Chinese people greet Year of Pig

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Source: CCTV.com | 02-17-2007 08:31

It's the eve of the New Year here in China and tonight is the biggest and most important of all. Before they sit down for dinner, families across the country are busy, saying goodbye to the past and getting ready for the 12 months ahead.

According to the lunar calendar, Sunday is the first day of the Year of the Pig. Pigs symbolize abundance and wealth to Chinese people. To welcome the auspicious year, there are fireworks, and family reunion dinners. And there's the annual CCTV Spring Festival show on New Year's Eve.

Buying firecrackers is a favorite pastime for Chinese people on the last day of the lunar year. Children are especially excited by the galaxies of brilliant lights and the reverberating crashes as the fireworks explode. This is part of an important tradition. People set off fireworks to drive away the mythical man-eating monster called Nian. The English equivalent for Nian is Year. Amid the clattering of firecrackers, Chinese people pause to wish for a year of peace.

Yu Yang said, "This is a very happy new year. It's good to light fireworks and enjoy their beauty with my family."

New year's eve is also the most important day for family reunion. Family members come together over a family banquet, sharing their experiences during the past year. "jiaozi", or Chinese dumplings, are indispensable on the eve of the Festival. Traditionally, Chinese people believe "jiaozi" symbolize bidding farewell to the old year, the ushering-in of the new.

Saturday -- over a billion Chinese people worldwide will share from one big dish. In cities like New York, London, Paris, and Frankfurt, throughout Asia and all across China, they will gather round their televisions to enjoy the Spring Festival gala presented by China Central Television. The show brings good wishes, laughter and a spectacular evening of traditional entertainment.

On the eve of the Spring Festival, people try to forget sad memories from the past year and focus on happy things. In the meantime, they hope for good health, success and good luck in the new year.

Beijing resident, said, "I hope that my daughter will become more beautiful in the coming year.

Beijing resident, said, "I hope my grandson will finish his university education with honors and land a good job upon graduation."

The wishes may be different, but in the spirit of peace and in the embrace of their families, all expect their wishes for the new year to come true.

It's the eve of the New Year here in China and tonight is the biggest and most important of all. Before they sit down for dinner, families across the country are busy, saying goodbye to the past and getting ready for the 12 months ahead.

According to the lunar calendar, Sunday is the first day of the Year of the Pig. Pigs symbolize abundance and wealth to Chinese people. To welcome the auspicious year, there are fireworks, and family reunion dinners. And there's the annual CCTV Spring Festival show on New Year's Eve.

Buying firecrackers is a favorite pastime for Chinese people on the last day of the lunar year. Children are especially excited by the galaxies of brilliant lights and the reverberating crashes as the fireworks explode. This is part of an important tradition. People set off fireworks to drive away the mythical man-eating monster called Nian. The English equivalent for Nian is Year. Amid the clattering of firecrackers, Chinese people pause to wish for a year of peace.

Yu Yang said, "This is a very happy new year. It's good to light fireworks and enjoy their beauty with my family."

New year's eve is also the most important day for family reunion. Family members come together over a family banquet, sharing their experiences during the past year. "jiaozi", or Chinese dumplings, are indispensable on the eve of the Festival. Traditionally, Chinese people believe "jiaozi" symbolize bidding farewell to the old year, the ushering-in of the new.

Saturday -- over a billion Chinese people worldwide will share from one big dish. In cities like New York, London, Paris, and Frankfurt, throughout Asia and all across China, they will gather round their televisions to enjoy the Spring Festival gala presented by China Central Television. The show brings good wishes, laughter and a spectacular evening of traditional entertainment.

On the eve of the Spring Festival, people try to forget sad memories from the past year and focus on happy things. In the meantime, they hope for good health, success and good luck in the new year.

Beijing resident, said, "I hope that my daughter will become more beautiful in the coming year.

Beijing resident, said, "I hope my grandson will finish his university education with honors and land a good job upon graduation."

The wishes may be different, but in the spirit of peace and in the embrace of their families, all expect their wishes for the new year to come true.

Editor:Du Xiaodan