Discover the Dates and Traditions of Chinese New Year 2017: A Vibrant Celebration to Look Forward To!

The Chinese New Year, known as the Spring Festival, is the biggest holiday in China. It is celebrated by over a billion people worldwide and marks the beginning of the lunar calendar. But when is Chinese New Year 2017?

The Chinese zodiac follows a twelve-year cycle, with each year named after an animal. The 2017 Chinese New Year falls on January 28th and is the year of the rooster.

The celebrations last for 15 days, ending on the full moon. The Lunar New Year's Eve is on the 27th of January, and it's a time for family reunions and feasting.

If you're in China during the Chinese New Year, expect lots of fireworks. In fact, the Chinese invented fireworks, so it's no surprise that they love to use them during their big celebration. Fireworks symbolize joy and are believed to scare off evil spirits.

Red is also heavily featured during the Spring Festival. The color represents good luck and fortune in Chinese culture. Red decorations, clothing, and envelopes filled with money (hongbao) are all customary during the holiday.

The Chinese New Year is steeped in traditions. One of which is cleaning the house before the start of the festival. This is done to sweep away any bad luck or negative energy from the previous year, making way for good fortune in the new year.

Another tradition is giving red envelopes filled with money to children. The amount varies but should always be an even number as odd numbers are associated with funerals and are therefore seen as unlucky.

The city of Beijing puts on a massive gala to celebrate the Spring Festival for both locals and tourists. Performers from around the country showcase their talents in song, dance, and acrobatics.

Food is an essential part of the Chinese New Year celebration. Families gather to feast on traditional dishes such as dumplings, fish, and rice cakes. Every region has its own specialties, but one thing is certain; the food symbolizes prosperity and good fortune.

Chinese New Year 2017 falls on the year of the rooster. Those born in the years 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, and 2005 are also roosters. According to Chinese astrology, it's going to be a lucky year for those born under this zodiac sign.

In conclusion, the Chinese New Year is an exciting time full of traditions, fireworks, and food. Regardless if you're in China or not, there are plenty of ways to celebrate this important holiday. So mark your calendars for January 28th and get ready for the year of the rooster!

"When Is Chineses New Year 2017" ~ bbaz

Chinese New Year, also referred to as the Spring Festival, is the most significant traditional festival celebrated in China. This festive season is marked with a lot of pomp and show that lasts 15 days. The Chinese New Year is based on the lunar calendar, and it falls on a specific date every year according to the moon cycle.

Chinese New Year Date

Each year, the Chinese New Year date differs as the holiday signifies the beginning of a new lunar cycle. In 2017, the Chinese New Year falls on Saturday, January 28th, marking the start of the Year of the Rooster.

Even though the holiday officially lasts for 15 days, the actual New Year’s Day only lasts for the first three days. According to the Chinese zodiac calendar, there are 12 animals, and each year is represented by one animal.

History of Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year has a fascinating history that dates back to the Shang Dynasty (17th-11th centuries BC). The festivities were held to honor deities and ancestors as they believed that evil spirits would cause havoc and misery if not appeased. Hence, they burnt bamboo, paper, and incense to attract good luck and chase away bad energy.

Additionally, the Chinese also chose the zodiac animal for each year to convey different characteristics they attribute to the various animals, which explains why there are different customs and rituals. Thus, an essential aspect of the celebration is to pay respects and acknowledge one’s roots and heritage.

Chinese New Year Traditions

One of the most exciting traditions of the Chinese New Year involves cleaning your house before the New Year's Eve. This is done to ward off the bad luck tied to the previous year and welcome prosperity in the coming year. People also typically adorn their homes with red decorations - lanterns, cutouts, posters, and more. Red is believed to be an auspicious color.

Everyone in China travels for the Chinese New Year holiday, making it the largest annual human migration across the world. Many visit families in their hometown or travel somewhere exciting with friends. Large banquets are hosted, and many traditional foods are eaten, such as dumplings, rice cakes, long noodles, and hot pot.

Preparing for Chinese New Year

While the foundation of Chinese New Year remains the same, every region adds its unique spin on the holiday. People start preparing for the festivities days in advance by buying ingredients, cleaning homes, decorating, and making travel arrangements. It is also customary to gift red envelopes filled with cash, usually to the younger people in the family or unmarried relatives.

Fireworks are a must during Chinese New Year. The loud bangs are meant to scare away evil spirits and signify happiness, which is why they are set off repeatedly. However, over the years, China has become conscious of the environment, so cities like Beijing have restricted the use of fireworks.

Conclusion

All in all, the Chinese New Year is a celebration of traditional customs blended with modern practices that foster unity amongst friends and family. Whether you’re Chinese or not, the Spring Festival is one of the most significant festivals celebrated across the world.

