Each year the Chinese Lunar New Year is celebrated by a billion people all over the world. Chinese head home for the New Year Spring Festival. Each year is named after one of twelve animals, which feature in the Chinese zodiac.
2019 is the Year of the Pig.
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Why pig?
Each animal has a year dedicated after them – Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig. As a result every animal appears once every 12 years, in a cycle. 2019 is the Year of the last animal in the Chinese zodiac- The Pig.
The year of the pig starts from Feb 5, 2019, and last till Jan 24, 2020. The Years of the Pig include 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031, 2043…
The last year was the Year of Dog which symbolizes the coming of fortune while next year the cycle will start from the beginning making it the Year of Rat, which is known for the characteristics of spirit, wit, alertness, delicacy, flexibility, and vitality.
Why is pig the last animal?
According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said ranking would be decided by the order in which they arrived at his party. The pig was late because he overslept.
Another story says that a wolf destroyed the pig’s house. So the pig had to rebuild his home before he could set off. When he arrived, he was the last one and could only take twelfth place.
What does Pig stand for?
In Chinese culture, pigs are the symbol of wealth.
Their chubby faces and big ears are signs of fortune as well. The pig is believed to be a symbol of optimism, enthusiasm and hard work.
How is it celebrated?
More than a billion people around the world celebrate the Lunar New Year by cleaning their house to sweep away bad luck and hanging spring couplets – red decorations hung in pairs – on doorways for prosperity.
People also pray for good fortune for themselves and their families. The day ends with parades, the highlight of which is the dragon dance.
We’re celebrating the Lunar New Year for the next two nights, with dynamic, festive lights! Happy Year of the Pig! 🐷 pic.twitter.com/4sBVnvDFxa
— Empire State Bldg (@EmpireStateBldg) February 4, 2019
Since the animal is considered lucky, communities try to maximize their good fortune by building the longest possible dragon.
Not just in China, the spring festival is celebrated all over the world with great enthusiasm and vigour.
Wherever and however you are celebrating, let me wish you a very happy new year, and a prosperous and auspicious year of the pig. #YearofthePig #CNY2019 #ChineseNewYear pic.twitter.com/RMBtlkjO1T
— Theresa May (@theresa_may) February 4, 2019
برج خليفة يتمنى لكم حظاً طيباً بمناسبة السنة الصينية الجديدة! #برج_خليفة
Burj Khalifa wishes you good fortune this Chinese New Year. May your days be filled with immense joy and prosperity. #EmaarCNY2019 #BurjKhalifa pic.twitter.com/rq7gTknj9X
— Burj Khalifa (@BurjKhalifa) February 4, 2019
Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, displays light show to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year in Downtown Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
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