But two facts made the celebrations less joyful than they might have been.

VOA: special.2011.06.16

People around the world loved Ella Fitzgerald's joyful singing.

VOA: special.2010.07.04

Twenty-two year-old groom Shen Wei said it is more joyful to have his wedding on this day.

VOA: standard.2009.10.01

"I hope that when people listen to our music, the first thing is that they will have a joyful, emotional reaction, and it will be like coming to the center of the village and everybody is going to get together and dance.

VOA: standard.2010.02.25