Islamabad, 14 January 2023 (TDI): The President of Pakistan, Arif Alvi expressed his good wishes & regards to the Chinese people, ahead of the New Year of China.
In this vein, he released a video message. Alvi said, “I wish the Chinese people a very Happy Spring Festival and wish you all the best for the New Year of the Rabbit.”
The President hailed the friendship between Pakistan and China in his greetings. He extended sincere wishes to the Chinese government and people and wished for stronger ties between Pakistan and China in the coming year.
Chinese New Year
In China, Lunar New Year lasts from the new moon to the next full moon. This is a fifteen-day span until the fifth day of the lunar month. In 2023, Lunar New Year begins on Sunday, January 22, and ends on Sunday, February 5.
The first day of the Lunar New Year is called the Spring Festival, and the final day is the Lantern Festival as per the culture of China.
Who celebrates Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year is celebrated throughout many Asian cultures. Among those are Chinese, South Korean, Vietnamese, Singaporean, Malaysian, Filipino, and Indonesian cultures.
Also read: Vietnam enthusiastically celebrates Tết Nguyên Đán
Additionally, each has its own name for New Year. For example, in South Korea, Lunar New Year is called Seollal. In Vietnam, Lunar New Year is called Tết, short for Tết Nguyên Đán.
The number of celebration days also varies depending on the country. In South Korea, Seollal usually lasts for three days, while in China, Lunar New Year spans 15 days. In Vietnam, Tết Nguyên Đán is a week-long.
What does Lunar New Year signify?
Similar to how people celebrate December 31 and January 1 each year, Lunar New Year represents letting go of the past year to bring in the new one and all its possibilities.
It is a big celebration. People say goodbye to the past year to pass and also welcome in the New Year; peace, abundance, and also prosperity. Another key aspect of the Lunar New Year is community. Families will come together to eat feasts and practice cultural customs.
For instance, people will clean their homes to get rid of the bad luck from the previous year. In China, there is a tradition to eat fish, as it is a sign of good luck and abundance. But the fish is not finished since the leftovers are said to provide extra money, savings, or surplus for the New Year.
It is also important for families to pay respect to the older generations. Likewise, elders will give to the younger generations for health and progress into the New Year. In many cultures, younger people will receive red envelopes with money.
What does the Year of the Rabbit represent?
In the Chinese Zodiac, there are 12 animals, each with its own attributes and characteristics. These 12 animals coincide with the lunar calendar and fall in a 12-year cycle.
Also read: China celebrates Spring Festival Year of Tiger
Last year, 2022, was represented by the tiger, which is commonly associated with bravery, courage, and strength. This year, 2023, will be the year of the rabbit.
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