Experience the Rich Traditions of Chinese New Year 2017: Celebrate with Festivals, Food, and Fun!
Are you ready to celebrate Chinese New Year 2017? This most important traditional Chinese holiday is celebrated worldwide, and for good reason-- it lasts 15 days and is full of colorful displays, delicious food, and time spent with family and friends.
The Chinese Zodiac follows a 12-year cycle and 2017 is the year of the rooster. If you were born in the years 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, or 2005, then you too are a rooster!
Red is a prominent color during Chinese New Year as it represents good luck and warding off evil spirits. Decorations such as red lanterns, banners with auspicious phrases, and paper cutouts can be seen adorning streets and homes.
No celebration is complete without food. From dumplings to fish, from rice cakes to hot pot, there is no shortage of delicious Chinese New Year cuisine. But did you know that eating certain foods can bring good luck? Eating fish symbolizes prosperity, while dumplings resemble gold ingots and represent wealth.
The Chinese believe in beginning the new year with a clean slate. Homes are spring cleaned and debts are paid off before the start of the new year. It is also customary to get a haircut and buy new clothes in preparation for the festivities.
The Lantern Festival marks the end of Chinese New Year and is celebrated on the 15th day of the lunar new year. This festival is named after the ancient tradition of releasing sky lanterns, which symbolize getting rid of the past and embracing the future.
Giving and receiving red envelopes is a common practice during Chinese New Year. These envelopes are filled with money and given to young children or those who are unmarried. The red color of the envelope symbolizes good luck and is a way to bless the recipient with wealth and success.
Did you know that over 1 billion people celebrate Chinese New Year? It is the longest holiday in China and is celebrated across Asia as well as in many Western countries. Festivities can range from dragon and lion dances to fireworks displays, and even parades.
Chinese New Year is more than just a celebration of a new year-- it represents family reunion and togetherness. Many people travel back to their hometowns to be with loved ones and share the joy of the holiday.
In conclusion, Chinese New Year 2017 is not to be missed. From the bright colors to the delicious food, from the age-old traditions to the modern festivities, this holiday has something for everyone. So come join in on the celebration, and may the year of the rooster bring you health, happiness, and prosperity.
"What Chinese New Year 2017" ~ bbaz
Introduction
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is one of the oldest and most important traditional Chinese holidays. It is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, which usually falls between late January and mid-February. The 2017 Chinese New Year began on January 28 and marks the start of the Year of the Rooster. This important festival is celebrated not only in China, but also in other parts of Asia and around the world where there are Chinese communities.
Preparation
Preparations for Chinese New Year usually start a few weeks before the actual date. People clean their homes to sweep away any bad luck from the previous year and decorate their houses with red lanterns, couplets, and door gods to welcome good fortune. They also prepare traditional food such as dumplings, fish, rice cakes, and sticky rice balls.
Reunion Dinner
On New Year's Eve, families gather for a reunion dinner, which is considered the most important meal of the year. Family members from out of town return home to celebrate together. During the reunion dinner, everyone wishes each other happiness and prosperity in the new year and the elders give red envelopes containing money to the children. After dinner, families often stay up late to watch the Spring Festival Gala on television and set off firecrackers to welcome the new year.
Activities During the Festival
Dragon and Lion Dance
During the Chinese New Year period, dragon and lion dances are performed in public places such as temples, squares, and shopping centers. These dances are believed to bring good luck and chase away evil spirits. The dragon dance involves dancers holding up a long dragon, which is often over 30 meters long, and making it dance to the beat of drums and gongs. The lion dance involves one or two dancers wearing a lion costume and mimicking the movements of a lion.
Visiting Relatives and Friends
During Chinese New Year, people visit their relatives and friends to offer greetings and blessings. This is known as bai nian (拜年) in Chinese. It is customary to bring gifts and exchange hongbao (red envelopes) containing money. Visiting friends and relatives is a way to strengthen bonds and express gratitude for their support and companionship throughout the year.
Watching Fireworks and Lantern Festival
Fireworks are an important part of Chinese New Year celebrations. They are believed to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck. In China, fireworks are set off on New Year's Eve and continue throughout the first few days of the new year. The Lantern Festival is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the lunar calendar, which marks the end of the Chinese New Year period. People light and release lanterns into the sky, wishing for happiness, peace, and wealth in the coming year.
Conclusion
Chinese New Year is a time of joy, reunion, and hope for the future. It is an opportunity to reflect on the past year and look forward to the new one. Although the festival has evolved over the years, many traditional customs and activities still persist. Chinese New Year 2017 will bring together families and friends from around the world to celebrate the Year of the Rooster with food, decorations, performances, and festivities.
