The upcoming Spring Festival is China's invitation to the world to enhance mutual understanding, and share the courage and wisdom represented by the symbol of horse, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian at a regular press briefing in Beijing on Thursday.
As the Chinese New Year approaches, diverse celebrations are taking place worldwide. There are traditional elements, such as dragon and lion dance, lantern display, writing the character Fu, and Hanfu clothing experience. Innovative elements also abound, such as humanoid robots at the UN’s celebration, AI red envelopes, and digital goods for the festival.
Lin said at the press conference that this will be the second Spring Festival since its inscription on the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list. The festival is becoming a global holiday and a cultural feast for the world. The Spring Festival customs offer a glimpse of not only traditional Chinese culture but also modern technology and innovation, and become all the more invigorating when celebrated worldwide, he noted.
"The Spring Festival is China's invitation to the world to get to know its culture. Traditions such as family reunion, staying up late to ring in the new year, and exchanging Chinese New Year greetings shine a spotlight on the rich heritage and diverse charm, and touch a soft spot with people worldwide. As the world witnesses growing tension and division, the values embodied by the Spring Festival such as peace, inclusiveness and harmony is a source of warmth and resilience for the world. We look forward to welcoming even more foreign friends to come and celebrate the Spring Festival in China. We hope and believe that these Spring Festival journeys will become bridges between cultures and strong bonds that connect China with the rest of the world," Lin said.
"The Year of the Horse is just around the corner. Horse symbolizes courage, wisdom, diligence, resilience, and enterprise. Let us galvanize ourselves with the 'vigor of a galloping horse'- to use a Chinese idiom, enhance mutual understanding and exchanges, and make a common effort to energize world peace and development," said the spokesman.
Chinese Spring Festival serves as invitation to international friends: FM spokesman
