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Celebrate the Year of the Rooster

January 11, 2016
Chinese New Year JeffreyHappy New Year! Most of the world celebrates New Year’s Day on January 1 but in China, they continue to celebrate the traditional lunar New Year as well. This celebration is the most important social and economic holiday in China. Chinese New Year Year started out as a celebration to honor ancestors, a time of bringing a family together for feasting. Today, it is an opportunity to renew family ties and to enjoy relaxation.

The Chinese New Year is based on the ancient Chinese calendar. The calendar functioned as a religious and social guide. The parameters of the calendar were set according to the lunar phases, solstices, and equinoxes. You may be more familiar with the signs of the zodiac, which coincide with the lunar calendar. Each year was marked and ruled by the characteristics of one of the 12 animals; the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. Another motif that is ever present in Chinese New Year celebrations is the color red. Red represents luck in Chinese culture, which is certainly something we would all like to have in the new year. Year of the Rooster Cutout

2017 is the year of the Rooster, and previous Rooster years include 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, and 2005. Characteristics of people born in a Year of the Rooster are thought to be observant, resourceful, courageous, and talented; they are outspoken, outgoing, and enjoy the spotlight. Does this sound like you? Celebrate the Year of the Rooster with PartyCheap’s Rooster Stringer and Cutout. Both pieces feature 2017's animal sign and are sure to brighten your Asian-themed party and channel your inner zodiac.


During the celebration of the Chinese New Year, business life came to a stop and the entire focus was on the home and family. In order to prepare for such an event, the entire home was cleansed to honor the gods who would come down from heaven on this holiday. Lucky messages printed on scrolls were hung at household gates and elders gave out money to children. Ever receive a red envelope full of money? Since red represents luck, it’s only fitting that the tradition is to
Red Money Envelopesgive out money in red envelopes. Give the kiddos an extra treat this year using PartyCheap’s Red Money Envelopes.

The most important tradition was feasting. All the family members would join around the table for a meal. The meal included a fish that symbolized abundance and must not be eaten. During the first five days of the new year people ate long noodles to symbolize long life, then on the 15th and final day of the New Year, round dumplings were eaten as a symbol of the family unit and perfection. Each tradition would bring good luck and longevity to the household. So grab somechopsticks and eat up. Don’t forget to slurp your noodles! Slurping is a sign of utter enjoyment of your meal in Asian culture - it also helps to cool down hot noodles. Chinese Lantern w/ Tassel

Today, the Chinese New Year is called the Spring Festival. It is a week long vacation that gives celebrators the opportunity to travel home and to celebrate the new year. However, the holiday no longer holds a strong religious connotation but it still has meaning through the zodiac symbols. Even though the name has changed, some values still remain the same: Family ties are always valued and time to relax from busy schedules is a must.

Do you need some luck in the New Year? Ring in the New Year with a Chinese New Year party. PartyCheap has everything you need for the big celebration. Wear red for good luck! Check out some of our other blogs for more information about how to decorate and throw a Chinese New Year party and learn how to use chopsticks (or at least fake it).


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