Chinese New Year!

The biggest Chinese Festival, Chinese New Year is upon us! This year is the year of the Rooster, the tenth animal in the zodiac. The celebrations begin the night of the 27th January which is called SAN SHI and they last until February 15th. The night of the 27th January is the time when Chinese people have a big meal with the whole family. At midnight Chinese families eat dumplings as well see off the last day of the year and welcome the first day (28th of January) of the new Chinese year. This the happiest time for all Chinese people all over the world.

Here are some key words in Mandarin relating to the festival:

• chun jie: Chinese Spring Festival or Chinese New Year
• chun jie hao: happy spring festival
• gong xi fa cai: Hope you make fortune more
• dui lian: Chinese blessing words on two pieces of paper stuck on the both sides on the door
• deng long: Chinese red lantern for very single family and it is on for 24 hours 15 days
• nian ye fan: big meal on last day of the year
• jiao zi: dumpling
• jiu: alcohol
• bai nian: Chinese people visit friends and relatives during the holidays
• hong bao: red bag with money in as presents for children

As we all know, China is a big country so customs vary from one place to another, but all Chinese people enjoy the time when the family gets together, wishing each other well and looking forward to a brighter and successful new year.

What does it mean if you are born during the Year of the Rooster?

People born during the year of the rooster are supposed to be hardworking, honest, confident, healthy, talkative and engaging which makes them popular with other people. However, their negative traits include being rather sensitive, moody and they can also be somewhat vain.

Famous people born under the rooster sign include: Beyonce, Dolly Parton, Nancy Reagan, Roger Federer, Eric Clapton and Joan Collins.

Read more about Chinese New Year 2017 here.