Two very important days in Chinese culture were commemorated in Suva over the weekend, officiated by President of Fiji Ratu Wiliame Katonivere in the presence of China’s Ambassador to Fiji Zhou Jian, Fiji Government ministers, Chinese community leaders, families and friends.
Hosted by the Fiji Chinese Association, the grand celebrations of feasting and cultural dances marked the National Day of China and the Mid-Autumn Festival.
“The Mi-Autumn Festival is also known as the Moon festival, a theme of a tradition that holds deep cultural significance to the Chinese community here and abroad,” Ratu Wiliame said in his speech.
The Chinese people, according to Mr Zhou in his speech, regard the 15th day of the 8th lunar month as a festival for family reunion and celebration “because on this day, the moon is the brightest and fullest of the year. On this day, families get together and eat moon cakes.”
President of the Chinese Association of Fiji Jenny Seeto in her speech shared the importance of the second event being celebrated — China’s National Day.
“The actual date for the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China is October 1, but it has become customary for our community in Fiji to celebrate the founding of the People’s Republic of China together with the Mid-Autumn Festival, since the dates for these events are very close,” Ms Seeto said.
“We are proud that Fiji continues to have a strong and enduring relationship with China. This was witnessed by our honourable Prime Minister’s recent very successful 10-day visit to China.
“The celebration of China National Day is a time to reflect on the remarkable journey China has taken from its humble beginnings to its status as the global powerhouse today, the vision, determination and resilience of those Chinese leaders who have laid the foundations for the country’s prosperity and progress have been remarkable.
“I personally have seen the amazing transformation in Chinese cities and rural areas since visiting China about 40 years ago. I have witnessed the phenomenal developments and my parents’ village is testament to that,” Ms Seeto said.
Ratu Wiliame and Ms Seeto acknowledged the contributions that the Chinese community have made to Fiji’s own nation building and the strong bilateral relations between Fiji and China.
