China has rung in the New Year with fireworks and traditional ceremonies
China has rung in the New Year with fireworks and traditional ceremonies.
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In Beijing, an ancient bell was struck 108 times, to symbolise the end of any bad luck from the previous year.
Resident Ji Yonghong, 31, told reporters: “In 2014, the Year of the Horse, a lot of really tragic things happened. For instance, the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 incident, and other plane crashes.
“The Year of the Horse really was extreme, with many disasters and accidents. I hope that this Year of the Goat will be a peaceful year, and I hope there will be progress towards world peace.”
The goat is the eighth animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac calendar. But the symbol, yang, can also mean sheep.
Firework displays have also been held across the country for the New Year celebrations-
However, it is reported there have been fewer displays than in previous years, however.
Concerned about rising pollution, officials have limited the amount of fireworks that can be bought and also the number of outlets that can sell them.
Year of the Sheep/Goat
Years: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027.
Animal signs in the Chinese Zodiac
Rat – Ox – Tiger – Rabbit – Dragon – Snake – Horse – Sheep/Goat – Monkey – Rooster – Dog – Pig