Foreigners know more about the Spring Festival in China than we thought. How do they spend the traditional festivals in China?
The British will say, "Congratulations on your wealth."
During the Spring Festival, many China New Year items will be added to the streets of Britain. Non-Chinese restaurants will also add several "China New Year Special Meals", and British newspapers will also launch "China Week" to teach people to learn Chinese. Britain is also full of atmosphere to celebrate the Spring Festival. Take London as an example: On the first day of the New Year, 300,000 people (most of whom are not from China) shouted "Congratulations on getting rich" in Trafalgar Square in London. All China people are proud of the scene at that time. Celebrations such as dragon and lion dances, fireworks and firecrackers, military parades and cultural performances are dazzling. There are also cultural performances and fireworks displays in the two squares. The London police turned all the relevant blocks into pedestrian streets, and the celebration lasted for a whole day, unprecedented.
On this day, London almost became a China, with happy children holding rattles and balloon pigs; Men and women who like Chinese food squeeze into Chinatown to eat Chinese food; In the city center, young people use cameras, mobile phones and video cameras to save beautiful images of dragon and lion dances; Some English people simply put on Tang suits. . . London has become a city in China. Previously, there were two Spring Festival Lantern Festivals in London. Last year, 654.38 million people took part in this activity, and its distinctive cultural characteristics in China made the military parade a great success.
Why is the Spring Festival so influential in London? According to statistics, there are more than 80,000 China people in London, including more than 6,300 overseas students. They provided indispensable basic support for the settlement of China culture in London. According to the data of the London Investment Authority, Britain is the country that receives the most direct investment from China in Europe, and about one third of China's investment in Britain is in London. In the past five years, the number of China people arriving in London has increased by 45%, and their consumption has increased by 66%. Therefore, the Spring Festival in China has received special attention from the British government. In recent years, the active participation of British mainstream society, the spread of China culture and the high enthusiasm of British people have made the festive atmosphere of China Spring Festival spread rapidly in Britain.
France: I like it from the bottom of my heart
In recent years, with the increasingly frequent economic and cultural exchanges between China and France, French people have become more and more familiar with the Spring Festival in China. It is no exaggeration to say that the Spring Festival has quietly entered many French families, and the custom of the Spring Festival has become a part of their daily life.
On the eve of the Spring Festival, all the streets and alleys in France are covered with colorful flags. Not only the areas where China people live, but also the municipal squares in Paris will be covered with red lanterns. The festive atmosphere for welcoming the New Year is quite strong.
Carrefour and other famous French supermarket chains will open their counters to sell China food on the eve of the Spring Festival. Jiaozi is naturally a well-deserved best-selling champion. At this time, China restaurants will also usher in the annual order peak. "French people like to spend the New Year with China people. On New Year's Eve, the restaurant must be full, and even the seats must be booked in advance. " Mr. Ye said that he opened a Chinese restaurant in the 15 area where the middle class in Paris gathered.
The French celebrate the Spring Festival not only out of curiosity about oriental culture, but also because of their love and admiration for China culture. On the eve of the Spring Festival last year, former French President Jacques Chirac sent a Spring Festival message to all overseas Chinese living in France and Europe: "On February 18, we will celebrate the traditional New Year in China." The simple word "we" undoubtedly reflects President Chirac's recognition of the Spring Festival and China's traditional culture and customs. Other French dignitaries, including current President Nicolas Sarkozy, have also said similar things.