Lunar New Year celebrations in China after 3 years of restrictions

Jan 22 2023

As the Year of the Rabbit takes over from the Year of the Tiger on January 22nd, millions of families across the world celebrated the Lunary New Year, or Spring Festival, in China.

The 15 day celebration comes after three years COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions, and all see the traditional exchange of ‘red packets’ of money, lion dances, fireworks and, finally, travel.

Chunyun, the 40-day period surrounding the festival, sees many Chinese travel to mainland China to their hometowns to be with their families. This is considered to be the world’s biggest human migration.

And, given the relaxation of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, more families are expected to be reuniting with their loved ones as they finally celebrate in the way it is meant to be.

The occasion is observed by many people of Chinese descent and is also commemorated in other Asian countries including South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and Singapore.

The previous Year of the Tiger was seen as a symbol of strength, bravery and exorcising evils. This time around, the Year of the Rabbit, which is the fourth animal in the zodiac sequence of 12, is seen as one of great luck.

People born in the year of the rabbit are believed to be vigilant, witty, quick-minded and ingenious. The zodiac also incorporates five elements: metal, wood, water, fire and earth, which rotate for each year on which the sign falls.

Coming every 60 years, this Rabbit is believed to be the Water Rabbit, which last came in 1903 and 1963.

#MaltaDaily

No minors found in Paceville establishments in 2022: PN MP raises doubts

Jan 22 2023

Recently elected Nationalist Party MP Albert Buttigieg has raised doubts over Minister Byron Camilleri’s response to his question as to how many minors were found by police in Paceville establishments between January and December of 2022.

According to the Minister for Home Affairs, Security, Reforms and Equality, zero minors were found in any Entertainment Mecca establishment.

This was in response to question 4697 by Buttigieg, who went on to post to Facebook saying that he hopes the Minister answers more realistically when he asks about how many minors were found drinking or intoxicated with alcohol.

‘Sometimes I feel like we exist in to different worlds’ said the MP. ‘I invite the Minister to visit Paceville and for the police to be more pro-active!’

Buttigieg has raised similar concerns over the years before his election into the cabinet having been the mayor of St Julian’s. He was elected after the passing of Robert Arrigo.

Two dogs rescued after walking into a school for shelter

Jan 22 2023

Posting to Facebook, page ‘Rescued is my Favourite Breed – Lulu Arpa’ recounted the story of Harry and Meg, two dogs who were rescued after walking into a school.

The dogs were picked up by Animal Welfare from a school they walked into to seek shelter as temperatures dropped, slowly building trust towards their rescuers following a vet visit and treatment.

The Facebook page explained how 2 to 4 dogs are rescued on normal days, but the day Harry and Meg were found, 7 dogs were rescued.

‘Luckily we had help from the MSPCA. However we still used up the last pen and this inseparable couple is with us in the office. They’re scared and it is quiet. It is good for them’ the page explained.

‘These dogs need YOU. When you adopt you’ll be saving a minimum of two dogs. The one you adopt and the one that takes that pen to save another life. When you buy you are adding to the problem in more ways than one… Especially if you don’t know where that puppy is coming from!’

#MaltaDaily

Is it raining outside? Here are some activities to do at home!

Jan 22 2023

You can still enjoy a rainy day! Just because you’re stuck indoors (unless you’re one of the more adventurous types!), doesn’t mean you can’t be innovative, productive or entertained – or all at once!

Hit the kitchen and try out a new recipe! Pizzas, cocktails, whatever it may be…

Curl up with a hot beverage and finish that book you’ve been meaning to read.

Organise your wardrobe and maybe set aside clothes you could to donate!

You don’t really need those 2K+ photos on your camera roll. Now’s the time to clear it all up.

Still feeling lonely? FaceTime your long-distance pal who you haven’t seen in a while.

Take some time to introspect – practice mindfulness, journalling or your preferred practice!

Drive your neighbours nuts with some family time or even solo karaoke.

Feeling adventurous? Put on your boots and raincoat and find the nearest puddle.

How do you normally spend a rainy day?

#MaltaDaily