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Blair congratulates Chinese community on Lunar New Year
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-01-24 10:54
British Prime Minister Tony Blair has sent out his message of congratulation
on the forthcoming 2006 Chinese Lunar New Year Day, which falls on Jan. 29.
In a recent message addressed to Chinatown Chinese Association in London,
Blair said, "I am delighted to send my best wishes to the Chinese community for
the New Year and to wish everyone happiness in the forthcoming Year of Dog."
Blair said that the festival has always been important to the Chinese
community. Traditionally, it marks the start of ploughing planting and the earth
coming back to life.
The celebrations, Blair said, now reach out well beyond the Chinese community
and are shared and enjoyed by people from all backgrounds.
"The festival gives us all the chance both to reflect on the great
contribution of the Chinese community to this country's success, prosperity and
culture and how we all gain from the diversity of our society," the British
prime minister said in the message.
There are about 200,000 Chinese working or studying in the UK and a lot more
people of Chinese origins living in the country. The forthcoming Chinese Lunar
Year of the Dog starts on Jan. 29.
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