Ordinary Gweilo

On the vexed question of whether this might be a “Golden Pig” year, there’s more nonsense from the SCMP: 

LUNAR NEW YEAR
Doomsayers warn that rush to have ‘piglets’ will backfire

LILLIAN YANG

Mainland couples have gone hog wild about having children in what is considered a lucky lunar year according to traditional Chinese beliefs.

But the baby boom is having unexpected consequences, packing maternity wards and driving up prices of related goods and services. Doomsayers warn it will eventually put a strain on the education system and job prospects.

“Hospitals are full. You need to wait for hours for a simple ultrasound. I’m worried about how tough it will be for delivery,” said Shanghai property consultant Wang Nan , who is seven months’ pregnant.

The rush for “piglets” has been caused by unusual circumstances. For many this year is widely believed to be the year of gold according to the “five elements” theory, so it is a Year of the Golden Pig, which means babies born this year might have good fortune.

More women having babies creates extra demand for hospital services.  How much more unexpected can you get?