopes and Fireworks
Red envelopes, or hongbao, are given by elders to children and unmarried adults for good luck and to ward off evil. These envelopes contain money, and the amount should be an even number to represent good luck. Fireworks are also set off on New Year's Eve to drive away evil spirits and to welcome the New Year.
The Celebrations
Chinese New Year's Eve
On Chinese New Year's Eve, families typically have a reunion dinner and watch the Spring Festival Gala, a television program showcasing traditional Chinese performances. At midnight, fireworks are set off to welcome the New Year.
The First Few Days
During the first few days of the New Year, people visit friends and relatives to exchange greetings and wishes for good luck and prosperity. They also participate in temple fairs to buy New Year goods and enjoy traditional performances.
The Lantern Festival
The 15th day of the New Year is the Lantern Festival, which marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebration. On this day, people display lanterns and enjoy festive activities such as dance performances, lion dances, and riddle guessing.
Conclusion
Chinese New Year is a time for families to come together, for cleaning and decoration, for feasting, for gift giving, for celebrating, and for wishing each other health, wealth, and happiness. It is a colorful, joyful, and meaningful festival that has been cherished by the Chinese people for centuries.
In my opinion, Chinese New Year is one of the most interesting and beautiful cultural events in the world. The combination of the lunar calendar, the zodiac animals, the red decorations, and the festive traditions makes it a unique and unforgettable experience. I hope that more people around the world can learn about and appreciate the beauty and significance of this amazing festival.
What Date Is Chinese New Year 2017: A Guide to the Festivities
Introduction
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most important traditional holiday in China. It is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, marking the beginning of a new year. In 2017, Chinese New Year falls on Saturday, January 28th.The History of Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Legend has it that in ancient times, a monster named Nian (which means year in Chinese) would come out of hiding on New Year's Eve and terrorize the villagers. However, they discovered that the monster was afraid of three things: loud noises, the color red, and fire. To scare away Nian, people would decorate their homes with red banners, set off firecrackers, and wear red clothing. Over time, these traditions evolved into the colorful festivities we see today.Preparation for Chinese New Year
The preparations for Chinese New Year begin well in advance. Chinese families usually spend several weeks cleaning their homes, buying new clothes, and stocking up on food. They also put up decorations such as couplets (red banners with auspicious phrases), posters of the zodiac animals, and lanterns. On New Year's Eve, families gather together for a reunion dinner, which is considered the most important meal of the year.The Customs and Traditions of Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is a time for family, friends, and fun. There are many customs associated with the holiday, including:- Giving red envelopes: Adults give red envelopes filled with money to children as a symbol of good luck.- Watching the CCTV New Year's Gala: This variety show, which features music, dance, and comedy acts, is watched by millions of people throughout China.- Eating dumplings: Dumplings are a popular food during Chinese New Year and are said to bring good luck.- Lighting fireworks: Fireworks are a traditional way of warding off evil spirits and welcoming the new year.The Zodiac Animals
Chinese New Year is associated with one of twelve zodiac animals, each of which has its own personality traits and characteristics. In 2017, we will enter the Year of the Rooster. People born in this year are said to be hardworking, courageous, and confident.Conclusion
In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a time of joy and celebration. Whether you are a tourist visiting China during the holiday or a local spending time with family, there is something for everyone. So go out and enjoy the festivities, eat some dumplings, and welcome the Year of the Rooster with open arms!What Date Is Chinese New Year 2017?
Chinese New Year is the most significant culturally and traditional event celebrated in China. It is a time to pay respect to their ancestors, spend quality time with family, eat sumptuous food, exchange gifts, and honor deities. People worldwide also celebrate this event, particularly in regions with large Chinese communities. If you're looking forward to the Chinese New Year 2017, this article will provide you with valuable information about everything you should know.
Before diving into the event, it's essential to understand that the Chinese follow a unique lunar calendar based on the phases of the moon. Unlike the widely used Gregorian calendar with 365 or 366 days, the Chinese calendar begins with the new moon on January 1st or 2nd and ends on the full moon 15 days later. This means that the new year usually falls between late January and mid-February. In 2022, Chinese New Year falls on January 31st, and it's celebrated for two weeks.
According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Chinese believe that every year has an element and animal sign. The animals determine each person's personality traits in Chinese astrology and follow a twelve-year cycle through five elements: metal, water, wood, fire, and earth. This year 2022, is the year of the tiger - an energetic and charismatic animal with its element as Water. The Water Tiger represents flexibility, courage, and innovation.
