“Cock-a-doodle-do”! It’s time to celebrate the Year of The Rooster. If you are new to China and wanted to know what’s in for this New Year traditions and rituals, here are some typical traditions to make sure you’re in the know. New Year’s Eve dinner (Jan 27, 2017) The New Year’s Eve dinner (falls on January 27) is the most important dinner for the Chinese. This is when all members of the family reunite and eat together. During the dinner, dishes signify prosperity will be served. Southern Chinese will prepare meal with chicken, fish and meat, whereas Northern Chinese will have hot pot and dumplings. New Year Markets (Flower market) Lunar New Year market usually setup to sell New Year goodies, such as New Year flowers (narcissus, kumquat and peach blossoms), festive decorations, and goods related to the Lunar New Year. This year you will see a lot of rooster related goodies. Fireworks Stepping into the first day of the New Year, people will set off firecrackers and fireworks to drive away evil spirits and legend of the beast. New Year’s greetings and red packets On the first day of the New Year, younger generation will greet the elders. You must first say "Kung Hei Fat Choi", and then say other congratulations. Married couples will give red packets to single people. The money in the red packet is believed to cast away evil and keep the children healthy. The host will also prepare Chinese candy box to greet the guests. The common activities during Chinese New Year are mahjong and gambling games. Crown Relocations is here to wish you a very Happy Chinese New Year!