When is Chinese New Year 2017?

Introduction

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most important traditional festival in China. It is based on the lunar calendar and falls on a different date every year, usually between January 21st and February 20th. In 2017, Chinese New Year will be celebrated on January 28th.

Traditions

Chinese New Year is a time for family gatherings, exchanging gifts, and sharing meals. People clean their homes to get rid of bad luck and prepare for a new beginning. Red decorations are hung, symbolizing good fortune, and people buy new clothes to wear for the occasion. Traditional foods such as dumplings, fish, and rice cakes are eaten, and fireworks are set off to scare away evil spirits.

Animal Zodiac

The Chinese zodiac assigns an animal to each year in a twelve-year cycle. 2017 is the Year of the Rooster, following the Year of the Monkey in 2016. People born in the Year of the Rooster are said to be confident, hardworking, and resourceful.

Comparison with Western New Year

While the Western New Year is celebrated with parties and fireworks on December 31st, Chinese New Year lasts for fifteen days, ending with the Lantern Festival. The focus is on spending time with loved ones, rather than partying with friends. The date is also based on a different calendar, making it difficult to compare the two holidays.

	Chinese New Year	Western New Year
Date	January 28th, 2017	December 31st, 2016
Length	Fifteen days	One day
Focus	Family gatherings	Party with friends

Celebrations around the World

Chinese New Year is celebrated not only in China, but also in other countries with significant Chinese populations. In the United States, parades are held in cities such as San Francisco and New York. In London, a parade is held in Chinatown and fireworks are set off over the Thames River.

Spring Festival Travel Rush

During Chinese New Year, millions of people travel home to be with their families. This period of time is known as Chunyun, or Spring Festival travel rush. The rush begins about two weeks before the holiday and lasts for about forty days. Train and bus stations are crowded, and tickets are difficult to obtain.

The Red Envelope

Giving red envelopes filled with money to children is a common tradition during Chinese New Year. The envelopes can also be given to adults, such as parents or grandparents. The amount of money given varies, but the number four is avoided as it is considered unlucky.

Conclusion

Chinese New Year is a time to celebrate with family, usher in good fortune for the coming year, and pay respects to one's ancestors. It is steeped in tradition and has been celebrated for thousands of years. Whether you are in China or in another part of the world, the spirit of Spring Festival is the same – a time for joy and togetherness.

When is Chinese New Year 2017?

Introduction

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is the most important traditional festival in China. It is an occasion for family reunions, feasting, and celebration. The date of Chinese New Year varies every year as it is based on the lunar calendar. In 2017, Chinese New Year falls on Saturday, January 28th.

The Lunar Calendar

The lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon and has been used for thousands of years in China. Each month of the lunar calendar begins on the day of the new moon and lasts until the next new moon. A lunar year consists of 12 lunar months, which are about 29.5 days long each. To keep up with the solar calendar, which is based on the cycles of the sun, a leap month is added to the lunar calendar every few years.

The Zodiac

The Chinese zodiac is a twelve-year cycle, with each year represented by an animal. Similar to Western astrology, each animal has its own personality traits and characteristics. The twelve animals in order are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. 2017 is the Year of the Rooster.

Preparing for Chinese New Year

In the weeks leading up to Chinese New Year, families will thoroughly clean their homes to prepare for good luck and fortune in the coming year. They will also decorate their homes with red banners and lanterns, which symbolize happiness and prosperity. The color red is believed to ward off evil spirits.

Traditional Celebrations

On New Year’s Eve, families will gather for a reunion dinner, which is considered the most important meal of the year. They will also participate in various cultural activities, such as lion dances, dragon dances, and fireworks displays. Red envelopes filled with money are given to children and unmarried adults for good luck.

Food for the Festivities

Chinese New Year is a time for feasting on traditional foods, many of which have symbolic meanings. Dumplings represent wealth because they are shaped like ancient silver and gold ingots. Fish represents abundance because the Chinese word for fish sounds like the word for surplus. Noodles represent longevity because they are long and stretchy.

Travel during Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is the largest annual human migration in the world. Many Chinese people working in big cities will return to their hometowns for family reunions. This results in overcrowded transportation infrastructure and high demand for travel tickets. It’s important to book transportation and accommodations well in advance if travelling during Chinese New Year.

Celebrating in Different Chinese Communities

Chinese New Year is celebrated not only in China, but in Chinese communities around the world. The traditions and customs may differ slightly depending on the location, but the spirit of family, unity, and hope for the future is the same. In places like Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam, Chinese New Year is a national public holiday.

