ASHGABAT (TCA) — Authorities in Turkmenistan have introduced an unofficial ban on the use of the symbols of the year 2019 featuring the earth pig when decorating the capital city, Ashgabat, in the run-up to the New Year’s holidays, independent foreign-based news website Chronicles of Turkmenistan reports.
The images of Santa Klaus and various animals – sheep and dogs, rather than pigs – are used in city decorations.
In Islam, the pig is considered an unclean animal.
At the same time, souvenir products featuring pigs are available at bazaars and state-run stores for house decorations.
The Turkmen President demonstrated a different attitude toward the symbols of the previous years. 2018 was proclaimed by Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov not only as the year of the dog, but the year of Central Asian Shepherd Vepaly, which became the mascot of the Asian Games and the Amul-Khazar car rally.
In the run-up to the New Year the President predicted a good year “based on astrology” and said that “Central Asian Shepherd is a man’s loyal companion that is always ready to protect those who need help. All the year round the dog keeps vigil to protect peaceful life and is always fair and faithful”.
The President was wearing a red suit for the New Year’s Eve in 2017, which was the year of the flamed-coloured rooster.
