What to Expect from the Year of the Rooster

What is Chinese New Year and when is it celebrated?

Chinese New Year, or the Lunar New Year, is the most important date in the Chinese calendar.  The date of the Chinese New Year changes each year, as it is based on a traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar, but usually falls between January 21 and February 20. This year it is celebrated on January 28.

The celebrations for Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival as it’s also known, begin on New Year’s Eve and last for around 15 days, until the middle of the first month. The most important part of the Chinese New Year celebrations is family, and the holiday is a popular time for family reunions, with workers having 7 days off work to go home and visit relatives and friends.

The Year of the Fire Rooster

The Chinese Zodiac moves in a 12 year cycle, with each year being represented by an animal; rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. According to Chinese astrology, the year you are born determines a lot about you and your personality. 2016 was the Year of the Monkey, and 2017 is the year of the Rooster, or more specifically, the Fire Rooster - each year is also associated with one of five elements, including wood, water, gold (metal), fire or earth. The last year of the Fire Rooster was 1957.

The Personality of the Rooster

As with the western zodiac, each of the 12 signs in the Chinese Horoscope has its own unique personality. People born in the Year of the Rooster are thought to be honest, brave, intelligent and very responsible. They have a lot of energy and confidence, and are very hardworking. They are talkative and engaging, making them very popular. However, this comes with a downside; they are happiest when they are in the spotlight, and don’t like when they don’t have people’s attention. They can be quite vain, and have a tendency to brag.

Rooster Statistics

Strengths: healthy, intelligent, self-assured, capable, warm-hearted

Weaknesses: arrogant, sensitive, selfish, moody

Lucky Numbers: 5, 7, 8

Lucky Colors: gold, brown, yellow

Lucky Flowers: gladiola, impatiens, cockscomb

Rooster Love Compatibility

Similar to the western zodiac, certain signs in Chinese Astrology are better suited than others. Each animal has one or two perfect matches that complement them physically, mentally and spiritually; but they also have people they should avoid relationships with because they are extremely incompatible.

Perfect matches for Roosters: Ox and Snake

The Ox and Snake both complement the Rooster’s personality; all three are ambitious and deep thinkers, and though there is a little competition between the people in these signs, it is usually healthy and encourages them to attain their goals. Relationships between a Rooster and an Ox or Snake would be very successful, and they would share a strong and long lasting connection. They would be seen as a ‘power couple’, and people would be envious of their harmonious lives.

People to avoid: Rat, Rabbit, Horse, Rooster, Dog

You may be surprised to find a Rooster in this group, but it is true that people born in the same year will not have the best relationship. Two personalities so alike will clash, causing conflict that is impossible to solve.

The other signs in this category have very different views and opinions to the Rooster, and they struggle to understand each other’s way of thinking and approach to problems, meaning in a relationship they will struggle to overcome issues.

Famous Roosters

There are a number of famous Roosters, including Benjamin Franklin; Prince Philip; Elton John; Matthew McConaughey; Rudyard Kipling; Dolly Parton; Serena Williams; Eric Clapton; and three Chinese Emperors, Liu Che (202 BC - 9 AD), Li Longji (618 - 907), and Zhuge Liang (220 - 280).

What does the Year of the Rooster bring?

According to tradition, for people born in the Year of the Rooster - 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005 - 2017 is unfortunately due to be an unlucky year; the year of your birth supposedly brings bad fortune.

In 2017, Roosters are encouraged to pay special attention to their physical health; they are encouraged to focus on eating healthily and exercise often , and make sure to schedule regular health checks to keep on top of things.

Roosters are encouraged to work hard in 2017 to keep up with the competition, and try not to be discouraged if things don’t go their way. Their motivation and determination to succeed will work in their favour, meaning they will potentially avoid some unfortunate work situations.

As for the Rooster’s relationships, 2017 will be a make-or-break year. There is no time for time-wasting in 2017, so Roosters will need to make some decisions about their relationships; if they have been in a relationship for a while, they should consider taking the next step and getting married. On the other hand, if a relationship isn’t progressing, it is the best time to cut ties and move on.

As for the rest of the signs, 2017 will be successful if they tap into the traits of the Rooster; practice hard work, loyalty, and honesty and they will be at their best.