Happy Chinese Lunar New Year of the Earth Pig!

The Year of the Earth Pig began on 5th February 2019 and ended on 24th January 2020. Although the pig is the twelfth and last animal in the zodiac cycle, the pig is the symbol of wealth, honesty, practicality, abundance, diligence and generosity. People born in the Year of the Pig are gentle, care-free, well-rounded, sincere, compassionate, genuine and gullible. Earth is also the last of the five zodiac elements and is associated with patience and stability. Earth pigs are communicative, popular among their friends, have a lot support in both work and life, have fortunate lives and are able to find happiness.

Besides large family gatherings to look forward to, Joburg.co.za published a useful guide to the major public celebrations that took place in Gauteng. Entrance is free to all these events.

Cape Town

Video credit: Courtesy of 'Youtube / African News Network' (Thursday, 31st January 2019)

City of Cape Town executive mayor Dan Plato ushered in the Year of the Earth Pig by hosting 300 members of our Chinese community at the Cape Town Civic Centre and personally handing out red envelopes.

The Sunday gala event featured traditional dragon and lion dances, opera, drum and tea ceremony performances by Cape Town Hua Xing Arts Group.

Source credit: Courtesy of 'Facebook / M.J.Li Kungfu Champion' (Wednesday, 30th January 2019)

"2019 is the Year of the Pig in Chinese Lunar Calendar. As the symbol of good fortune, Pig represents auspiciousness and well-off. I wish you all great progress and prosperity in the Year of the Pig."

Dignitaries and invited guests were hosted by incoming Chinese Consul General in Cape Town Lin Jing at his Reception of Assumption of Office and in Celebration of Chinese New Year inside the Table Bay Hotel ballroom on Tuesday evening, 29th January 2019.

Source credit: Courtesy of 'Facebook / China Town Cape Town' (Monday, 4th February 2019)

On Sunday evening, 3rd February 2019, China Town Cape Town celebrated at the Cape Town Chinese School Community Centre in Observatory.

Cape Town Hua Xing Arts Group performed traditional Dragon and Lion dancing, M.J. Li and his students demonstrated their Tai Chi and Kung Fu skills and the Overseas Chinese Women's Association in Cape Town provided a Cheongsam / Qipao fashion show.

Source credit: Courtesy of 'Cape Times / Phando Jikelo' (Monday, 11th February 2019) newspaper

“Spring festival embodies some tradition in our culture, core values for example peace, harmony, family unification, family companionship and family love. Because it has embodied so many good things, I believe all guests are going to sense some essence of traditional Chinese culture." ~ Chinese Consul General in Cape Town Lin Jing

"I wish everyone a happy new year. The pig symbolises luck and good fortune." ~ Hu Jianhua, Chairperson of the Cape Town Association for the Peaceful Reunification of China

Shaolin Kung Fu Martial Arts Group, Tibetan dancers, Chinese Women’s Association Choir, classical musicians playing Chinese instruments and folk singers (representing some of China’s 56 ethnic groups) entertained hundreds of invited guests at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Sunday evening, 10th February 2019.

UJCI Chinese Spring Festival

Promotional material credit: Courtesy of 'University of Johannesburg Confucius Institute'

“The Confucius Institute envisions Chinese Spring Festival as a celebration for people of all ages and backgrounds, with Chinese and non-Chinese coming together to enjoy the beauty and majesty of Chinese culture through the ages. The Chinese New Year has become a special date on the University calendar, and the family-friendly celebrations are a fantastic opportunity to welcome local people to the University. As part of its mandate, the UJCI teaches African and Chinese culture as part of its annual activities. These cultural activities go a long way in strengthening Africa and China relationship far beyond high level political and business networks. It brings people-to-people experience making it much easier for cultural dimension of the strategic partnership between Africans and Chinese. It also offers an international experience for those interested in learning more about Chinese culture.” ~ Dr David Monyae, Director of the Centre for Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg, spoke about the celebration of cultural similarities.

