The Chinese New Year, which began on February 5th, was celebrated in Sarajevo by the fireworks at Susan Sontag Square in front of the National Theater on Tuesday evening.
After several minutes of fireworks, representatives of the public and political life of BiH, members of the diplomatic corps, friends of the People’s Republic of China, and Chinese culture enjoyed the dance and songs of the people of Xing’anamen from the Autonomous Region of Inner Mongolia.
Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to BiH Ji Ping pointed to the importance of mutual cooperation between the two countries, which has been improved over the last few years, especially after the entry into force of the Agreement on the abolition of visas for ordinary passports holders.
“Such an agreement has greatly facilitated the exchange between our two peoples. The number of Chinese tourists in BiH is growing daily. This year, many of them chose to celebrate the Chinese New Year in Sarajevo – a historic city in which East and West cultures meet,” the ambassador said.
Talking about the future, Ambassador Ping expressed his conviction that joint efforts would lead to more co-operation between China and BiH.
The Pig is the twelfth of all zodiac animals. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. Pig was late because he overslept. Another story says that a wolf destroyed his house. He had to rebuild his home before he could set off. When he arrived, he was the last one and could only take twelfth place.
The Pig is also associated with the Earthly Branch (地支—dì zhī) hài (亥), and the hours 9–11 in the night. In terms of yin and yang (阴阳—yīn yáng), the Pig is yin. In Chinese culture, pigs are the symbol of wealth.
Their chubby faces and big ears are signs of fortune as well.
(Photo: fena, video: klix)