Comparison of Chinese New Year 2017
Introduction
Chinese New Year is one of the most significant traditional festivals celebrated by Chinese people around the world. It is also known as the Spring Festival because it marks the beginning of spring. The Chinese New Year in 2017 fell on January 28th, which is the year of the Rooster, according to the Chinese Zodiac. In this article, we will compare some aspects of the Chinese New Year 2017 with previous years.Traditional Customs and Celebrations
The traditional customs and celebrations of the Chinese New Year have remained relatively unchanged for centuries. However, slight regional differences may exist. One of the most important aspects of the Chinese New Year is the reunion dinner, where family members gather on New Year's Eve for a sumptuous feast. During the festive season, red decorations are hung up, and people wear new clothes to symbolize a new beginning. Firecrackers are lit to ward off evil spirits, and lion dancers parade through the streets to bring good luck. In 2017, these traditional customs and celebrations remained largely the same.Travel Volume
Before the Chinese New Year, many people travel to their hometowns to reunite with their families, just like Thanksgiving or Christmas in the West. This movement of people causes a massive transportation problem, and it is called Chunyun (春运) or the Spring Festival Travel Season. The number of trips made during Chunyun has been increasing rapidly in recent years. According to China News Service, the total number of train tickets sold during Chunyun reached 356 million in 2017, an increase of nearly 10% compared with 2016.Table Comparison: Train Tickets Sold during Chunyun (2015-2017)
| Year | Train Tickets Sold (million) ||------|-------------------------------|| 2015 | 295 || 2016 | 325 || 2017 | 356 |Opinion:
As shown in the table above, the number of train tickets sold during Chunyun has been increasing year by year. This large-scale migration poses great challenges to China's transportation system, but it also reflects the strong desire of Chinese people to be with their families during the Lunar New Year.Red Envelopes
Giving red envelopes filled with money is a traditional way to express good wishes during the Chinese New Year. The amount of money in the red envelope varies, depending on the relationship between the giver and the recipient. In 2017, the average amount of money in a red envelope was around 600 yuan ($87), according to a survey conducted by Alipay, a popular third-party mobile payment platform in China.Table Comparison: Average Amount of Money in Red Envelope (2015-2017)
| Year | Average Amount (yuan) ||------|----------------------|| 2015 | 511 || 2016 | 544 || 2017 | 600 |Opinion:
As shown in the table above, the amount of money in red envelopes has been steadily increasing. This reflects the improvement of China's economy, as well as the willingness of people to show their generosity and goodwill to others.Online Shopping
As the Internet penetrates almost every aspect of Chinese people's lives, online shopping becomes an indispensable part of the Chinese New Year. People can buy almost everything they need for the Spring Festival, such as food, decorations, and clothes, through various e-commerce platforms. In 2017, according to Alibaba, the world's largest online and mobile commerce company, the total gross merchandising volume (GMV) on its platforms during the Chinese New Year shopping season was 658.2 billion yuan ($95.6 billion).Table Comparison: Total GMV on Alibaba's Platforms during Chinese New Year Shopping Season (2015-2017)
| Year | Total GMV (billion yuan) ||------|------------------------|| 2015 | 91.2 || 2016 | 120.7 || 2017 | 658.2 |Opinion:
As shown in the table above, there is a huge increase in the total GMV on Alibaba's platforms during the Chinese New Year shopping season. This highlights the growing importance of e-commerce in China, and also reflects the change of Chinese people's consumption habits.Conclusion
In summary, the Chinese New Year in 2017 was similar to previous years in terms of traditional customs and celebrations. However, there were some changes in terms of travel volume, red envelope amount, and online shopping. These changes reflect the rapid development of China's economy and society, as well as the dynamic changes of Chinese people's lifestyles.Discover the Magic of the Chinese New Year 2017
Introduction
The Chinese New Year is a beautiful and magical festival that starts with the first new moon of the lunar calendar. It is the most important festival for Chinese people all around the world. Celebrated between late January and the first half of February, the event lasts for 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival. This year, the Chinese New Year will be celebrated on January 28th and is the Year of the Rooster.The History of the Chinese New Year
There’s a rich history behind Chinese New Year. According to legend, the Chinese New Year originated from a monster called “Nian” (年), who would come out to attack villages every year during winter. The villagers found out that the monster was afraid of loud noises and the color red, so they used firecrackers and decorated their houses with red lanterns, all helping to frighten the monster away.Preparation for the Chinese New Year
The preparation for the Chinese New Year usually starts weeks in advance. People buy new clothes, clean their homes, and pay off their debts in anticipation of a new beginning. The Chinese believe that every debt should be repaid before the New Year begins, or else they’ll carry bad luck into the new year.Decorating Tradition for Different Regions
Different regions have different decorating traditions such as hanging auspicious banners and paintings, displaying paper-cut decorations, and decorating doors with spring couplets.Food Traditions for the Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is one of the best times for food lovers. Delicious food is one of the key parts of this festival. Fish (a homonym for surplus) is a must-have on the eve of the New Year’s Day. Dumplings (jiaozi in mandarin), signify wealth and good fortune, so these are the second most popular food during Chinese New Year.Red Envelopes
Giving and receiving red envelopes is one of the most exciting traditions of the Chinese New Year. Adults usually give them to children, filled with lucky money, wishing them good fortune in the new year.The Lantern Festival
The last day of the Chinese New Year is also known as the Lantern Festival which marks the end of the 15-day celebration. People hang lanterns outside their houses and release sky lanterns into the sky. The atmosphere is vibrant, full of colors and lights, making it a breathtaking sight.Conclusion
In conclusion, the Chinese New Year is an extraordinary and captivating festival that is full of joy, food, and tradition. If you’re fortunate enough to participate in this festival, you’ll be able to experience Chinese customs and cultures firsthand. So, mark your calendars for the next Chinese New Year because it's not worth missing out on!Celebrating Chinese New Year 2017: Traditions, Customs, and Festivities
As the most important festival in China, Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions, feasting, gift-giving, and celebrating new beginnings. The annual event, also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is based on the traditional lunar calendar and falls between January 21 to February 20, depending on the position of the moon. This year, Chinese New Year falls on January 28 and marks the start of the Year of the Rooster. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the customs, traditions, and festivities that make Chinese New Year so special.