Video credit: Courtesy of 'YouTube / ColourGlass TV' (Monday, 18th February 2019)

Over 100 people began early Spring Festival celebrations on Friday, 1st February 2019 at the University of Johannesburg Confucius Institute with traditional music, martial arts, folk dancing, arts and crafts, including special performances by the Nan Hua Performing Arts Group and Henan Province Intangible Cultural Heritage Performance Group.

See more photos in this China Plus South Africa news feature.

Newcastle

Source credit: Courtesy of 'Newcastle Advertiser' (Sunday, 3rd February 2019) newspaper

“The Chinese New Year is a time to celebrate and to count one’s blessings. We must pause and reflect on what took us forward together." ~ Chinese Consul General in Durban Fei Mingxing

"They can expect to end off this chapter in their lives with enthusiasm, but also have a down to earth approach like the pig.” ~ Organiser for the fifth consecutive year, Judy Hsiao, said residents could expect to tie off their loose ends.

The Newcastle Chinese and Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce and Industry began celebrations with devotional prayer and offering at Nan Hua Buddhist Temple in Victoria Street followed by a gala dinner at Ruyi Restaurant in Blackrock Casino and Hotel, on Saturday, 2nd February 2019.

Amajuba District Mayor Dr Musa Ngubane honoured dignitaries and members of our community with a presentation of certificates and red envelope ceremony as they all enjoyed a fashion show, martial arts demonstration and cultural performances by Johannesburg Huaxing Art Group.

Source credit: Courtesy of 'Newcastillian Online News' (Tuesday, 5th February 2019)

On Saturday, 23rd February 2019, the Newcastle Chinese Golf Association hosted their third annual Chinese New Year Charity Cup competition at Newcastle Golf Club and donated R 10,000 each to St Anthony’s Child and Youth Care Centre and SAVF Louis Hildebrandt Kinderhuis in oSizweni township and Volksrust respectively.

Source credit: Courtesy of 'Newcastillian Online News' (Wednesday, 27th February 2019)

Pretoria

Source credit: Courtesy of 'Pretoria News / Oupa Mokoena' (Tuesday, 5th February 2019) newspaper

"We are hosting this reception to appreciate together with our friends the diverse Chinese tradition and culture, and share happiness, prosperity and harmony of the Chinese New Year.” ~ H.E. Ambassador Lin Songtian

Over 1,000 dignitaries, diplomats and invited guests attended the Chinese New Year celebratory dinner hosted by the Chinese Embassy in South Africa at the Time Square Sun Arena in Pretoria on Sunday, 3rd February 2019.

The event included an interactive display of cultural heritage, traditional cuisine prepared by Shun De Chinese Restaurant, Chung Wah Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe performance, Tianjin Martial Arts Troupe demonstration from China and more.

Welcoming the Year of the Pig

Article credit: Courtesy of ‘Saturday Star’ (9th February 2019) newspaper front page

Ng Shue Chee, Leanne, Gabrielle and Christine Pon were among the families in our community and around the world that celebrated the start of our Spring Festival on Tuesday, 5th February 2019.

Casinos

Video credit: Courtesy of 'YouTube / CGTN Africa' (Tuesday, 12th February 2019)

Visitors to the Sun City Resort and Casino's Monkey Spring Plaza on Saturday evening, 9th February 2019 were entertained with free cultural performances by Chung Wah Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe and fireworks display by Starburst Pyrotechnics.

Video credit: Courtesy of 'YouTube / Starburst Pyrotechnics SA' (Thursday, 31st December 2020)

Source credit: Courtesy of 'Facebook / Chung Wah Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe' (Wednesday, 27th February 2019)

Chung Wah Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe also performed at Carnival City and Emperors Palace Casinos. Chan's Dragon and Lion Dance Team RSA thrilled crowds at Emperor Palace Casino and Montecasino.

