2017 Lunar New Year: A Comprehensive Guide

The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year and is considered the most important festival in Chinese culture. In 2017, the Lunar New Year falls on Sunday, January 29th.

History and Significance

The Lunar New Year can be traced back to ancient times, with its origins in the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BCE). The festival is based on the lunisolar Chinese calendar, which is a combination of the solar and lunar calendars.

The Lunar New Year is a time of celebration, family reunions, and honoring ancestors. It is also believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year.

Traditions and Customs

During the Lunar New Year, there are many traditional customs and practices that are observed. These include:

• Cleaning the House: Homes are thoroughly cleaned before the festival to sweep away bad luck and welcome good fortune.
• Decorating with Red: The color red is considered auspicious in Chinese culture and is used to decorate homes and businesses with lanterns, banners, and other decorations.
• Exchanging Red Envelopes: Red envelopes containing money are given to children, employees, and friends as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
• Eating Special Foods: Traditional Lunar New Year foods include dumplings, spring rolls, fish, and sweet rice cakes.
• Fireworks and Lanterns: Fireworks and lanterns are used to celebrate the festival and bring good luck.

Lunar New Year in Different Countries

The Lunar New Year is celebrated in many countries with Chinese communities around the world. Some of the most popular destinations for Lunar New Year celebrations include:

• China
• Hong Kong
• Taiwan
• Singapore
• Malaysia
• Indonesia
• Vietnam
• United States
• United Kingdom
• Canada

Benefits of Celebrating the Lunar New Year

There are many benefits to celebrating the Lunar New Year, both for individuals and for communities. Some of the benefits include:

• Cultural Preservation: The festival helps to preserve Chinese traditions and culture.
• Family and Community Bonding: It is a time for families to reunite and for communities to come together.
• Economic Benefits: The festival brings in billions of dollars in revenue for businesses and industries.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are a few common mistakes that people should avoid when celebrating the Lunar New Year. These include:

• Wearing Black or White: Black and white are considered unlucky colors and should not be worn during the festival.
• Using Sharp Objects: Sharp objects are believed to bring bad luck and should be avoided.
• Arguing or Fighting: Arguments and fights should be avoided, as they are believed to bring misfortune.

Step-by-Step Guide to Celebrating the Lunar New Year

1. Clean Your House

The first step to preparing for the Lunar New Year is to clean your house thoroughly. This will sweep away bad luck and welcome good fortune.

2. Decorate with Red

Use red decorations, such as lanterns, banners, and posters, to decorate your home and business. Red is an auspicious color that brings good luck.

3. Exchange Red Envelopes

Prepare red envelopes with money to give to family members, employees, and friends. The amount of money in each envelope should be a lucky number, such as 8 or 16.

4. Cook Special Foods

Cook traditional Lunar New Year foods, such as dumplings, spring rolls, fish, and sweet rice cakes. These foods will bring prosperity and good luck in the coming year.

5. Attend Cultural Events

Attend cultural events, such as lion dances, dragon dances, and parades, that are held during the Lunar New Year. These events will help you to experience the rich Chinese culture.

FAQs

1. When is the Lunar New Year in 2017?

The Lunar New Year in 2017 falls on Sunday, January 29th.

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

The 2017 Lunar Year is the Year of the Rooster.

3. What are some popular Lunar New Year foods?

Some popular Lunar New Year foods include dumplings, spring rolls, fish, and sweet rice cakes.

4. What color is considered lucky during the Lunar New Year?

Red is considered a lucky color during the Lunar New Year.

5. Why is it important to celebrate the Lunar New Year?

The Lunar New Year is an important time to celebrate Chinese culture, reunite with family and friends, and bring good luck in the coming year.

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

Some common mistakes to avoid when celebrating the Lunar New Year include wearing black or white, using sharp objects, and arguing or fighting.

Useful Tables

| Table 1: Traditional Lunar New Year Foods |
|---|---|
| Food | Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Dumplings | Wealth and prosperity |
| Spring Rolls | Longevity and happiness |
| Fish | Abundance and good fortune |
| Sweet Rice Cakes | Reunion and family harmony |

| Table 2: Popular Destinations for Lunar New Year Celebrations |
|---|---|
| Country | City |
|---|---|
| China | Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou |
| Hong Kong | Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, New Territories |
| Taiwan | Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung |
| Singapore | Chinatown, Little India, Sentosa Island |
| Malaysia | Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Melaka |

| Table 3: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Celebrating the Lunar New Year |
|---|---|
| Mistake | Reason |
|---|---|
| Wearing Black or White | These colors are associated with mourning and death. |
| Using Sharp Objects | Sharp objects are believed to bring bad luck. |
| Arguing or Fighting | This is believed to bring misfortune. |