By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE rabbit is cute, fluffy and fertile.
For the Chinese, the rabbit is the fourth animal in the Chinese zodiac representing the moon.
Legend has it that Rabbit was proud and even arrogant of its speed, making fun of the Ox who was large and slow.
One day, the Jade Emperor said the zodiac order would be decided by the order in which the animals arrived at his party. Rabbit set off at daybreak and did not see any other animal at the palace upon his arrival so, he decided to take a nap on the side.
By the time he woke up, three other animals had already arrived including the Ox.
The year 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit for the Chinese people and the Chinese New Year officially began on January 22, 2023.
Celebrations go on for about a two-week period in China and is considered one of the main events in the Chinese calender.
The celebration is similar to that of Christmas with persons of Chinese heritage meeting with up with friends, family and associates to share food and gifts in the form of money placed in traditional Chinese red envelopes.
Chinese Ambassador visits Chinatown, Charlotte Street
On January 20, Ambassador of China to Trinidad and Tobago Fang Qiu and Embassy Councillor Yang Han did a symbolic walkabout in Chinatown, Charlotte Street.
Secretary of Fui Toong On Association (FTOA) Raymond Chin Asang posted on social media that it was a pleasure to welcome the Chinese diplomats and their entourage to the oldest Chinese Association in the country, sharing Chinese tea and dim sum – a traditional Chinese dish.
Chin Asang also took the opportunity to brief the foreign diplomats on his proposed 2023 FTOA Chinatown 7K Road Race, where all the registration fees will be channelled towards a fund for the less fortunate in the national community. The Ambassador pledged the full support of the Chinese Embassy and delegated the Councillor to convene a meeting of stake-holders within the Chinese community as well as National and Government bodies.
The race is very special especially to Chin Asang. He told AZP News the race will be dedicated to his parents who were heavily involved in the association after migrating to Trinidad during World War II.
T&T’s Ambassador to China gives greetings
Ambassador of Trinidad and Tobago to China, Analisa Low in her New Year’s greetings said, “As we enter the year of the Rabbit, may we leap towards new opportunities, escape form bad luck and misfortune and find peace, prosperity and happiness.
“I convey best wishes to all of our Chinese friends for a happy and healthy 2023. May the friendship and close ties between the people of Trinidad and Tobago and China, flourish and reach new heights this year.”
Low was also present in Trinidad when the association celebrated the conventional New Year on January 1.
Greetings from the UN
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had also extended greetings to the Chinese people on January 18.
He said, “I am pleased to send my warmest greetings as we enter the year of the rabbit. The rabbit is a symbol of energy and dexterity. These are qualities we need as humanity faces as different tests. I thank China for your partnership with the United Nations and support for its international cooperation.
“By working together as a global community, we can get a better sense of peace, sustainable development and a better world for all. In a spirit of hope and new beginnings, I wish you and your families good health, prosperity and happiness in the Lunar New Year.”
Celebration in Chaguaramas
On Sunday, celebrations continue with dragon races as an exhibition, dragon dance, other Chinese dances and specialty Chinese dishes at Rock back Chaguaramas (The Anchorage).
The event is organised by the Chinese Embassy along with several Chinese associations, Chin Asang said.
The all day event begins at 8 am and is scheduled to ends at 4 pm.
The event is free to the public and will be the largest and last celebration for the Chinese New Year as the two-week period is ending.
In his Chinese New Year greetings, Chin Asang said, “Happy Chinese New Year especially to the Chinese diaspora. We may need to engage all the qualities of the Rabbit in 2023. We will have to be smart and agile, kind to our fellow citizens and strive for peace and harmony in our society.
