Chinese New Year 2017 falls on Saturday, January 28th. Each year in the Chinese calendar is associated with an animal sign according to a 12-year cycle which begins on the second new moon of the winter solstice. This year begins the Chinese Year of the Rooster. So let’s say goodbye to the Year of the Monkey and welcome in Year of the Rooster!
Chinese New Year 2017 – Welcoming the Rooster!
While last year was the Year of the Monkey, January 28, 2017 begins the Year of the Rooster, tenth in a 12-month cycle according to the Chinese lunar calendar. Each year in the cycle is associated with a specific animal, and thereby, certain characteristics attributed to that animal.
The Chinese New Year, which follows the lunar calendar, falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice. Although mostly associated with China, the Lunar New Year is also similarly celebrated in other Asian countries which follow the lunar calendar such as Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. In China, the celebration lasts fifteen days and is considered one of the most important holidays of the year.
Chinese New Year 2017 | Which Animal Are You?
According to the Chinese zodiac, each person has an animal assigned to their birth year and thus their character is defined by the characteristics associated with the animal of that year. One’s zodiac sign, and the element associated with a particular birth year, water, fire, metal, or earth, are thought to determine both one’s personality and destiny.
For example, people who are born in the Year of the Rooster are considered honorable and upstanding, and are thought of as regal – mirroring the rooster’s mannerisms. Roosters are considered to be good leaders, tend to be confident and are eager to let others know about their accomplishments (literally crow their own praises).
Although the 2017 Chinese New Year may be all about the rooster, the 12 other animals have their own important attributes. Check out the list below to see what animal you are, and what characteristics define that animal!
Please note that only the years for the 4 most recent cycles are listed below; however, there are many prior cycles individuals can fall into.
Rat (1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008) – Rats are the first animal in the 12 year lunar cycle. They are known to be very resourceful, adaptable and possessors of strong intuition. Along with these qualities, rats also tend to be a bit narrow minded and lacking in courage.
Ox (1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009) – The ox are second in the 12 year cycle, and are known for being extremely dependable, honest, stubborn and strong. They tend to have detailed plans of actions; however, lack good communication skills.
Tiger (1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010) – Tigers are third in the Chinese zodiac. Much like their animal counterparts, people born under this sign tend to be brave and confident. They also have a charming side, but can be quite stubborn – lending themselves to being decent leaders.
Rabbit (1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011) – Rabbits land in the fourth spot in the cycle, and are seen as elegant, gentle, kind, loyal and responsible among other things. Regarded as the “gentleman” and “ladies” of the Zodiac, this sign can come off as superficial if not careful, and is often a bit cautious.
Dragon (1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012) – Dragons come in fifth in the 12 year Chinese cycle. People born under this sign are considered to have the characteristics of intelligence, courage and power. They can also be seen as hot tempered, ambitious and aggressive – making them good matches for leaders, but not the best at taking criticism.
Snake (1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013) – Snakes, coming in at number six in the cycle, like their Dragon counterparts are viewed as intelligent. They are also regarded as being intuitive, wise and determined. They can also become easily stressed, and are generally quiet and materialistic.
Horse (1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014) – Horses are number seven in the lunar cycle and are active members of the zodiac. Tending to be animated and lovers of attention, they tend to have good senses of humor but can be self-centered. They are quite cunning, but lack in confidence.
Goat (Ram or Sheep) (1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015) – The eighth place in the lunar cycle is occupied by the Goat. They are generally regarded as kind, sympathetic and lovers of justice. They stick to their opinions and can be quit tough; however, they do have a tendency to spend money.
Monkey (1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016) – Monkeys are ninth in the cycle, and are defined by the traits of being intelligent, curious and mischievous. They have personalities that draw people in, and like to learn – although playing a trick on others here and there isn’t unheard of.
Rooster (1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017) – The star of Chinese New Year 2017 – the rooster comes in at the tenth spot in the lunar cycle. Along with being honorable and upstanding, roosters are also known to be popular, hardworking and confident, but can also be seen as vain.
Dog (1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018) – Eleventh in the cycle, those born under in the year of the Dog, much like their animal counterparts, are considered extremely loyal and sincere. They are also known to be honest and helpful, but are not good communicators and can be very critical of the world.
Boar (1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019) – Occupying the last spot in the cycle, Boars (or pigs) come in twelfth in the zodiac. They are regarded as generous, helpful and very concentrated. People born under this sign are also known to be calm during times of crisis.
Let the Chinese New Year 2017 Celebrations Begin!
The Chinese New Year’s celebrations actually begin 8 days before New Year’s. Chinese families typically clean their homes in preparation to bring good luck to the household. Red paper decorations are placed in windows and doorways. Dragons, a symbol of prosperity and good luck, are an integral part of the festivities.
Families gather to feast on special dishes for “Nian Ye Fan” or “年夜饭”‘, translated from Chinese into English as “New Year’s Eve family reunion dinner”, typically including dumplings especially (in Northern China) and New Year’s cake (in Southern China). On the fifteenth day, the Festival of Lanterns takes place marking the end of the special New Year’s celebrations. Laterns line the streets everywhere, and celebrations end with a display of fireworks.
We wish you a Happy Lunar New Year, or translated in Simplified Chinese characters “农历新年快乐”, and a very Happy Year of the Rooster, or translated in Simplified Chinese characters “鸡年快乐”.
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