According to tales and legends, the beginning of Chinese New Year started with the fight against a mythical beast called the "Year". The "Year" looks like an ox with a lion head and inhabits in the sea. At the night of New Year's Eve, the "Year" will come out to harm people, animals, and properties. Later, people found that the "Year" fears the color red, fire, and loud sounds. Therefore, for self-protection, people formed the habit of posting red Dui Lian in front of their house as well as launching fireworks, and hanging lanterns at year end.
The Year of the Rooster Thursday, January 26, 2017
The Year of the Rooster will begin on January 28, 2017.
Celebrations will begin on January 27, New Year's Eve, and typically last around two weeks, making this the longest holiday in the Chinese calendar.
Fireworks are used to drive away the evil in China. Right after 12:00PM on New Year's Eve, fireworks will be launched to celebrate the coming of the New Year as well as to drive away the evil. It is believed that the person who launched the first firework of the New Year will obtain good luck.
It is also a time when fireworks are permitted to be sold from licenced retailers (25th - 28th January). If you have any concerns about the sales of fireworks please REPORT IT
