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Year of the Rooster: Chinese New Year

Updated Friday, 27 January 2017
As the Chinese celebrate the Year of the Rooster, why not learn how to write and pronounce basic Chinese words, or find out more about the people and culture?

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2017 is the year of the Rooster. The Rooster is the tenth in the 12-year cycle of Chinese zodiac sign. The Rooster is said to be loyal, resourceful, courageous, and talented. Chinese ancestors who had no alarm clocks believed the crowing was important, as the rooster would awaken people to start their working day. 

In Chinese astrology, each zodiac year is not just paired with an animal sign, but also one of five elements: Gold, Wood, Water, Fire, or Earth. 2017 is a Fire Rooster Year. Babies born in this year will be believed to be trustworthy, punctual and hardworking. 

Celebrate the new year by dipping into some of our fantastic resources on China and Chinese. 

Want to learn some Chinese words and phrases?

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