Celebrated at the turn of the lunisolar Chinese calendar, Chinese New Year is a centuries-old tradition in countries with significant Chinese populations including Mainland China, Hong Kong (officially as Lunar New Year), Macau, Taiwan, Cambodia, Mauritius, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
Also known as ‘Spring Festival’, the celebrations continue for 16 days, beginning from the New Year’s Eve.
During this period, schools in China get about a month off, and universities even more. Thus, the sixteen day period is all about fun and get together.
If you are curious to know more about this tradition, these facts are a must read.
Celebration time: This year the celebration starts on January 27 and will conclude with the Lantern festival on February 11, 2017.
2017 is the Rooster year: Roosters are those born after the Chinese New Year in 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005 and 2017. They are characterised as trustworthy, hardworking, strong at timekeeping, career-driven and good at multitasking. Some famous people who were born under the rooster sign include Bob Marley, Jennifer Lopez, Rudyard Kipling, Benjamin Franklin, Britney Spears and Yoko Ono.
It is a festival for 1/5 of the world’s population: China, Hong Kong and Macau, and nine other Asian countries have public holidays to mark this festival.
It’s all about the fire element this year: According to astrologer Susan Levitt, out of the five Taoist elements (fire, earth, water, metal, and wood), 2017 is the Year of the Fire Rooster, which means the year will be full of enthusiasm, passion, joy and creativity.
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The year is all about luck: Apart from Rooster, Ox, Snake, and Dragon are also lucky this year.
Avoid 1, 3 and 9: According to Chinese Zodiac, while numbers 5, 7 and 8 are considered lucky, numbers 1, 3 and 9 are unlucky.
South is the direction of the year: According to Chinese Zodiac, South is the direction of luck in 2017. Thus, face the south to begin an important work or task in the coming year.
Gladiola, cockscomb to bring fortune: The lucky blooms for the year are gladiola, cockscomb, and impatiens.
It’s time to wear necklace: To emerge as a winner over destiny, Roosters are advised to wear a necklace of rooster sign on it.
Beige, cream, and terracotta are the colors of the year: According to Feng Shui expert Maritess Allen, wearing earthly colors such as beige, cream and terracotta will. Bring fortune this year.
