Chinese Year Of The Rat Celebrated In Samoa

Written by Mathew Lemisio
Friday, 08 February 2008
CELEBRATING YEAR OF THE RAT : Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Independent State of Samoa, Longzhuang Shi Some would find it odd to learn that last Sunday evening; the Chinese Embassy in Samoa threw a party at its Vailima residence to celebrate New Years Day, which was actually yesterday. Wonder how’s that being odd? Well for starters, the New Years Day we’re all used to celebrate was celebrated 38 days ago. But don’t get carried away because we’re not getting back to the festive season again this soon. Well unless you’re Chinese. “It’s just the way we (China) keep our calendar,” explained the Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Independent State of Samoa, Longzhuang Shi in an interview with Newsline yesterday. He said the party was on Sunday because that’s when their Samoan friends and families are not working. “They always work so Sunday was ideal for us to invite them to celebrate the Chinese New Lunar Year.” The Chinese Ambassador said it was a lovely evening. “Usually this time of the year is when families and friends get together to celebrate and reflect what they have achieved over the past year and set out their goals for the New Year.” Mr Shi said the Chinese New Years Day is closely related to “agricultural activities”. “Its spring time in China,” he said. “So it’s a spring festival where people are praying for a good harvest....” Also as part of the Chinese tradition, Mr Shi said 2008 is known to Chinese people as the year of the rat. “It’s an old Asian tradition which has been carried on for generations,” the Ambassador said. He explain that Chinese people used animals to name their months and years, even hours after. “Maybe the Asian people treasure these animals,” he said with a giggle. “There’s the year of the Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.” He said all these animals represent certain characters such as harmony, prosperity, intelligence, which can be applied to certain people. “For instance, people see the rat as an intelligent little animal or an OX as a hard working animal.” To commemorate this special occasion, the Chinese Embassy has been on holiday for a couple of days. Comments (0) Subscribe to this comment's feed Write comment Name Email Title Comment
Last Updated ( Friday, 08 February 2008 )

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