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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| China ushers in year of the pig | China ushers in year of the pig |
| (about 14 hours later) | |
| People across China are celebrating the arrival of the Lunar New Year - China's most important festival which is seen as particularly auspicious this year. | People across China are celebrating the arrival of the Lunar New Year - China's most important festival which is seen as particularly auspicious this year. |
| The year of the pig is supposed to bring good luck and prosperity. But this time it is a golden pig year, which happens once in six decades. | The year of the pig is supposed to bring good luck and prosperity. But this time it is a golden pig year, which happens once in six decades. |
| Vast numbers have been on the move to be with their family for celebrations. | Vast numbers have been on the move to be with their family for celebrations. |
| Carnival dragons have been on parade and fireworks have been lighting up the night sky in Beijing and elsewhere. | Carnival dragons have been on parade and fireworks have been lighting up the night sky in Beijing and elsewhere. |
| State TV broadcast images of President Hu Jintao visiting a Chinese family to wish them well. | State TV broadcast images of President Hu Jintao visiting a Chinese family to wish them well. |
| Big shut-down | Big shut-down |
| The whole country of China has been getting ready to celebrate. | The whole country of China has been getting ready to celebrate. |
| YEAR OF THE GOLDEN PIG The pig is the last of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiacPigs symbolise good luck, but also turbulence2007 is the year of the fire (golden) pigBabies born in Golden Pig years are believed to be particularly lucky Celebrations in pictures | YEAR OF THE GOLDEN PIG The pig is the last of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiacPigs symbolise good luck, but also turbulence2007 is the year of the fire (golden) pigBabies born in Golden Pig years are believed to be particularly lucky Celebrations in pictures |
| There are red lanterns hanging in the parks, dragon dance performances and traditional fairs at some of the country's biggest temples. | There are red lanterns hanging in the parks, dragon dance performances and traditional fairs at some of the country's biggest temples. |
| More than 150 million people have been travelling, using whatever means of transport they can to get to their home town and join in family celebrations. | |
| Direct flights are also allowed between China and Taiwan for New Year. | Direct flights are also allowed between China and Taiwan for New Year. |
| Increased affluence and a greater number of migrant workers has added to the strain on China's transport system. | Increased affluence and a greater number of migrant workers has added to the strain on China's transport system. |
| 'Turbulence' | 'Turbulence' |
| The Year of the Golden Pig falls once every 60 years. | The Year of the Golden Pig falls once every 60 years. |
| Some soothsayers warn that the pig can bring turbulence, and warn of a rise in natural disasters and conflict in 2007. | Some soothsayers warn that the pig can bring turbulence, and warn of a rise in natural disasters and conflict in 2007. |
| The Year of the Pig will also be celebrated with greater sensitivity in some Asia countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia with large Muslim populations, which view pigs as offensive and unclean. | The Year of the Pig will also be celebrated with greater sensitivity in some Asia countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia with large Muslim populations, which view pigs as offensive and unclean. |
| How are you celebrating Chinese New Year? Were you born in the year of the Golden Pig? Are you in China and have you travelled to your home village? Send us your travel tales and hopes for the new year using the form below. | How are you celebrating Chinese New Year? Were you born in the year of the Golden Pig? Are you in China and have you travelled to your home village? Send us your travel tales and hopes for the new year using the form below. |
| Wherever you are, send us your celebration photos and video to: yourpics@bbc.co.uk or to send via MMS please dial +44 (0)7725 100 100. | Wherever you are, send us your celebration photos and video to: yourpics@bbc.co.uk or to send via MMS please dial +44 (0)7725 100 100. |
| Click here for terms and conditions on sending photos and video | Click here for terms and conditions on sending photos and video |