Year of the Boar

A celebration for everyone

For many of us in the UK, the New Year begins on 1 January. But for the Chinese community, the next New Year begins on 18 February, 2007. In the UK, this is celebrated in the many Chinatowns, which are a feature of the country's cities and towns.

Part of UK life

Chinatowns across the UK will be celebrating, including London, the largest Chinatown in Europe, and centres in Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Cardiff, and Glasgow. Their large, colourful arches will welcome visitors to celebrations which will involve traditional firework displays and lantern parades and dancing dragons.

Which animal are you?

Each Chinese New Year is associated with an animal. 2007 is the Year of the Pig or Boar, which is a sign connected to fertility. This means 2007 should be a prosperous year. Even those who aren't Chinese are aware of this and often know their own animal. One UK student said 'I know it's not my year, which is an ox, but I'll still go down to Chinatown to watch the parade.'

A British born view

'I'm not Chinese but it's become a habit to go into town on Chinese Year and see the fireworks. Why not? It's great to share festivals.' Suzanne, 32

'To be honest with you it isn't that special for me. We celebrate by giving each other little red envelopes with cash inside and going out for a meal. You're not supposed to shower or bath or wash your hair on the day as it will wash away all your luck - I don't really do it but I guess that if you were into it you would.' Chau, 27

Lisa Tse from Lancashire says 'it's great to mark the New Year. I spend time with my family. The change of animal is a sign of a fresh start and the colour red which is everywhere is energising and upbeat'. She believes that outdoor events in Chinatown help many cultures to mix together, to enjoy another's traditions.

Happy New Year whenever you are celebrating it!

Anatole and John
January 2007

人人过大年

对于多数英国人而言，新年始于1月1日。然而，对于华人社区而言，新年却始于春节，本次为2007年2月18日。英国众多的唐人街会欢度这一节日，这也成为英国城镇的特色之一。

融入英国生活

英国各地的唐人街，包括欧洲最大的唐人街伦敦以及伯明翰、曼彻斯特、利物浦、纽卡斯尔、加的夫和格拉斯哥等大都市的华人中心，会以各种方式庆祝华人的这一年度大节。他们的拱形门宽大绰约、五彩缤纷，迎接来自四面八方的宾客，共同加入他们的庆典活动。中国传统的烟花表演、灯笼游行和舞龙表演定会让你眼花缭乱、目不暇接。

你的属相是什么？

中国的每个春节均与一种动物相关联。2007年是猪年，预示着丰收之年。也就是说，2007年会兴旺富足。这一点几乎人人晓得，不独为华人所知，他们都能说上自己的属相来。一个英国学生说：“我知道不是我的本命年，我属牛，但我还是会去唐人街观看他们的游行。”

地道英国人的看法

“我不是中国人，但是去唐人街看春节庆祝和烟花表演已经成了一种习惯。为什么不呢？分享节日的庆典，难道不很开心吗？”苏珊妮（Suzanne），32岁

“说实话，这个节日对我而言没有那么与众不同。我们也庆祝，相互之间赠送红包，然后出去大吃一顿。春节那一天，你不可以洗澡，也不可以洗头，因为这样会洗走你的好运。我并没有完全遵从这些，但是我想如果换成你，十有八九你会遵从的。”查欧（Chau），27岁

兰开夏的莉莎•谢（Lisa Tse）说：“欢度春节确实很棒。我和家人一起度过。属相的变化标志着全新的开端。无所不在的红色令人热情迸发、乐观向上。”莉莎相信唐人街的户外活动有助于许多文化的融合，还有助于人们享受他人的文化传统。

无论何时何地，我们祝你春节快乐！

阿纳托尔和约翰（Anatole and John）
2007年1月