China is rejoicing as the Spring Festival, the oldest and most significant traditional festival in Chinese culture, has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition marks a milestone in celebrating the rich traditions and cultural practices that define the festival.
A spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Lin Jian, expressed warm congratulations on the listing, emphasizing China's hope that the Spring Festival becomes a moment of joy for people around the world. \"We have many Spring Festival traditions, such as writing the character 'fu,' which means good fortune, hanging Spring Festival couplets, making dumplings, and watching dragon dance and lion dance performances, which I believe many of you are familiar with,\" Lin stated.
The Spring Festival is celebrated in nearly 20 countries and by approximately one-fifth of the global population, according to Lin. Last year, the 78th UN General Assembly recognized the Lunar New Year as a UN floating holiday, further highlighting its global significance.
Lin highlighted that the festival embodies values of peace, amity, and harmony, which are cherished by the Chinese civilization. These values make the Spring Festival not only meaningful for China but also accessible and enjoyable for people worldwide.
With the Spring Festival of the Year of the Snake approaching in about six weeks, China is extending an invitation to friends from all over the world to experience the vibrant and diverse culture of the festival. \"We very much hope that the festival's cultural message will contribute to a world of fewer conflicts, harmony among civilizations, and amity among peoples of the world. Hope the Spring Festival will be a moment of joyfulness shared by all,\" Lin concluded.
Reference(s):
China hopes Spring Festival will be moment of joyfulness shared by all
cgtn.com
