Is 2015 the year of the Goat?
Actually, Chinese people are also not quite sure about that. In Chinese the word 羊 (yáng) is a generic term, and can refer to a sheep (绵羊), goat (山羊), ram/buck (公羊 male sheep or goat), 羚羊 (antelope), etc. There is a lack of clear definition on the zodiac “Goat” in Chinese history.
However, most Chinese people and experts on folklore believe that the Chinese zodiac animal is the Goat, not the Sheep, and they have some evidence to support their idea…
Firstly, the Chinese zodiac is an invention of the Han Nationality, and goats were widely raised by the Han people (unlike sheep), so the zodiac animal is more likely to refer to a goat.
Secondly, a Goat image often appears on Chinese zodiac stamps, New Year paper cuttings, and New Year paintings (not a sheep).
Thirdly, the Goat was one of the 12 bronze statues of the Chinese zodiac at the Old Summer Palace. Although its head was lost, its present reproduction according to historical records is the image of a goat.
“On your marks”…
Actually, the owner of the fleet was telling this driver to be cautious
as the roads were wet and slippery.
As we knew that parking would be at a premium,
we decided to go to town in a Tuk-Tuk.
And what fun it was.
We were able to park the car in Melville
and head off without having to stress about blocked off roads etc.
BTW, is there a collective noun for Tuk-Tuks?
The Sentech tower at the top of the ridge in Auckland park.
We could have been in ANY International city.
Trevor, one of our party silhouetted in the light of our transport.
There was a variety of entertainment on offer…
These two youngsters were twirling sparklers
A face in the crowd…
There was a selection of food on sale.
The conflicting aromas made us salivate
and want to try many of the dishes on offer.
It has been MANY years since I have been to this part of Johannesburg.
This is the effect I got when I forget to lock off my tripod.
The Chinese version of KFC…but far tastier!
One of the many dishes on offer.
Let the festivities begin?
Not just yet…
This was the pre-fireworks display.
The audience was enthralled by the spectacle
The street light tries, unsuccessfully to compete with the display
The Johannesburg skyline…
I am certain that there will be detractors who say that this was a waste.
But try telling that to the thousands of people who enjoyed the display
Not even the rain could dampen the spirits of the thousands
that flocked to the lower end of Commissioner Street.
Johannesburg from my downtown rooftop vantage.
And rain drops on my lens
The display took less than 20 minutes,
but it felt like a lot longer.
Part of the grand finale.
Well done to Starburst Pyrotechnics for this enthralling display
Jozi, the city of gold.
For one night many different cultures joined to celebrate
a New Year
If you enjoyed this posting, you might also want to have a look at this:
http://www.davidbatzofin.com/2015/02/chinese-new-year-celebrations-in.html
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