Conclusion

Chinese New Year is a time for family, reunion, and celebration. It is rich in tradition and symbolism, and is observed with enthusiasm and joy by Chinese communities all over the world. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned observer, experiencing the festive atmosphere of Chinese New Year is an unforgettable experience. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for January 28th, 2017!

When Is Chinese New Year 2017?

Chinese New Year, also called Spring Festival, is an important traditional festival celebrated by Chinese people around the world. It is the most significant holiday in China, and it usually falls between January 21st and February 20th of every year. The date is determined by the lunar calendar, which differs from the Gregorian calendar used in many countries, including the United States.

In 2017, Chinese New Year will begin on January 28th and end on February 15th. It is the Year of the Rooster according to the Chinese zodiac, which is a 12-year cycle that assigns an animal to each year. The rooster is believed to be honest, hardworking, and punctual, and those born in the Year of the Rooster are said to possess these characteristics.

The celebratory customs of Chinese New Year vary across different regions and ethnic groups in China. However, there are some common traditions that are observed throughout the country. Below are some of the most popular customs:

1. Spring cleaning

Before Chinese New Year, families clean their homes thoroughly to remove any bad luck or negative energy from the previous year. It is believed that a clean house will attract good luck and prosperity for the coming year.

2. Reunion dinner

On New Year's Eve, families gather together for a special reunion dinner, which is the most important meal of the year. They eat traditional dishes such as dumplings, fish, and noodles, which are thought to bring good luck and happiness.

3. Red decorations

Red is a lucky color in Chinese culture, and it is widely used during Chinese New Year. People hang red lanterns and banners, wear red clothes, and give red envelopes filled with money to children as a symbol of good luck.

4. Fireworks

Fireworks are a must-have during Chinese New Year. They are believed to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck. In many cities in China, there are spectacular fireworks displays on New Year's Eve.

5. Giving gifts

It is customary to exchange gifts during Chinese New Year, especially among family members and close friends. Common gifts include food, wine, and traditional items such as red envelopes and zodiac figurines.

6. Dragon and lion dances

Dragon and lion dances are common during Chinese New Year. The performances involve a group of dancers dressed in elaborate costumes that mimic the movements of dragons or lions. It is believed that the dance will bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year.

If you plan to visit China during Chinese New Year, be prepared for crowded streets, long lines, and high prices. The holiday is a popular time for travel and shopping. However, it is also a great opportunity to experience the festive atmosphere, taste traditional food, and admire the colorful decorations.

In conclusion, Chinese New Year is an important cultural event that reflects the rich history and traditions of China. It is a time for family reunions, delicious food, and joyful celebrations. Whether you are Chinese or not, you can still join in the fun and wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year!

We wish you a Happy Chinese New Year 2017! May the Year of the Rooster bring you joy, happiness, and success!

When Is Chinese New Year 2017?

Chinese New Year is the most important traditional festival in China, also known as the Spring Festival. It is celebrated on the first day of the Chinese Lunar calendar.

What date is Chinese New Year 2017?

Chinese New Year in 2017 falls on January 28th.

What zodiac sign is 2017?

2017 is the year of the Rooster in the Chinese Zodiac calendar.

How long does Chinese New Year last?

The celebration of Chinese New Year typically lasts for 15 days, from the first day of the lunar new year (January 28th in 2017) until the Lantern Festival which is on February 11th.

Is Chinese New Year a public holiday?

Yes, Chinese New Year is considered as a national holiday in China. In addition, it is also an official public holiday in Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and other countries with significant Chinese population.

What are some traditional customs during Chinese New Year?

There are many traditions associated with Chinese New Year, such as cleaning the house to sweep away bad luck, decorating homes with red lanterns and couplets, giving red envelopes filled with money to children as gifts, and eating dumplings or Nián nián gāo (sticky rice cake) for good luck. The festival is also marked by parades, dragon and lion dances, and the famous CCTV Spring Festival Gala television show broadcasted nationwide.

Why is Chinese New Year different every year?

Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar, which means its date is determined by the cycles of the moon. As a result, it falls on a different day each year in the Gregorian calendar.

What are some taboos during Chinese New Year?

Taboos during Chinese New Year include avoiding certain words that sound like bad luck (such as death or break), refraining from cleaning or taking out garbage on the first day of the lunar new year to avoid sweeping away good fortune, and not giving gifts in sets of four as it represents death in Chinese culture.

How do Chinese people celebrate New Year away from home?

Chinese who cannot make it home to celebrate Chinese New Year usually have a reunion dinner with friends or other family members who live nearby, watch the CCTV Spring Festival Gala on TV, or visit Chinese restaurants which often serve special New Year-themed menus.