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Following is the translation of the Lunar New Year message delivered by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, today (February 6):
Fellow citizens,
The Lunar New Year is the most important festival to Chinese people. Every family will decorate their home to welcome the Spring Festival.
When I was a small boy, my family started preparations for the Lunar New Year early - my father painted the walls, my mother made the New Year treats of fried sesame balls and crispy triangles, and we six brothers and sister, while "stealing" big mouthfuls of treats, would help to put up red couplets and buy peach blossoms for decoration. I would also shoulder heavy duties like floor and window cleaning.
As our society advances and people become better off, the New Year decorative items on sale in the market are getting more and more exquisite and sophisticated. But such things are only secondary. Whether the celebrations are lavish or humble, the most important thing is that members of the family, young and old, can get together happily to share their stories.
We wish you good health, family harmony and many blessings to come in the Year of the Rat.
Ends/Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:00
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