Chinese Spring Festival, Year of the Dragon [1]
Thursday, February 8, 2024 - 22:51. Updated on Friday, February 23, 2024 - 13:07.
By Tupou Vaipulu Jr.
A Spring Festival celebration marking the Chinese New Year was hosted by the Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Chinese Embassy to the Kingdom of Tonga, Mr Ruan Dewen in Nuku'alofa last night, Wednesday 7 February 2024.
Mr Ruan said that the Chinese New Year holds profound cultural significance for the Chinese people both at home and abroad. It marks the beginning of a new lunar year, symbolizing renewal, hope, and the promise of a fresh start.
According to the Chinese Calendar, 2024 is the Year of the Dragon, also known as Loong, which is the fifth of the 12-year cycle of animals. People who are born in the Year of the Dragon are said to be charismatic, intelligent, confident, powerful.
The Crown Prince Tupouto’a and Princess Sinaitakala Tuku’aho were joined by members of the extended Royal Family at the event. Also attending were the Acting Prime Minister, Hon Samiu Vaipulu, cabinet ministers and government officials.
Hon. Samiu Vaipulu said that this Spring Festival, matches with the Moon Phase in Tonga, which is in transition from its new moon phase to its first quarter from 10-17 February and is called “Vai Mu’a” or Preceding Rain.
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