THE CHINESE New Year was seen in by Southampton's mayor in traditional style yesterday when members of the city's Chinese community staged a dance of celebration outside the Civic Centre.
Councillor Parvin Damani was entertained by dancers dressed in a Chinese lion costume as they hailed the beginning of the Year of the Monkey.
The origin of the new year goes back centuries and is thought to have originated as a spring festival in China. Although celebrations vary across Chinese communities, the underlying message is one of peace and happiness for families and friends.
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