Preparations for the Chinese New Year begin long before the actual day. The cleaning process is called sweeping the dust and symbolizes sweeping out bad luck from the previous year and preparing to receive good fortune. During this period, houses are decorated with red lanterns and festive banners featuring popular themes such as wealth, longevity, and good luck.
On New Year's Eve, family members come together for a reunion meal, which is also known as the grand dinner. It's the most crucial event for the Chinese, and people will often travel thousands of miles to be with their loved ones. They eat traditional foods like dumplings, fish, and niangao (glutinous rice cakes) and participate in games and activities traditionally associated with Chinese New Year. Fireworks light up the sky at midnight, and the day ends with a positive atmosphere.
Red is a significant color during Chinese New Year, symbolizing good luck and warding off bad fortune. Children are given red envelopes filled with money as well as orange fruits that represent wealth and luck. The exchange of gifts is an integral part of the Chinese culture; customarily the Chinese receive gifts like tea, alcohol, tobacco, and sweets representing honor and traditions.
Thousands upon thousands of people visit China during this time of year to experience the legendary street festivals, colorful parades, and stunning displays of lights and fireworks. In Beijing, the Temple Fair is a must-visit destination, where visitors can experience traditional folk performances, snacks, tea houses, riddles, and more. Another famous destination is the Hong Kong Parade featuring beautifully decorated floats, marching bands and lion dancers.
Businesses are also closed during the holiday period, and people take several days off to celebrate, sometimes up to two weeks. While some see this as a drawback, it's an excellent opportunity for people to unwind from their busy lives and spend quality time with their loved ones.
In conclusion, the Chinese New Year is an exciting and enlightening event that celebrates tradition, culture, family, and good fortune. Through this article, you now know what date the Chinese New Year 2017 falls on, the animal sign, and how it's celebrated. Why not share your experiences and join in the festivities?
Wishing you good luck and happiness in the year of the Water Tiger!
What Date Is Chinese New Year 2017?
People also ask FAQs
What is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most important traditional festival in China that marks the beginning of a new year on the Chinese calendar. It is celebrated annually by Chinese people worldwide.
When is Chinese New Year 2017?
Chinese New Year 2017 falls on January 28th and it is the year of the Rooster based on the 12-year animal zodiac cycle.
How long does Chinese New Year last?
The festivity lasts for 15 days according to the lunar calendar, starting from the new moon to the full moon.
What are some common traditions during the Chinese New Year celebration?
Some of the common traditions during Chinese New Year include cleaning homes to get rid of bad luck, decorating with red and gold ornaments which signify good luck and fortune, giving red envelopes filled with money to children and unmarried adults, and eating special dishes like dumplings and fish.
What are some taboos during Chinese New Year?
Taboos during Chinese New Year include avoiding sweeping or taking out the garbage during the first few days of the Lunar New Year, as it might sweep away good luck and fortune; avoiding negative words or conversations; avoiding wearing black or white clothes, as these color stands for mourning or death.
What are some differences between Chinese New Year and the Western New Year?
One significant difference between Chinese New Year and the Western New Year is that Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar and thus the date changes every year while Western New Year follows the Gregorian calendar and falls on January 1st every year.
How do people typically celebrate Chinese New Year?
People typically celebrate Chinese New Year by having a reunion dinner with family members on New Year's Eve, watching the CCTV Spring Festival Gala TV program, lighting firecrackers to drive away evil spirits, and participating in cultural festivities such as dragon and lion dances.
What are some symbols of Chinese New Year?
Symbolic objects of Chinese New Year include the color red, which represents joy, prosperity, and good fortune; tang yuan, sweet glutinous rice balls that symbolize family reunion and togetherness; oranges and tangerines, which represent wealth and happiness; and paper cutouts that depict ancient Chinese mythology and folklore.
Why do people celebrate Chinese New Year?
People celebrate Chinese New Year to honor deities and ancestors, to reunite with family members, and to bring good luck and fortune in the coming year.
Is Chinese New Year celebrated in other countries?
Yes, Chinese New Year is celebrated in many Asian countries and communities worldwide, including Vietnam, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and even non-Asian countries like Australia, United States, and Canada, where there are significant Chinese populations.
Overall, Chinese New Year is a vibrant and joyful celebration that marks an auspicious beginning of a new year and honors traditions, cultures, and family values.