Chinese New Year: Help to ring in the Year of the Rooster

At Michigan Medicine, the diverse nature of faculty, staff, students and patients makes this a special place to work. Later this week, many in the community will be ringing in the Chinese New Year. This is a great opportunity to celebrate cultural diversity by understanding and respecting their customs, symbols, and beliefs.

Here are some fast facts about the 2017 celebration, which ushers in the Year of the Rooster!

When is it?

The Chinese New Year celebration — which is also known as the spring festival in China and serves as the country’s biggest traditional holiday — begins on Saturday, Jan. 28 and ends on Thursday, Feb. 2.

The dates change every year as it is based on the lunisolar Chinese calendar.

Year of the Rooster characteristics

According to the Chinese Zodiac, every year is characterized by one of 12 animals, and this year is associated with the rooster.

Not one to fly the coop, of all the zodiac animal personalities, roosters are among the most loyal. Those born in the Year of the Rooster are also thought to be honest, energetic, intelligent, flexible and confident.

Lucky numbers for these individuals are 5, 7 and 8 and lucky colors are gold, brown and yellow.

The Years of the Rooster include: 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969, 1957, 1945, 1933.

Fun Fact

“Kung Hei Fat Choy” is a traditional Chinese New Year greeting meaning “congratulations and best wishes for a prosperous New Year” — or in simpler terms — Happy New Year!

How can I celebrate at Michigan Medicine?

There will be a Chinese New Year celebration in the Family Center at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital on Friday, Jan. 27 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The event will feature:

• A paper lantern craft station

• Themed cupcakes, fortune cookies and mandarin oranges, a traditional good luck food for the Chinese New Year

• Disney singers

The family center will be open to all patients and their families, so be sure to stop by and show your appreciation for the Chinese culture!