Nan Hua Temple

Promotional material credit: Courtesy of ‘Facebook / Nan Hua Temple’ (Wednesday, 14th November 2018)

The Fo Guang Shan Nan Hua Temple in Bronkhorstspruit ushered in 2019 with their annual New Year Eve Fireworks and Lantern Display Show.

Special-themed traditional lanterns were on display until the end of February, from 9am to 4pm.

Poster credit: Courtesy of ‘Rosebank Killarney Gazette’ (Friday, 1st February 2019) newspaper p. 4/20

Promotional material credits: Courtesy of 'Facebook /Nan Hua Temple' (Tuesday, 8th January 2019)

Artikel krediet: Te danke aan ‘Beeld’ (Vrydag, 1ste Februarie 2019) koerant

"Always well-rounded and auspicious" is a Chinese New Year message from Venerable Grand Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan. "2019 is the Year of the Pig, an animal that symbolizes a way to round up the year and start a new beginning of life. One homonym for the Chinese character 猪 (zhū, pig) is 'all' or 'everything', which also represents a good wish for all to have a well-rounded and auspicious year."

"In Chinese culture, families and friends give each other, even employers give their employees these red envelopes. Inside there's a coin or note of money, which symbolizes good luck. And there's a saying in Chinese, 'Get rich', which means growing in the mind, spiritually and also in wealth." ~ Event co-ordinator and tour guide Sipho Segubudu told viewers of eNCA Morning News Today on Wednesday, 6th February 2019.

Taipei Liaison Office in South Africa representative Matthew Wei-Chung Chou said "The Pig represents the completion of a cycle, as the Pig is the twelfth sign of the Chinese Zodiac. In life, every end is a new beginning, and it is in that spirit that today we look forward to the coming year with hope and aspirations in our hearts."

"When we were young, we were given piggy banks where we can save our pocket money. When it filled up, we were overjoyed with the little fortune we accumulated. I sincerely hope that in this new year, we can all learn to grow and manage our wealth properly. Learn to express gratitude to others and to cherish what we already have in life.” said Venerable Yi Chun, mentor and senior.

Their annual Chinese New Year Cultural Festival began on Sunday, 10th February 2019 with the traditional candle lighting ceremony followed by the official opening.

Over 100 traditional handicraft (calligraphy, lantern and zodiac painting) and food stalls sold strictly vegetarian Chinese, Cantonese, Taiwanese and Asian street food (from vegetable fritters, stinky tofu, fried noodles, bubble tea, matcha ice cream, vegan hot dogs to fish and chips and more). There were several other inspiring events for all to enjoy including a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, meditation sessions and Buddhism related displays.

A variety of multi-cultural performances, included Nan Hua Performing Arts Group drumming, Buddha's Light International Association Young Adults Division (BLIA YAD), Chan's Dragon and Lion Dance Team RSA, SA Taiwanese Hakka Association, Indian, Scottish and Spanish dancing, martial artists and others, delighted everyone.

Source credit: Courtesy of 'Facebook / Nan Hua Temple' (Sunday, 10th February 2019)

The festival was reported on page 3 of the Pretoria News (Monday, 11th February 2019) newspaper.

Video credit: Courtesy of 'YouTube / CGTN Africa' (Thursday, 14th February 2019)

WPCA - Chinese New Year Lunch

Poster credit: Courtesy of 'Facebook / Western Province Chinese Association (WPCA)' (Monday, 14th January 2019)

More than 450 guests were hosted by the Western Province Chinese Association (WPCA) at their annual Chinese New Year Lunch on Sunday, 10th February 2019 at the Cape Town Chinese School Community Centre in Observatory.

Guests included Juliet Liang, who celebrated her 91st birthday with her family.

Traditional drumming, lion and dragon dancing were performed by the Cape Town Hua Xing Arts Group.

Video credit: Courtesy of 'J. Eagles' (Sunday, 10th February 2019)

Source credit: Courtesy of 'Facebook / Capetown Huaxing' (Sunday, 10th February 2019)

The celebration was featured in the Southern Suburbs Tatler (Thursday, 14th February 2019) newspaper.

