image credit: whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
For many around the world the welcoming in of the Chinese New Year is the most anticipated event. On Saturday January 28 those celebrating the Chinese New Year will ring in the year of the Rooster, the 10th sign in the Zodiac. Each animal has one of five elements associated with it and the Rooster will be known as the “Fire Rooster”.
According to Chinese element theory, each zodiac year is associated with one of five elements: Gold (Metal), Wood, Water, Fire or Earth. This means that a Fire Rooster comes once every 60-year cycle.
Babies and those born in the Year of the Rooster are generally confident, honest and hardworking. They also enjoy being with others yet can often be seen as attention seekers. Among the luckiest things for Roosters are the numbers 5, 7 and 8 with your lucky months being the 2nd, 5th and 11 Chinese Lunar months.
The day traditionally sees families gather for giving of gifts and celebrations for the year ahead. Commencement of the New Year will see families also gather to clean their houses and sweep out bad fortune. Celebrations last for two weeks and are the longest holiday on the Chinese Calendar. During the two weeks of celebrations there will be ringing of bells, colour, lighting of firecrackers and traditional dancing.
In Sydney, the Chinese New Year will be celebrated with many activities over the 2 weeks. From the 27th for 17 days you can pop down to the Lunar Lantern Hub for cocktails, food and entertainment in Martin Place or take a stroll through Circular Quay to be fascinated by 12 larger-than-life animal signs of the Lunar Zodiac or take in some of the Lunar Lantern Community Performances around the city. You can find our more information on Chinese New Year events in Sydney here: https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/
To all of those expecting in the Year of the Rooster, good luck and embrace whatever personality your little bundle brings to your family. Happy Chinese New Year!
