When Is Chinese New Year 2017 And What Animal Will Be Taking Over From The Year Of The Monkey? What You Need To Know

Much of the world may be preparing to ring in 2017 Sunday, but for China, there is still almost a month to go before the year of the rooster gets underway. Chinese New Year will be celebrated Jan. 28, according to the Chinese lunar calendar.

While the Gregorian calendar used in the West is now the official calendar in China, the traditional lunar calendar is still used for a number of festivals. New Year can occur anytime between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20, with the upcoming year running from Jan. 28, 2017, to Feb. 16, 2018.

Each year is also assigned an animal according to the Chinese Zodiac. The classification system runs on a 12-year cycle, correlating to the characteristics of each animal.

Last year was the year of the monkey and for 2017 it switches to the rooster. It means it is a significant year for those born in 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969 and so on, but it is not, contrary to what might be expected, an auspicious year for those born in the year of the rooster. Indeed, traditionally it is seen as bad luck when your zodiac year comes around, although measures, such as wearing red, can ward off the misfortune.

There is still plenty to be celebrated for all on the Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival. And, while they may be a common way to celebrate in the West, China does fireworks like no other country on New Year’s. Fireworks will be sold on every street corner on the days leading up to Chinese New Year and later set off into the night sky by families across the vast country for several days.

For children, Chinese New Year is also a great time. Parents and grandparents will hand their children, even sometimes adult children, red envelopes containing money. While the money will be appreciated, it is the red that signifies good wishes and luck.

In some cases, the celebrations already have begun. In the northern city of Taiyuan, a giant rooster that bears more than a passing resemblance to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has been put up outside a shopping mall.