Written by: Aiman Javed
Posted on: February 20, 2018 | 
| 中文
(L-R) Mrs. Yao Jing, Mr Roy Kappenberger and H.E. Mr Yao Jing
On 16th February, 2018 the Ambassador of People’s Republic of China to Pakistan, H.E. Mr Yao Jing, inaugurated the Chinese New Year celebrations at Islamabad Marriott Hotel. As the guest of honour, the ambassador was accompanied by his wife and son on the occasion, and several diplomats and ambassadors graced the event with their presence. The host for the evening was the General Manager of the Islamabad Marriott Hotel, Mr. Roy Kappenberger and the event was arranged in ‘Dynasty,’ the Asian cuisine restaurant of the hotel.
The Chinese New Year, which is celebrated in accordance with the Chinese Lunar Calendar, fell on 16th February, 2018. The year will draw to an end on 5th February, 2019. In accordance with Chinese New Year celebrations around the world, the colour red was dominant in the decorations, since it symbolizes good fortune and joy. The walkway was lit up with red lights and red lanterns hung from the ceiling.
In his speech, H.E. Mr Yao Jing remarked that this is the Year of the Dog, and the dog’s primary traits are those of loyalty and sincerity. Similarly, this year the relationship between Pakistan and China will continue to be one of loyalty and sincerity. “I would like to present our best wishes for your happiness, success and health,” he said, “and also for the future prosperity of Pakistan.”
A cake-cutting ceremony was held to mark the beginning of the celebrations. The delicious food prepared under the care of Mr. Zhou Bin, the Chinese Chef, was a big hit. Traditional dishes like steamed chicken buns, steamed red snapper and steamed green mussels were presented along with a wide variety of desserts.
The guests were eagerly awaiting the dance, when the beat of a drum resounded across the room. A man in red clothing began to beat a large drum, placed on one end of the room, and two yellow lions rushed inside. Manipulated by two dancers each, the lions were covered in fur and had large eyes. They danced to the beat of the drum, running from one end of the room to the other, and teased the children and adults alike. Several dignitaries took pictures with them.
The lion dance originated during the Three Kingdoms period (220–280 CE) in China, but became popular as a court dance during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE). Since then, it has remained a significant part of all Chinese festivals and especially the Chinese New Year. The lion is considered an auspicious animal in China, and thus the lion dance is said to bring good fortune to those who witness it. In China, there are variations in the Southern and Northern versions of the lion dance, but it is the Southern version which is most popular internationally.
Around 130 diplomats and foreign dignitaries attended the festivities, including the ambassadors of Nepal, Norway, Romania and Austria. Chinese and Pakistani businessmen, accompanied by their families, could also be seen enjoying the event.
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