HANOI, Jan 20 (Reuters) – As China, Japan and different East Asian nations put together to have fun the beginning of the Lunar 12 months of the Rabbit on Sunday, the individuals of Vietnam shall be an exception – welcoming as a substitute the 12 months of the Cat.
There isn’t a official clarification for when and why the Vietnamese embraced the cat as a substitute of the rabbit.
One other smaller distinction within the in any other case virtually similar celebrations of the 12-year Chinese language Zodiac cycle is Vietnam’s adoption of the ever-present water buffalo within the 12 months of the Ox.
Ngo Huong Giang, a Hanoi-based tradition researcher, stated one purpose for choosing the cat may be that the time period for the rabbit within the Chinese language astrological ordering system is pronounced “mao” in Mandarin, which sounds much like the Vietnamese phrase for cat. Elevating rabbits can be not frequent in Vietnam.
What is for certain is that the Vietnamese will not be keen to alter their custom.
“It would not have the identical energy as a cat”, Hanoi resident, Ngo Quy Dung, stated of the rabbit, as he proudly famous that he was born 60 years in the past within the 12 months of the Cat.
One other resident of Hanoi, Nguyen Kim Chi, 64, agreed.
“The cat appears to be like extra majestic as a result of it additionally resembles a bit tiger,” she stated, whereas taking pictures apart from a big cat statue on the Central Park within the capital.
Sculptures of cats have popped up in public areas throughout the nation forward of the Lunar New 12 months, along with a myriad of cat charms and devices on sale in avenue stalls.
Some cafes maintain their cats of their retailers to draw clients.
To most Vietnamese, the cat is a agency household buddy that helps shield crops and meals from rodents, whereas additionally chasing away dangerous spirits and bringing good luck, researcher Giang stated.
Regardless of this, cats can nonetheless seem on the menu in rural areas, though authorities have banned the apply.
Further reporting by Phuong Nguyen;
Modifying by Francesco Guarascio, Robert Birsel
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