5 Things You Need to Know About the Year of the Rooster

Decorations and party favors for Chinese New Year. Don't worry — you've still got time to make some progress on those New Year's resolutions. According to the Chinese New Year which is based on the lunar calendar, 2018 doesn't start until February 16th next year.

This year, it took place on Saturday, January 28th. Chinese New Year (also known as Spring Festival) is arguably the most important holiday of the year in Chinese culture, celebrated with traditional observances along with more modern traditions, like watching the televised New Year's Gala.

Each Chinese calendar year has a zodiac animal that goes along with it, in a rotation of 12 symbolic animals. This year welcomed the Year of the Rooster, ushering out 2016’s the Year of the Monkey. Here’s what you need to know about 2017’s Year of the Rooster.

Year of the Rooster.

Those born in the Year of the Rooster (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005 and 2017) are said to be very special folks: they’re skilled multitaskers, they’re confident and talented, they’re career-driven, and they’re very hard workers. The year of the Rooster starts on January 28, 2017 and will continue through February 15, 2018.

Lucky colors.

Zodiac tradition indicates that the Year of the Rooster’s lucky colors will be gold, brown, and yellow. Unlucky colors will be those from other zodiac signs, including red, white, and green.

Lucky days.

Mark your calendars: the 4th and 26th day of every month bring Roosters good fortune this year. Not so lucky: the 2nd, 5th, and 11th days of every month. Plan to stay home and binge Netflix shows on those days — why tempt fate?

Making friends with Roosters.

Got a Rooster in your life? That’s a good thing! Those born under the sign of the Rooster are known to be loyal friends you can count on. While they are dependable, their confidence sometimes comes off as arrogant and selfish. Roosters are punctual and reliable, but they can also be impatient and a little critical. Nobody’s perfect!

Compatibility with other signs.

Zodiac tradition says that certain signs are more likely to get along well while others are likely to butt heads. For Roosters, their best relationships will be with those born in the Year of the Ox and the Year of the Snake. Snakes and Roosters are compatible because they both take a pragmatic approach to love and friendship: they’re practical and sensible first, and emotional second. The Ox and the Rooster are compatible for similar reasons — they value honesty and order in their relationships. Whether you’re forming a business relationship or swiping right to find a love match, keep these key traits in mind for your potential partner.

Year of the Dog.

With the Year of the Dog just around the corner in 2018, there’s no better time to immerse yourself in the beliefs of Chinese zodiac. People born in previous Years of the Dog include Mother Teresa, Winston Churchill, and even Justin Bieber. Get to know more about your personality, the traits of your loved ones, and what it all looks like mapped out on the lunar calendar. With Mango’s specialty course on Chinese zodiac signs, you’ll get familiar with these ancient signs and pick up useful Mandarin conversation skills along the way.

Or if you're ready to dive into the most widely spoken language in the world, check out our extensive Mandarin course!

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