The Chinese horoscope is one of the oldest in the world and revolves around 12 animals: the mouse, the buffalo, the tiger, the rabbit, the dragon, the snake, the horse, the goat, the monkey, the rooster, the dog and the pig.
The reason for the association of these animals with Chinese astrology is not known.
There are those who believe in the legend that Buddha invited all the animals of the world for a banquet, but only 12 will have attended. As a form of thanks, the Buddha assigned one year to each of them.
Another story tells us that, in ancient times, the Emperor of Jade ordered the animals to become part of the calendar, and that the 12 who arrived first would be the ones selected. The legend then follows the mouse and the cat, and the cheating that the first did to the second, and that’s why even today these animals don’t relate. Curious? Read this article from The Sun.
The Chinese New Year in Lisbon
Regardless of the year in which we are or the animal associated with it, the fact is that the Chinese people scattered around the four corners of the world celebrate with pride the arrival of the new year.
In 2017, parties around the Year of the Fire Rooster were no exception, including in Lisbon. The chosen stage was the Martim Moniz Square, as it is the most multicultural area of the Portuguese capital.
In an association between local government, the Chinese embassy in Portugal and the Ministry of Culture of the People’s Republic of China, parades, a market with traditional products and a series of performances marked the date.
From the Wu Opera Company of Zhejiang to the Pui Ching High School Dance Company from Macau, there were a great number of artists, musicians and athletes who passed the stage set up in Lisbon to raise awareness of Chinese culture.
What about you? Have you been to any Chinese New Year celebration? Share it in the comment box.
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