China celebrates New Year

Today, February 10, is the beginning of the Chinese New Year - contrary to its common name, the holiday is celebrated not only in China, but throughout East Asia.

According to the lunar calendar, in the tradition of Asian countries, the patron of the year is now changing: instead of the dragon, it is the turn of the snake, which symbolizes beauty, wisdom and pride.

Traditionally, the holiday is celebrated in the family circle - about 200 million Chinese, including migrant workers, went home the day before. On the first day of the New Year, younger family members are supposed to visit their elders to show respect and remember their ancestors. Elders prepare gifts, and according to tradition, they most often give money.

Despite government environmental propaganda, fireworks and firecrackers exploded in the streets, and numerous colorful souvenirs were sold at fairs, mainly in the form of the symbol of 2013 - the black water snake. In the literal sense, the noisy celebration also goes back to ancient times - the Chinese use the roar of firecrackers to drive away evil spirits.

On Sunday night, 700 million Chinese watched the traditional New Year's gala broadcast on state TV. However, the main star was not the Chinese singer, but the Canadian Celine Dion, who performed the legendary song “I Will Love You Forever” from the film “Titanic.” It’s difficult to call the New Year’s show grandiose - this time the country’s leadership asked television workers to be more modest due to major financial scandals last year.

As part of the anti-corruption campaign, the country's authorities have imposed a ban on advertising of luxury goods.