New Year festivities start on Saturday, January 28 with celebrations taking place throughout Australia.
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From street festivals, markets, vibrant displays of lanterns and firecrackers, to festive menus at local restaurants.
It is the most important of the holidays for the Chinese. Defined as the first day of the first month in the traditional Chinese calendar, it is also known as the Spring Festival or the Lunar New Year. Celebrations can last for about 15 days.
The Fire Rooster
People born in the year of 1957 (Jan 31, 1957 - Feb 17, 1958) or 2017 (Jan 28, 2017 - Feb 15, 2018) are members of the Fire Rooster. Said to be natural leaders, both smart and confident they have good luck in wealth but need to work hard to create it.
New Year traditions
A small red envelope (Hong Bao, Ang Pao, or Lai See) represents prosperity and wealth. It includes money that goes to any unmarried children.
Chinese lion dancing is for blessing either a home or business. The loud drums and cymbals are to chase away the bad evil spirits.
New Year greetings
Common greetings are Gong Xi Fa Cai (Mandarin) or Gong Hey Fat Choy (Cantonese).
Gong Xi is congratulations or respectfully wishing joy and Fa Cai is to become rich or to make money. Thus, Gong Xi Fa Cai means wishing you prosperity in the coming year. It is pronounced goong ssee fah tsign.
2017 predictions
The Rooster is the sign of the dawn, so success comes through hard work and patience. This year is also considered auspicious for weddings.