January 28 marks the Chinese New Year. It’s the Year of the Rooster, and just like Americans celebrate New Year’s Eve on December 31, celebrations of the Chinese New Year begin on January 27. In the United States, most people only celebrate the New Year for one day, but in the Chinese tradition, festivities can last up to two weeks.
The Chinese calendar is based on the lunar calendar, which means the date always changes. We are used to the Gregorian calendar, in which many holidays always fall on the same date. Normally, the Chinese New Year occurs between the end of January and the middle of February. The Chinese attach one of 12 animals to each lunar year.
Animals of the Chinese Zodiac
Finding your zodiac animal is quite easy. The animals are repeated on a 12-year cycle. Animals were chosen based on the domesticated animals that the Chinese raise and animals that are loved. On the calendar, animals are separated by yin and yang, and whether they have an odd or even number of toes or hooves or claws. They were arranged in the cycle by using that formula, even though tradition has a different story.
Legend says that the emperor who designed the calendar decided that the first 12 animals to arrive would be selected to represent the years. The cat missed the calendar because the rat forgot to wake him up. This is why the cat now hates the rat and tries to chase him. The rat had a strategy to get there first by being carried by the ox. When they arrived at the line, the rat snuck ahead of the ox.
Here are the 12 animals and some of the years that each has represented:
- Rat: 2008, 1984, 1960
- Ox: 2009, 1985, 1961
- Tiger: 2010, 1986, 1962
- Rabbit: 2011, 1987, 1963
- Dragon: 2012, 1988, 1964
- Snake: 2013, 1989, 1965
- Horse: 2014, 1990, 1966
- Goat: 2015, 1991, 1967
- Monkey: 2016, 1992, 1968
- Rooster: 2017, 1993, 1969
- Dog: 2006, 1982, 1958
- Pig: 2007, 1983, 1959
Basically, subtract or add 12 to any year to get the other years that are the same animal.
Celebrating the Year of the Rooster
Roosters are the tenth animal in the zodiac and are representative of confidence, honesty and hard work. However, they can be seen as attention seekers. Traditionally, if you were born in the rooster year, you will have 12 unlucky months. This is true for all animal years. The animal year of your birth is considered unlucky for you.
During the Chinese New Year, the dragon features prominently every year. However, this year, you’ll see more rooster-themed decorations during the 2017 celebration. Fireworks are set off and parades are held to welcome in the new year. There might be dances and parties where friends and family get together.
In personal homes, people sweep and clean up to get rid of bad fortune. Children are given red envelopes, stuffed with money that is thought to be lucky. Written notes are included with good wishes for the kids to grow up healthy. Technology has stepped in though. Today, you can find many “red envelope apps,” where cyber money can be exchanged.
Practically of all China goes on holiday for the new year. It’s a huge boost to the travel industry, because many people go home during the festival. Retailers and restaurants also benefit from the event. The Chinese Ministry of Transport believes that it is the largest human event anywhere. This year 2.2 percent more traffic is expected than in 2016. Crowds begin traveling a week before the celebration, and most train stations and airports have hired extra security to handle logistics to avoid problems.