China Rings in the New Millennium with Ancient Tradition and Modern Pomp

Strategic Insights -

As the clock struck midnight on December 31, 1999, the People's Republic of China joined the rest of the world in celebrating the beginning of a new millennium. In Beijing, the giant bronze China Centenary Bell, the largest in the nation, chimed 21 times at the China Centenary Altar, marking the occasion with a rich cultural heritage. The sacred flame, taken from the site where the "Peking Man" fossil was discovered in the 1920s, was lit by Chinese President Jiang Zemin, symbolizing the country's commitment to its ancient traditions and its place in the modern world.

Key Takeaways:

  • The China Centenary Bell, weighing 50 tons and measuring 6.8 meters high and 3.38 meters in diameter, was specially cast for the millennium celebration and features inscriptions of the national anthem and major historical events of the 20th century.
  • Bells have been an integral part of Chinese culture for over 5,000 years, with traditional rings during major festivals and grand ceremonies.
  • The "Zhonghua Hezhong", the Chinese Bells of Harmony, a set of bells placed near the Forbidden City in downtown Beijing, sounded in unison with the Yongle Bell in the Big Bell Temple in northwestern Beijing, creating a symphony of sound across the capital.
  • A 1.9-meter-high bell was sounded from the Huangdiling in northwest Shaanxi Province, the birthplace of Chinese civilization, as the country marked the turn of the century with a blend of ancient and modern traditions.
  • Thousands of bells rang out across China, spreading the Chinese people's best wishes for peace, prosperity, and happiness in the new millennium.
  • The event featured a unique blend of modern pomp and ancient traditions, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage and its desire to moving forward while honoring its roots.

Statistics:

  • 21, the number of times the China Centenary Bell chimed to mark the beginning of the new millennium.
  • 50 tons, the weight of the China Centenary Bell.
  • 6.8 meters high, the height of the China Centenary Bell.
  • 3.38 meters in diameter, the diameter of the China Centenary Bell.
  • 5,000 years, the length of time bells have been an integral part of Chinese culture.
  • 579 years, the age of the Yongle Bell in the Big Bell Temple in northwestern Beijing.
  • 1.9 meters high, the height of the bell sounded from the Huangdiling in northwest Shaanxi Province.

Sources:

  • XINHUA - "When clock struck zero hours here today, the giant bronze China Centenary Bell, the largest in the nation, chimed 21 times at the China Centenary Altar in western Beijing."
  • COMTEX (http://www.comtexnews.com) - "News Provided by COMTEX"