Unlock the Prosperity of the Lunar New Year 2017: A Comprehensive Guide to Traditions, Celebrations, and Customs

A Journey through the Year of the Rooster

The Lunar New Year is a significant celebration that marks the beginning of the new year according to the lunisolar Chinese calendar. In 2017, the Lunar New Year falls on Saturday, January 28th, welcoming the Year of the Rooster. This lively and vibrant festival is filled with rich traditions, customs, and festivities that honor the past and welcome the future with open arms.

Traditions and Customs of the Lunar New Year

1. Family Reunions and Feasting:

The Lunar New Year is a time for families to come together and celebrate. Traditional dishes are prepared, including dumplings, noodles, and fish, which symbolize prosperity and longevity. Special delicacies like Nian Gao (glutinous rice cake) and spring rolls are enjoyed as symbols of wealth and happiness.

2. Spring Cleaning and Decorations:

In the days leading up to the Lunar New Year, homes and businesses are thoroughly cleaned to remove any lingering bad luck from the previous year. Festive decorations, such as red lanterns, lucky charms, and calligraphy scrolls, adorn homes and streets, creating a vibrant and auspicious atmosphere.

3. Lion and Dragon Dances:

Traditional lion and dragon dances are an integral part of Lunar New Year celebrations. These energetic and symbolic performances are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the community.

4. Red Envelopes and Gifts:

Red envelopes filled with money are exchanged as gifts, particularly among elders and children. They symbolize good fortune and prosperity for the coming year. Other common gifts include fruits, sweets, and decorative items.

Celebrations Around the World

1. China:

In China, the Lunar New Year is observed with grand festivities that last for 15 days. The streets come alive with parades, fireworks, and traditional performances. Lantern displays, known as Lantern Festivals, illuminate cities and towns, creating a magical and enchanting atmosphere.

2. Hong Kong:

Hong Kong celebrates the Lunar New Year with a vibrant blend of traditional and modern festivities. The city's iconic harbor hosts a spectacular fireworks display, while cultural parades and lion dances fill the streets. The Temple Street Night Market is transformed into a bustling hub of activity, offering a wide array of festive goods and delicacies.

3. Singapore:

Singapore's multicultural society embraces the Lunar New Year with a diverse range of celebrations. The streets of Chinatown are decked out in festive decorations, and traditional lion and dragon dances are performed. The Chingay Parade showcases a vibrant display of cultural performances, ethnic floats, and music.

4. Malaysia:

Malaysia's Lunar New Year celebrations blend Chinese, Malay, and Indian traditions. The streets are lit up with colorful lanterns, and families gather for traditional meals. Open houses are held, where people share festive treats and blessings.

Feng Shui and the Year of the Rooster

Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese philosophy of harmonizing energy, plays an important role in Lunar New Year traditions. The Year of the Rooster is associated with the element of Metal, and the color White. To enhance luck and prosperity, it is recommended to incorporate these elements into your home or office.

Effective Strategies for a Prosperous Lunar New Year

• Maintain a positive mindset: Focus on the positive aspects of the new year and set intentions for good health, wealth, and happiness.
• Pay off debts and increase savings: Start the year with a clean financial slate to attract prosperity.
• Surround yourself with auspicious symbols: Display symbols of luck and fortune, such as red envelopes, gold coins, and lucky charms.
• Make charitable donations: Acts of kindness are believed to bring blessings and positive karma.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Wearing black or white clothing: These colors are associated with mourning and should be avoided during the Lunar New Year.
• Using sharp or broken objects: Sharp objects are believed to cut off good luck, while broken objects symbolize misfortune.
• Cleaning the house on New Year's Day: It is believed that sweeping or cleaning the house on the first day of the new year will sweep away good luck.
• Lending money: Avoid lending money during the first few days of the Lunar New Year, as this is believed to symbolize losing wealth.

Tables and Figures

Table 1: Key Dates for the Lunar New Year 2017

Table 2: Lucky Foods for the Lunar New Year

Table 3: Auspicious Colors and Symbols for the Year of the Rooster

FAQs

1. When is the Lunar New Year 2017?

The Lunar New Year 2017 begins on Saturday, January 28th.

2. What animal is the 2017 Lunar New Year associated with?

The 2017 Lunar New Year is associated with the Rooster.

3. What are the traditional colors of the Lunar New Year?

The traditional colors of the Lunar New Year are Red and Gold.

4. What are some common Lunar New Year customs?

Common Lunar New Year customs include family reunions, feasting, spring cleaning, lion and dragon dances, and exchanging red envelopes.

5. What are some effective strategies for a prosperous Lunar New Year?

Effective strategies for a prosperous Lunar New Year include maintaining a positive mindset, paying off debts, increasing savings, and surrounding oneself with auspicious symbols.

6. What are some common mistakes to avoid during the Lunar New Year?

Common mistakes to avoid during the Lunar New Year include wearing black or white clothing, using sharp or broken objects, cleaning the house on New Year's Day, and lending money.

7. What are some popular Lunar New Year foods?

Popular Lunar New Year foods include dumplings, noodles, fish, nian gao, and spring rolls.

8. What are some auspicious colors and symbols for the Year of the Rooster?

Auspicious colors and symbols for the Year of the Rooster include Red, Gold, White, Rooster, Phoenix, and Peafowl.