Celebrate the Year of the Rooster: A Comprehensive Guide to Lunar New Year 2017

Introduction

Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is a vibrant and joyous festival that marks the beginning of a new year according to the lunisolar Chinese calendar. In 2017, the Lunar New Year falls on January 28th, marking the start of the Year of the Rooster. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to the festival, including its traditions, customs, and significance.

Traditions and Customs

Lunar New Year is a time-honored tradition that has been celebrated for centuries. It is a time for family reunions, feasts, and festivities. Here are some of the most common traditions and customs associated with the festival:

• Reunion Dinner: On the eve of Lunar New Year, families gather for a grand dinner, often featuring dishes such as fish, dumplings, and spring rolls.
• Red Envelopes: Elders distribute red envelopes filled with money to children and unmarried adults as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
• Fireworks and Lanterns: Fireworks and lanterns are used to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.
• Dragon and Lion Dances: Traditional dragon and lion dances are performed in the streets and at temples to bring blessings and good luck.
• Temple Visits: Many people visit temples to pray for good fortune and offer sacrifices to deities.

Significance of the Rooster

In Chinese culture, the rooster is associated with courage, punctuality, and diligence. It is also believed to be a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. According to the Chinese zodiac, people born in the Year of the Rooster are said to be confident, ambitious, and hardworking.

Fun Facts

• The Lunar New Year is the most important holiday in China, with celebrations lasting for 15 days.
• It is also celebrated in other Asian countries such as Korea, Vietnam, and Singapore.
• The Chinese New Year is one of the busiest travel periods in the world, as millions of people travel to their hometowns to celebrate with their families.
• The color red is considered lucky during the Lunar New Year, as it symbolizes good fortune and vitality.
• The Rooster is the 10th animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle.

Preparations for Lunar New Year

To prepare for Lunar New Year, many people engage in the following activities:

• Cleaning the House: Homes are thoroughly cleaned to sweep away bad luck and welcome good fortune.
• Decorating with Red: Red decorations, such as lanterns, banners, and couplets, are hung to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
• Buying New Clothes: New clothes are often purchased to wear during the festival as a symbol of a fresh start.
• Stockpiling Food: Food and drinks are stocked up for the holiday period, especially traditional dishes such as dumplings and spring rolls.

Stories and Lessons

The Lunar New Year is a time for reflection and storytelling. Here are three stories that embody the spirit of the festival:

• The Story of Nian: According to legend, Nian was a mythical beast that terrorized villages during Lunar New Year. People discovered that Nian was afraid of the color red, loud noises, and bright lights, so they used these things to ward it off.
• The Great Race: The Chinese zodiac was created when the Jade Emperor held a race to determine which animals would be included in the celestial calendar. The Rooster was the 10th animal to cross the finish line, despite being one of the smallest and weakest.
• The Diligent Rooster: A farmer once had a rooster that crowed every morning, waking him up to work on his farm. One day, the rooster crowed too early, causing the farmer to wake up and discover a fire that would have destroyed his barn.

Lessons Learned:

• Overcoming adversity: The Rooster in the Great Race shows us that even the smallest and weakest can achieve great things through determination and hard work.
• The importance of punctuality: The diligent Rooster reminds us that punctuality and hard work can lead to success.
• The value of tradition: The story of Nian teaches us the importance of preserving traditions and customs that bring us together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the most of Lunar New Year, it is important to avoid some common mistakes:

• Using the wrong words: Avoid using words that are associated with bad luck or negativity, such as "death" or "sickness."
• Wearing black or white: Black and white are considered mourning colors and should be avoided during the festival.
• Giving gifts that are sharp: Sharp objects, such as knives or scissors, are considered unlucky gifts.
• Sweeping the house on New Year's Day: Sweeping on New Year's Day is believed to sweep away good fortune.
• Calling someone by their name on New Year's Day: It is considered rude to call someone by their name on New Year's Day, as it can bring bad luck.

Pros and Cons of Celebrating Lunar New Year

Pros:

• Cultural immersion: Celebrating Lunar New Year is a great way to immerse yourself in Chinese culture and traditions.
• Family bonding: The festival is a time for families to reunite and reconnect.
• Festive atmosphere: The streets are filled with decorations, lanterns, and music, creating a festive and joyous atmosphere.
• Delicious food: Lunar New Year is a time to enjoy traditional Chinese dishes and delicacies.

Cons:

• Crowds and traffic: The festival is a popular time for travel, so crowds and traffic can be expected.
• Increased expenses: The festival can involve significant expenses for travel, gifts, and food.
• Cultural differences: Some Western customs, such as kissing and hugging, may be considered inappropriate during Lunar New Year.

FAQs

1. When is Lunar New Year 2017?

January 28th, 2017

2. What animal is 2017?

Year of the Rooster

3. What color is lucky during Lunar New Year?

Red

4. What is the most important tradition of Lunar New Year?

Reunion Dinner

5. What is the significance of the Rooster in Chinese culture?

Courage, punctuality, and diligence

6. What should I avoid doing during Lunar New Year?

Using negative words, wearing black or white, giving sharp gifts, sweeping the house on New Year's Day, and calling someone by their name on New Year's Day.

7. Where is Lunar New Year celebrated?

China, Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, and other Asian countries

8. How long does Lunar New Year last?

15 days

Conclusion

Lunar New Year 2017 is a time to celebrate and embrace Chinese culture and traditions. By understanding the significance of the Rooster, participating in the festival's customs, and avoiding common mistakes, you can make the most of this joyous occasion. The stories and lessons of the Lunar New Year remind us of the importance of overcoming adversity, punctuality, and preserving cultural traditions. As we welcome the Year of the Rooster, let us embrace its spirit of courage, hard work, and optimism.

Tables

Table 1: Lucky Foods of Lunar New Year

Table 2: Unlucky Customs of Lunar New Year

Table 3: Common Lantern Colors and Meanings