Brussels welcomes the year of the Pig 豬年

The Chinese New Year is dictated by the lunar cycle, starting between January 20 and Febuary 21.  We were in the year of the Dog that began last February 16, 2018 and last until February 4, 2019.

Now it’s time to welcome the year of the Pig. Traditionally this marks a period of 10 days of festivities and is a time that Chinese families organise reunions and social gatherings. Multiple festivities will also take place in Brussels in order to welcome the Dog’s year.

People born in the Year of the Pig are said to be bon vivants, cheerful, optimistic, generous, kind and tolerant people

The Year of the Pig pic.twitter.com/EgKzeDBmWF

— Stone Cold (@stonecold2050) February 7, 2019

According to the legend, the 12-year cycle of the animals of Chinese astrology arose when the heavenly Jade Emperor announced that the fastest animals to reach him would be chosen and ranked accordingly.  The clever Rat was the first to arrive, but the Pig came last, having stopped to take a nap on the way.  Nevertheless, although he took his time, the more relaxed Pig still got a year named after him, the last in the 12-year cycle.

« People born in the Year of the Pig are said to be bon vivants, cheerful, optimistic, generous, kind and tolerant people » explains Linda Sansbury from the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels. « They know how to enjoy life and make faithful friends, hard-working colleagues and passionate, caring lovers.  Some of these good qualities should infuse this Year of the Pig, with the family and loved ones at the centre of attention.   It is said to be an auspicious year to find a soul mate, get married or have a child.  A year to recharge one’s batteries before the new 12-year cycle that starts on 25 January 2020 with the more energetic Year of the Rat » she concludes.

Celebrations and wishes from Brussels

The Mission of China to the European Union, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels, Huawei, and Tangla Hotel are organising multiple events in order to welcome the Pig’s year in Brussels. As of tonight, Huawei is taking over the festivities at Concert Noble. Tangla Hotel also expects a lot from this new year: « The Year of the Pig, is expected to be a good one at Tangla Hotel Brussels. So many new projects and partnerships will bloom to enhance our guests’ experience this year. In fact, this year, we expect to fully open our second restaurant, Tang Dynasty. » says Cassie Fréquelin from Tangla Hotel Brussels.