The Chinese Year of the Rooster is almost here and with it comes cause for celebration. Here in the UK, it's not always clear how best to ring in this joyous occasion, so we've put together a helpful guide to ensure that you honour the Chinese New Year in the most authentic and traditional way possible, with friends, family and of course, tea.

What is the Year of the Rooster?

The Chinese calendar differs from the calendar that we observe in the UK, meaning the New Year, or Spring Festival as it's also known in China, falls in late January. The Rooster is the sign of 2017, according to the Chinese Zodiac, and this sign carries with it, much symbolism regarding luck and fortune for the year ahead. This year, the first day of the New Year falls during the new moon on Saturday 28th January. Alongside the 12-year cycle of the animal zodiac, in which animals such as the dragon, horse and snake represent each year, the five elements of Chinese astrology, wood, fire, earth, metal and water, are observed, as well as the acknowledgement of the new year as yin or yang. 

How is Chinese New Year Celebrated?

The Chinese New Year is centuries old and carries with it many stories, traditions and mythologies. Traditionally, the festival was a time to honour ancestors and idols and ward off mythical beasts, but today, money is given to loved ones in red paper envelopes, blessings are given and red paper decorations adorn houses and streets to signify good luck and prosperity. Family portraits are taken, homes are cleaned to welcome a fresh year and a public holiday is enjoyed by all people. Whether you're in California or Kolkata, you can expect to see plenty of lanterns hanging to celebrate the Spring Festival and traditional dragon dances too. In London, the celebrations take place throughout Chinatown, Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square with parades, cultural feast, fireworks, concerts and performances dominating the streets.

Why Drink Tea at Chinese New Year?

Tea is an incredibly important drink in Chinese culture and is often enjoyed at times of celebration. Traditionally, on the first day of the Chinese New Year, the eldest generation sit at home while their children and grandchildren offer them sweet tea. This practice begins fond wishes for the New Year. When the tea is sipped and the well-wishing said, the receiver returns with a red packet to give to their children and grandchildren. Black tea, oolong and pu-erh are served and present time to connect with family and promote mindfulness and good health. Of course, tea is drunk throughout the year too but by offering your elders a cup on 28th January, both the past and present are honoured. [caption id="attachment_2649" align="alignnone" width="1200"]chinese_new_year-blog Our Chinese Zodiac caddies through the years[/caption]

How Does Newby Celebrate?

Though we celebrate tea culture all year round, Newby is ringing in the Chinese New Year in 2017 with a limited edition tea inside a very special caddy. The festive Rooster caddy contains a fine golden Assam tea with rich almond pieces for a unique, yet balanced flavour. The caddy itself is finished in the symbolic tones of gold and green and depicts a happy rooster with lustrous feathers and a lucky red comb. We always celebrate the Chinese New Year with a unique caddy to honour the animal signs of the zodiac so this year, we'll be doing as we always do; sharing our bespoke New Year tea with friends and family and enjoying the festivities here in London. If you'd like to celebrate the Spring Festival the Newby way, look out for our updates on Twitter and Facebook, put the kettle on and gift the Rooster Caddy to someone you love in 2017.