Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang wished all Hong Kong citizens blessed, prosperous New Year and good health.

Tsang said in his new year message that "I hope we can all show more love to our family and friends, and so build a more harmonious and caring society together," according to a government press release on Saturday.

Sunday will be the first day of "the year of dog" and Hong Kong has four days of holidays starting as of Saturday.

The Chief Executive said "the Lunar New Year is here. When I was a child, I used to stroll around the flower markets with my family, and receive red packets. Those warm memories remain fresh in my mind."

He added "they were the only days I had new clothes to wear. We were not well off, and we treasured everything around us. When I was seven, my father bought a vase for 5 Hong Kong dollars (65 U.S. cents) to display the New Year flowers; it is still used in my home."

Tsang stressed that though "the society advances and the economy progresses, the capacity to cherish the people and things around us does not change."

Source: Xinhua