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Sunday, 18 February 2007, 00:45 GMT
In pictures: Chinese New Year
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The Lunar New Year is being celebrated by Chinese communities around the world as the year of the pig is ushered in.
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The colour red, loud noises and fearsome dancing dragons help ward off evil spirits that might appear on New Year's Eve.
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Every year at this time, China's transport network is stretched to the breaking point as hundreds of millions of people fulfil the duty to return to their hometowns.
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The year of the pig is supposed to bring good luck and prosperity. This time it is a golden pig year, especially auspicious, which comes around only every 60 years.
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Firecrackers are a regular feature of celebrations as the loud noise is meant to frighten evil spirits and bring good luck.
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Incense is lit and prayers are said to welcome the new year and encourage longevity at Chinese temples like this one in Taipei, Taiwan.
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Amidst all the celebrations, China has not forgotten it is hosting the Olympics in 2008, as this little girl meets the official mascots at Beijing's Ditan Park temple fair.
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Related to this story:
China ushers in year of the pig
(17 Feb 07 |
Asia-Pacific
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