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China Rings in Lunar New Year With Festive Meals, Fireworks

18 February 2007

New year decorations
New year decorations
People across Asia and the world have greeted the Lunar New Year with family meals, prayers and massive fireworks displays.

In China, residents set off thousands of firecrackers in Beijing late Saturday to ring in the Year of the Pig.

In London, the Chinese community ushered in the new year with a parade, dancing and fireworks.

Chinese traditionally set off firecrackers to scare away evil spirits and encourage good fortune for the new year.

The pig is one of 12 animals and symbols on the 12-year Chinese zodiac calendar. According to customary superstition, people born in the Year of the Pig are usually honest, straightforward and hardworking.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.

 

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