One of the most important aspects of Chinese New Year is the reunion dinner, which takes place on the eve of the new year. Families come together to share a feast of traditional foods, such as dumplings, fish, rice cakes, and hot pot. The reunion dinner is a time for forgiveness, reflection, and gratitude, and often involves the exchange of red envelopes filled with small amounts of money. The color red is considered lucky in Chinese culture, and is used extensively throughout the new year celebrations.
Another important tradition during Chinese New Year is house cleaning, or sweeping the dust. This involves a thorough cleaning of the home to remove any bad luck and negative energy from the previous year. Old decorations are taken down and replaced with new ones, and homes are adorned with red lanterns, banners, and window decorations that feature auspicious symbols, such as the Chinese character for luck.
On the first day of the new year, it is customary to wear new clothes and visit relatives and friends to exchange greetings and well-wishes. Common phrases include Happy New Year, Wishing you prosperity, and May your year be filled with good fortune. Children often receive red envelopes from older relatives, and families may visit temples or attend performances of traditional Chinese culture, such as lion and dragon dances, acrobatics, and musical performances.
The 15th day of the new year marks the end of the celebrations with the Lantern Festival, which is also known as the Yuanxiao Festival. This involves lighting and releasing lanterns into the sky, as well as eating sweet glutinous rice balls called yuanxiao. The festival symbolizes the return of spring and the hope for a bright future.
While Chinese New Year is primarily a cultural and religious event celebrated in China, it has become increasingly popular around the world. In fact, many non-Chinese communities in Asia and beyond also celebrate the holiday, and cities like San Francisco, Sydney, and London host large parades and festivals with colorful floats, costumes, and performances.
Chinese New Year is also a time to reflect on the previous year and set intentions for the year ahead. Some common new year resolutions in Chinese culture include improving health, learning new skills, traveling, and building stronger relationships. It is believed that by setting positive intentions and taking action towards them, one can attract good fortune and success in the new year.
Other notable customs during Chinese New Year include the giving of gifts, such as oranges, tea, and alcohol, as well as the decoration of the home with flowers, such as peach blossoms, plum blossoms, and pussy willows. Additionally, certain foods have special meanings and are eaten for their auspicious symbolism. For example, fish represents abundance and prosperity, while dumplings signify wealth and harmony.
In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a time for joy, reunion, and renewal. Whether you are celebrating with family and friends in China, or participating in festivities around the world, may this new year bring you happiness, health, and good fortune. Gong Xi Fa Cai!
What is Chinese New Year 2017?
Chinese New Year 2017 is the most important traditional festival in China, which marks the start of the Chinese lunar calendar. It is also known as Spring Festival and celebrated by Chinese people all over the world.
When is Chinese New Year 2017?
Chinese New Year 2017 falls on January 28th, 2017. The date is different each year as it follows the lunar calendar.
What are the traditions for Chinese New Year 2017?
- Cleaning the house before New Year's Eve to sweep away bad luck and make room for good luck.
- Decorating with red decorations such as lanterns, banners, and couplets to bring happiness and ward off evil spirits.
- Having family reunion dinner on New Year's Eve with traditional dishes such as dumplings and fish to symbolize prosperity and good luck.
- Giving red envelopes filled with money to children as a blessing for good fortune and prosperity.
- Watching lion and dragon dances to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck for the coming year.
What zodiac animal is for Chinese New Year 2017?
Chinese New Year 2017 is the year of the rooster according to the Chinese zodiac. People born in the year of the rooster are said to be hardworking, confident, and honest.
Why is Chinese New Year 2017 important?
Chinese New Year 2017 is important because it signifies a new beginning and the hope for a better future. It is a time for people to reunite with their families, to honor their ancestors, and to wish for good luck, happiness, and prosperity in the coming year.