Experience the Festivities of Chinese New Year 2017 in Seattle: Celebrations, Events, and Traditions

Celebrate the Year of the Rooster at the Chinese New Year 2017 in Seattle! Enjoy cultural performances, food, and activities for all ages.

Greetings, fellow readers! The year 2017 is about to come to an end, and we are all looking forward to the birth of a new year. For the Chinese community, this means the celebration of their most important festival - the Chinese New Year. This event is not only celebrated in China but also in other parts of the world, including Seattle, where the festivities are just as vibrant and colorful as in the motherland.

Now, let me give you a little history lesson. The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is based on the lunar calendar, which varies from year to year. The celebration usually falls between late January and mid-February. According to legend, the festival originated from a monster named Nian, who would come out on the first day of the New Year to terrorize people. However, one day, an old man taught the villagers how to scare Nian away with firecrackers and the color red. Since then, these traditions have been passed down from generation to generation.

As the Chinese population in Seattle has grown over the years, so has the scale of the celebrations. The festivities start with a bang - quite literally - with the lighting of firecrackers and setting off fireworks. The streets are adorned with red lanterns, banners with auspicious phrases, and paper cutouts of animals from the Chinese Zodiac.

One of the main events during the Chinese New Year is the dragon and lion dance. The dragon is a symbol of power, strength, and good luck, while the lion represents courage and protection. The dance involves a group of performers carrying a long dragon or lion costume, accompanied by drums, cymbals, and gongs. It's a sight to behold, with the performers moving in sync and the dragon or lion snaking through the crowd.

Another tradition during the Chinese New Year is the exchange of red envelopes, or hongbao. These envelopes are filled with money and given to children and unmarried adults as a sign of good luck and prosperity. It's also customary to gather with family and friends for a feast on New Year's Eve, with dishes like dumplings, fish, and rice cakes on the menu.

But wait, there's more! The Chinese New Year celebrations in Seattle also include cultural performances, such as traditional music, dance, and martial arts. There are also art exhibitions, tea ceremonies, and calligraphy demonstrations. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even try your hand at Chinese paper cutting or brush painting.

Of course, no festival is complete without some shopping. During the Chinese New Year, markets pop up all over Seattle selling traditional goods like Chinese tea, silk clothing, and jade jewelry. You can also find festive decorations, such as red lanterns and lucky charms, to bring some New Year spirit into your home.

As you can see, there's no shortage of things to see and do during the Chinese New Year in Seattle. Whether you're a long-time resident or just visiting, it's a great opportunity to experience a different culture and have some fun. So, mark your calendars and get ready to ring in the Year of the Rooster!

In conclusion, the Chinese New Year in Seattle is not only a celebration of a new beginning but also a celebration of Chinese culture and traditions. From the dragon and lion dance to the exchange of red envelopes, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So, put on your red clothes, grab a plate of dumplings, and join in the festivities. Gong Xi Fa Cai! (Happy New Year!)

The Year of the Rooster (or, Why Seattle Needs More Chicken Wings)

Chinese New Year is upon us, and in Seattle, that means one thing: it's time to party! For those who may not be in the know, Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in China, and it marks the start of a new lunar year. This year, we're welcoming the Year of the Rooster, and that means it's time to celebrate with all things chicken-related.

Seattle's Festive Spirit

Seattle is known for being a pretty festive city, and Chinese New Year is no exception. From the International District to Capitol Hill, there are plenty of ways to get in on the fun. Whether you're looking for traditional lion dances or modern art exhibits, there's something for everyone.

The Parade

One of the highlights of Chinese New Year in Seattle is the annual parade. This year's parade takes place on February 11th, and it's a must-see event. The parade features colorful floats, marching bands, and, of course, plenty of firecrackers. It's a great way to get in the festive spirit and celebrate the Year of the Rooster.

The Food

No celebration is complete without food, and Chinese New Year is no exception. Seattle is home to some amazing Chinese restaurants, so be sure to indulge in some delicious dim sum and dumplings. And if you're really feeling adventurous, try some chicken feet. Hey, it's the Year of the Rooster, right?

The Drinks

If you're looking to wet your whistle, there are plenty of options. From traditional Chinese tea to bubble tea to baijiu (a Chinese liquor), there's something for every taste. And of course, you can always opt for a beer or cocktail if that's more your style.

The Festivities

Aside from the parade, there are plenty of other festivities to enjoy. From cultural performances to craft fairs to martial arts demonstrations, there's always something happening during Chinese New Year. And don't forget about the dragon and lion dances – they're a must-see!

The Decorations

During Chinese New Year, it's traditional to decorate with red and gold, which represent good luck and prosperity. You'll see plenty of red lanterns, banners, and other decorations throughout the city. And if you're feeling crafty, you can even make your own decorations at one of the many workshops offered during the holiday.

The Superstitions

Chinese New Year is steeped in superstition, and there are plenty of traditions to follow if you want to ensure good luck in the coming year. For example, it's considered bad luck to clean your house during the first few days of the new year, as you may sweep away good fortune. And don't forget to wear red underwear – it's said to bring luck in love!