Johannesburg

Source credit: Courtesy of 'Facebook / ChinAfrica Magazine' (Thursday, 14th February 2019)

Dignitaries, diplomats, academics, media and leaders were hosted by Chinese Consul General in Johannesburg Ruan Ping at a Spring Festival reception in Sandton on Wednesday, 13th February 2019.

They sang both national anthems, listened to speeches, tasted traditional cuisine and enjoyed cultural performances by the University of Johannesburg Confucius Institute, Johannesburg Huaxing Art Group and Shaolin Kung Fu Martial Arts Group.

Oriental City Rivonia

Source credit: Courtesy of 'Facebook / Oriental City SA' (Friday, 15th February 2019)

Oriental City Rivonia hosted their Chinese New Year - South Africa Oriental Culture Dragon Festival on Friday, 15th February 2019 inside the mall at 3pm, followed by a street party and controlled fireworks display from 6pm in the boulevard.

View more photographs published by ChinaAfrica Magazine (Friday, 15th February 2019).

Chan's Dragon and Lion Dance Team RSA performed at China City Wholesale Center in New Doornfontein, Johannesburg on Sunday, 17th February 2019.

New Chinatown, Cyrildene

Source credit: Courtesy of ‘City Press’ (Sunday, 17th February 2019) newspaper

Chinese New Year festivities organised by the Chinatown Johannesburg Community Committee in Derrick Avenue, Cyrildene were held on Saturday, 16th February 2019.

View ChinAfrica Magazine's (Thursday, 21st February 2019) photograph gallery.

Video credit: Courtesy of 'YouTube / Lightasm Unrestrained Photography' (Monday, 25th February 2019)

The celebration was also featured in articles by the Heritage Portal. (Friday, 1st March 2019) and The Star (Monday, 11th March 2019) newspaper.

Stellenbosch

Source credit: Courtesy of 'Confucius Institute at Stellenbosch University' (Wednesday, 20th February 2019)

Staff and students from the Confucius Institute at Stellenbosch University (CISU) hosted their annual Chinese Lantern Festival with cultural performances including local schools and Cape Town Hua Xing Arts Troupe on Wednesday, 20th February 2019.

First Chinatown, Johannesburg

Promotional material credit: Courtesy of 'The Chinese Association of Gauteng (TCA)'

"We are promoting the Chinese culture and tradition to the broader South African community. We saw westerners, Asians, natives, all races and colours joining us. This congregation negates negative narratives in the media. We are a loving and friendly people."

Erwin Pon, the Chairman of The Chinese Association, Gauteng (TCA), explains in a China Daily newspaper interview below why and how Spring Festival is celebrated in South Africa.

Article credit: Courtesy of ‘China Daily – Hong Kong’ (Monday, 4th February 2019) newspaper p.8

Article credit: Courtesy of ‘Joburg East Express’ (Tuesday, 5th February 2019) newspaper p. 4/8

TCA held their annual Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival - Street Celebration with Spectacular Musical Firework Display on Saturday, 23rd February 2019, at 11 Commissioner Street, First Chinatown in Johannesburg.

The stalls used a cashless wristband tag system which could be purchased and loaded with amounts.

Photo credit: Courtesy of 'Facebook / Joburg Photowalkers / Vivienne Murray' (Sunday, 3rd March 2019)

"We have a mixed community who have come to join us to celebrate the Chinese New Year. This is heartwarming. I would like to everyone a prosperous New Year." ~ Deputy Chinese Consul General in Johannesburg Qu Boxun

"This celebration is unique. As you know, Johannesburg is the melting pot of all cultures. If we unite in our diversity we will create a better world. We can do more to move our country forward if we show this unity. This is wonderful. As Chinese, we welcome people of other cultures." ~ Cllr Michael Sun, MMC for Public Safety in the City of Johannesburg