Cambodia prepares for Chinese New Year celebrations

Cambodians with Chinese descent have prepared to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year - the Year of the Rooster - which falls on Jan. 28.

Though it is not a public holiday in this Southeast Asian nation, the Chinese New Year, or known as Spring Festival, is broadly welcomed here.

"I'm a Cambodian with Chinese descent, so it's important for me to pray to my ancestors on the occasion," Phnom Penh resident Sam Ang told Xinhua on Wednesday while buying Chinese New Year decoration materials at a shop.

"I believe that the celebrations of Chinese New Year will bring good luck, health and fortunes in the New Year," he said.

Chinese New Year is the second largest New Year celebration in Cambodia after the Khmer Lunar New Year, he said, adding that the Spring Festival is also an occasion for family reunion and having dinner together.

Another Phnom Penh resident Ing Ming told Xinhua on Wednesday that his family celebrated the Chinese Spring Festival every year.

"I buy plum blossom saplings for Chinese New Year decorations," he said. "We believe that the plum blossom saplings can predict our business future. If the trees produce a lot of flowers, it's thought that our business throughout the year will make good earnings."

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong said last week that the Chinese New Year had been celebrated broadly around the world.

"In Cambodia, most Cambodian people as well as overseas Chinese celebrate the Spring Festival," he said. "The Cambodian people mark New Year three times a year, namely Universal New Year, Chinese New Year, and Cambodian New Year in April."

Phnom Penh Municipality issued a directive on Monday, ordering all levels of authorities to strengthen security and public order during the Chinese New Year celebrations.

To ensure security, safety and public order, fire-crackers and fireworks would be banned on the occasion, said the directive signed by Phnom Penh Municipal Governor Pa Socheatvong. Endit