Despite negative image, mice worth celebrating

Qi Baishi, a famous painter in modern China, was fond of painting mice. The mice in Qi's works are all interesting to look at, which runs contrary to the idea mice represent mess. In the cartoon Tom and Jerry, by American animation director Joseph Barbara, Jerry is cute and resourceful, and the show has been popular since its debut in 1940. Mickey Mouse has also become a classic image in Disney animation.

The mouse, reviled in ancient China and the carrier of plague to Europe, also has positive contributions to people in the modern age. The year of the rat is here. As the top of the zodiac, the mouse symbolizes intelligence and flexibility. We hope this creature can bring good luck to everyone.