Chinese New Year is fast approaching. This year it falls on Saturday January 28th and lasts until February 15th. Chinese New Years Eve is the most important date in the Chinese calendar and is celebrated by family get togethers.
Over the Chinese New Year all sorts of colourful celebrations take place, culminating in the Traditional Lantern Festival at the end of the period.
Each Chinese New Year is characterised by one of 12 animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac. The Chinese zodiac is divided into 12 houses, each lasting for one year. 2017 is the Year of the Rooster.
Which Sign Are You?
Your sign is determined from the year you were born in the Chinese lunar calendar.
The years below are a rough guide, but if you were born in January or February it may be slightly different as the new year moves between 21 January and February 20.
- Rat: 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960
- Ox: 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961
- Tiger: 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962
- Rabbit: 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963
- Dragon: 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964
- Snake: 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965
- Horse: 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966
- Sheep: 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967
- Monkey: 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968
- Rooster: 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969
- Dog: 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970
- Pig: 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971
If your children are joining in the celebrations we have a good choice of colourful dressing up costumes including a red dragon costume, traditional chinese boy and girl costumes and a wide range of animal outfits. Visit our Chinese New Year Costumes here