Tsing Wah owner Anthony Kwong said Tuesday was the first day of the new year, the Year of the Pig.

“It’s a festive season for 15 days,” Mr Kwong said.

The pig is the 12^th animal in the Chinese zodiac and are symbols of wealth and fortune in Chinese culture, chinesenewyear.net states.

“There are 12 animal signs. To each of those people born in different years, the Year of the Pig can mean a different thing,” he said.

“For people who are Year of the Rooster, like myself, apparently we are going to be very busy with travelling and business, so I think on my side it will be the business.”

As the year starts on a week day Mr Kwong, and his wife Catty Kwong, decided to hold a community celebration on Saturday afternoon.

“We wanted the local community to be involved, so we chose the first Saturday of the Chinese New Year,” he said.

Celebrations include crackers, a lion dance, a duck dance by women from the Scottsdale Chinese community and a wasabi sushi eating competition.

“For Year of the Pig we are going to give away cuddly little pigs to random shoppers and hopefully that will bring good luck for those people who do score one. It’s a lucky sign if you can actually get the pig,” Mr Kwong said.

Other giveaways include hanging Chinese knots, noodles, lollies and fortune cookies.

“The day is about getting the community together. The Chinese have a saying – bringing people to you – so that is one of the reasons we like having lots of people here. It brings a good vibe.”

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