Lunar New Year celebrations begin in many Asian countries. From China to Indonesia, from Vietnam to Korea, we welcome the arrival of the Year of the Tiger. A date that falls on February 1st this year and, like the last ones, is celebrated in silence due to concerns about the coronavirus and the spread of the virulent Omicron variant, even if the increasing vaccination rates in the Far East give hope for a return to life in May eat normally in the new year. The holiday season, also known as the Spring Festival in China, lasts 15 days and ends with the Lantern Festival on February 15th.
The tiger, the third of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, symbolizes boldness, power and strength to ward off evil and bring happiness and peace. The others are: the mouse, the buffalo, the hare, the dragon, the snake, the horse, the goat, the monkey, the rooster, the dog and the pig. The Tiger’s last year was 1962.
Yesterday at Sunday prayer, the Pope’s wish came from the Vatican: “May everyone enjoy peace, health and a peaceful and safe life in the New Year.” Today the wish came from space, graced by Chinese astronauts Zhai Zhigang, Wang Yaping and Ye Guangfu The central module of the Tianhe space station with traditional decorations and the Chinese character “Fu”, which means good luck.