Ashley Wells (ed.), Wisdom Quarterly; Josie Griffiths (thesun.co.uk); ChinaHighlights.com
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| Colorful Chinese women celebrating in Glasgow in 2016 (thesun.co.uk/Getty Images) |
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| Top 10 Interesting Facts (China Highlights) |
It’s one of the most colorful events on the calendar, when people take to the streets both in China and across the planet.
Unlike
Western festivities, which always take place at midnight between
December 31st and January 1st, Chinese New Year is a movable celebration --
and it all kicks off today.
(China is the most populous country in the world, and due to their diaspora, there are probably more Chinese people on the planet than any other kind).
This year has already seen tens of thousands of people brave freezing conditions at Beijing Railway Station in the hope of bagging a ticket home for the celebrations -- and huge parties are expected in the UK.
When is Chinese New Year for 2017?
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| Amitabha, Chinese temple |
The 2017 Chinese New Year
begins on Saturday, January 28. [Of course, Chinese culture is very
old -- the oldest continuous society and still going strong --
extending back 5,000 years -- so this is the year 4714. See the Chinese lunisolar calendar.]
What is a fire rooster?
Not all roosters (cocks or man-chickens) are equal.
There
are five different types, each with different characteristics. This is
the year of the Fire Rooster, which last fell in 1957. Fire Roosters are
known for being trustworthy, punctual, and responsible (especially at
work). More
Single on New Year's Day?
Chinese New Year is a joyful time for all except for singles above the normal
matrimonial age. This is because parents and relatives think they should be
settled down.
Some singles resort to renting a boyfriend or girlfriend (who are just for show, not gaudy good times)
for the New Year to avoid the awkwardness.
Red money envelopes
Like Xmas in the West, people exchange gifts during the Chinese Spring
Festival. The most common gifts are red envelopes.
Red envelopes have
money inside and are given to children and (retired) seniors. It is not a
custom to give red envelopes to (working) adults, except by employers.
Red envelopes are used in the hope of giving good luck (as well as money) to the receivers. Do you know Who to give red envelopes to and how much to give?
Praying in temple for year-long blessing
Praying in a temple during Chinese New Year is said to be a
particularly blessed activity. It will lead to a smooth year.
In Shanghai, China's biggest city, thousands flock to Longhua Temple,
the city's biggest Buddhist temple, to pray for good fortune. More
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