The Fun

At the end of the day, Chinese New Year is all about having fun and celebrating with friends and family. So go ahead, indulge in some delicious food, dance along with the lion and dragon, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Who knows – maybe all that good luck will rub off on you!

The Conclusion

So there you have it – everything you need to know about Chinese New Year in Seattle. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a first-time celebrant, there's plenty to enjoy during this festive time of year. So get out there and have some fun – and don't forget to eat some chicken wings!

Seattle, get ready to celebrate the Chinese New Year in style! Rooster, rooster, chicken dinner - that's what's on the menu for this year's festivities. Trust us, the chicken dishes are so delicious, they might even make the roosters jealous! But, what's up with the lucky red? Everywhere you look, from the lanterns to the decorations, it seems like red is the new black. Don't worry, you won't be left in the dark- come and find out the meaning behind the lucky color.If you've never seen a lion's dance before, get ready to be entertained. It's like Lion King level of awesomeness that might leave you roaring with laughter! And, dragons and fireworks, oh my! It wouldn't be a proper Chinese New Year without these mythical beasts soaring high while accompanying the popping explosions in the sky. Pandas are more popular than ever, and they're taking over Seattle. Move over Po, there's more pandas in town than ones that can do karate. Meet and greet Seattle's beloved panda bears and take countless pictures with them. You can also experience the joy of Hongbao (red envelopes). If you're lucky enough to receive one, don't be afraid to open it up and see what's inside. What is one thing that Chinese people love besides karaoke? A karaoke competition, of course! Pick your song, wait for your turn, and then show off your vocal prowess. Double is a repetitive theme during the celebration to express the idea of abundance. Double the fun, double the luck, double your outfits - it's all good! One of the highlights of the event is the Great Wall of Seattle exhibit. It's massive and beautiful, and it'll take your breath away. We're not suggesting Seattle has a wall barrier, but this one is worth admiring! Finally, Seattle is where East meets West. Explore the cultural maze of Seattle and experience the fusion of traditional Chinese heritage with modern American lifestyle. It's a mix that can't be beat!

Chinese New Year 2017 Seattle: A Celebration of Tradition and Food

My Personal Experience

As a self-proclaimed foodie, I was ecstatic to attend the Chinese New Year celebrations in Seattle. The event was held at the Chinatown-International District, and I was excited to immerse myself in Chinese culture.

Upon arriving, I was greeted by the vibrant colors of the decorations and the sounds of traditional music. The crowd was buzzing with excitement, and the aroma of various Chinese dishes filled the air. I made it my mission to try every dish available, and boy was I in for a treat! From dumplings to noodles to rice cakes, my taste buds were in heaven.

In addition to the food, there were also performances such as lion and dragon dances, martial arts demonstrations, and even a fashion show featuring traditional Chinese clothing. It was fascinating to see how much effort went into each performance, and the performers truly brought the festival to life.

The Importance of Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture. It marks the beginning of a new lunar year and is celebrated by millions of people around the world. The holiday is a time for family reunions, feasting, and giving thanks.

Each year is assigned an animal zodiac sign and 2017 was the year of the Rooster. According to the Chinese zodiac, those born in the year of the Rooster are said to be confident, hardworking, and charming. As someone born in the year of the Rooster, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride during the festival.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my experience at the Chinese New Year 2017 Seattle celebration was unforgettable. The food, performances, and atmosphere were all amazing, and I would highly recommend attending if given the opportunity. It was a great way to learn more about Chinese culture and traditions, and of course, indulge in some delicious food.

Table Information

Below are some important keywords related to Chinese New Year:

Lunar New Year
Spring Festival
Zodiac Signs
Red Envelopes
Lion and Dragon Dances
Fireworks
Dumplings
Noodles
Rice Cakes
Family Reunions

Whether you're celebrating with family or attending a festival, Chinese New Year is a time to come together and welcome the new year with open arms.

Closing Message for Visitors of Chinese New Year 2017 in Seattle

Well, folks, it's time to wrap up this blog post about the Chinese New Year 2017 celebrations in Seattle. It's been a wild ride, full of excitement, tradition, and of course, food. We hope you've enjoyed this virtual tour of the festivities and maybe even learned a thing or two about Chinese culture.

As we say goodbye, we want to remind you that the Chinese New Year isn't just a one-day event – it's a 15-day celebration! So if you missed out on any of the events we covered, don't fret – there are still plenty of opportunities to ring in the Year of the Rooster.

For example, you can check out the Lantern Festival at the Seattle Center Armory on February 11th, featuring live performances, cultural displays, and of course, lots of lanterns. Or head to the Bellevue Collection for their Lunar New Year Celebration on February 4th and 5th, where you can enjoy lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, and more.

But even if you can't make it to any of these events, you can still celebrate the Chinese New Year in your own way. Why not try cooking some traditional dishes like dumplings or sticky rice cake? Or give red envelopes filled with lucky money to your loved ones?

And if all else fails, just remember to wear something red on February 15th – it's believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.

Before we sign off, we want to thank you for joining us on this journey through the Chinese New Year celebrations in Seattle. We hope you've had as much fun reading about it as we did writing about it. And who knows – maybe next year, we'll see you in Seattle, celebrating the Year of the Dog!

Until then, take care and xin nian kuai le (happy new year)!