Ethnic minority group welcomes New Year

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Source: CCTV.com | 01-27-2009 13:04

Roughly three hundred quake survivors are celebrating the new year in a newly built community for the Qiang ethnic minority.

The permanent complex is more spacious than temporary houses. Villagers are praying for a better year in traditional rituals.

Roughly three hundred quake survivors are celebrating the new year in a newly built community for the Qiang ethnic minority. (CCTV.com)

Five kilometers from the old County base, the villagers dance with joy at being together again after eight months. They now have a stronger sense of community.

The Qiang people ask their guardian deity so he will help drive away evil spirits and bad luck. The ritual has become more significant since the May earthquake. The people pray to the heavens for a safe and prosperous year.

Premier Wen Jiabao extends his best wishes to the people here. His surprise visit adds to the holiday mood.

Gou Hongjiang, Ethnic Qiang Resident, Beichuan County, said, "It's so good seeing the premier in this remote area. He thinks about us. Our hearts are together. I hope we all have a good harvest and abundant food. I wish this place a peaceful year and wish the people safe and happy.It's good to live here. I am enjoying it."

The majority of the 69 families here are ethnic Qiang. Their houses are built in the traditional style. Building started in July and was completed in five months.

Xu Zhenxi, Director of Reconstruction Aid Office, Shandong Prov., said, "It's our responsibility to help the affected people in Beichuan have permanent houses. But this is just the first step. We also help them restore production and rebuild the devastated old county base. We are doing all we can to help their lives return to normal."

Rising from the rubble, the complex tells just how much people can endure, and how much they can do to rebuild their homes.

"The villagers here have almost everything to celebrate the new year: a warm safe home,enough food, and traditional rituals. They also have the premier's wishes for a brand new start. The ethnic Qiang Community is a successful example of reconstruction, and it's hoped with time and effort, other people will have the same joy in the new year and years to come.WMM&XP, CCTV, Beichuan, Sichuan province."

Editor:Zhang Pengfei