This Sunday more than 1.5 billion people worldwide will welcome in the Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year. One of the most important holidays in Asia, it is an estimated that 200 million people have traveled in order to celebrate this centuries old custom with their families. This is the Year of the Snake according to the Chinese zodiac, whereas 2012 was the Year of the Dragon.
The holiday, which is called the Spring Festival in China, is marked by traditional dishes including roast duck, long noodles which represent long life, whole fish with head and tail attached that symbolize family wholeness and sweet red bean soup for a sweet new year.
Leaders across the globe shared warm wishes for those celebrating the Chinese New Year or the beginning of the Year of the Snake. Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper released a statement on Friday extending his best wishes to those celebrating the New Year in Canada and around the world. "The many fireworks and parades marking this special occasion always remind me of how alive and well the vibrant Chinese culture is in our country," said Harper. "It also reminds us of the enormous contributions by Chinese Canadians to build the great nation we have today."
In addition, Sir Arthur Alexander Foulkes, the governor-general of the Bahamas, wished a happy holiday to the Chinese people at a reception in the Chinese Embassy to the Bahamas on Saturday. "On behalf of the government and people of the Bahamas, I wish the Chinese people a very happy new year. We value very highly our friendship with China," he said.
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