For centuries, the Lunar New Year has been the most important festival in China and a large part of Asia. People leave behind the worries and troubles of the past year and move on to a new spring full of hope and life.
Today, the festival has become a worldwide holiday as China plays a bigger role in world affairs and people all around the world share the wish to leave uncertainties behind and usher in a peaceful and prosperous year ahead. As the Chinese New Year falls on Tuesday, major cities across the globe are vying to hold the greatest celebration of this traditional festival outside China.
YEAR OF PIG
Tuesday marks the first day of the Year of the Pig in the Chinese Zodiac. The Chinese Zodiac is based on a twelve-year cycle, and each year in that cycle is under a certain animal sign. It is believed people are born with the positive traits of their zodiacs. For example, babies born in this Year of the Pig are expected to be kind and fortunate.
Peppa, the sweet little piglet from a British animated TV series, has become a media sensation in this Year of the Pig. A nationwide cinema release, “Peppa Celebrates Chinese New Year,” co-produced by Alibaba Pictures, debuted in China on Tuesday. Its promotional video named “What’s Peppa” went viral and clocked some 1.5 billion hits on Chinese social media platforms such as Weibo and Wechat.
“Peppa is the perfect ambassador for the Year of the Pig celebrations as it is the most iconic pig on screen,” said Oliver Dumont, president, Family & Brands, of the leading Canadian entertainment conglomerate Entertainment One (eOne), which owns Peppa Pig and is a co-producer of the movie.
Other than the Chinese film, a two-part episode special of Peppa Pig has been created specifically for the Chinese New Year. “This is a great opportunity to promote and share the Chinese language and culture all around the world,” Dumont said.
In the movie and TV episode, Peppa learns what the Chinese New Year is about and experiences many of its traditions with her family, teaching dozens of millions of fans about Chinese culture.
The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important festival in China. Celebrations begin about a week in advance and end with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the new year. Receiving red packets of “lucky money,” having big family meals and welcoming the God of Wealth with deafening firecrackers are among the many highlights of the festivities.
DODIK CONGRATULATES THE LUNAR NEW YEAR
Chairman of BiH Presdency Milorad Dodik congratulated Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese People’s Lunar New Year.
“Your Excellency, Honored Mr. President,
Let me give you the warmest congratulations to the friendly people of the People’s Republic of China on the occasion of the emerging Chinese New Year, with the desire to continue to lead China in a successful way.
By appreciating your efforts to promote peace and equality of all peoples, once again I express my full support to your initiative ‘Belt and Road’. I am convinced that she will give us new opportunities in the coming year to work together to strengthen the close friendship of our people.
Dear President, with the best wishes for the peace and well-being of the friendly Chinese people, please accept the expressions of my deep respect. ”
Source: xinhuanet/tst
