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Today is day one of a brand new year for the Chinese. It is the lunar New Year and for the Chinese it is the beginning of the Year of the Ox. And as per tradition, leaders of the Chinese community in Belize marked the auspicious occasion with the sound firecrackers and a colourful celebration in the streets of Belize City. Today was the first of 15 days of celebration and President of the Chinese Association Lee Mark Chang told us what the celebration is all about.

Lee Mark Chang, President – Chinese Assoc.
“Today is Chinese New Year and we are going around to the business establishments to wish them happy new year.”

Keith Swift,
And this is the year of the?

Lee Mark Chang,
“Ox.”

Keith Swift,
What does that mean?

Lee Mark Chang,
“It means you’re durable, you’re strong. We’re visiting the establishments with lions and the firecrackers to scare away evil spirits or bad deeds that are in the businesses or in the home.”

Keith Swift,
How long is the Chinese year?

Lee Mark Chang,
“The Chinese year is different that the year as we know it. It is a lunar year and it equals out to every sixty years.”

The ox represents prosperity through fortitude and hard work. Last year was the year of the rat. The next Chinese New Year will be on February 14th 2010 and that will be the start of the year of the tiger.