February 22, 2008 - Fireworks for end of Chinese New Year.

Fireworks and firecrackers in bright packages.
A sign of Chinese New Year.

Yesterday was the Lantern Festival, or the last day of the Chinese New Year celebration. You would not believe all the fireworks that were set off within our own apartment complex. It sounded like a war zone! Our building literally shook at times! We went outside to participate and were amazed at how many fireworks were being shot. It was like Fourth of July times 100!  (Oh, help us, Sprite asked what the Fourth of July is! I'm so glad this year is American history.)

Everywhere we looked there were beautiful fireworks. And all around were the loud pops of firecrackers. Some people even held things out of windows rather than coming outside in the dreary weather. It was both cold and rainy. But we were actually thankful for the slight drizzle as it made it impossible for any fires to result from the stray sparks.

Streetside stalls were set up where we could buy our own. Ha! As if what was going on all around us weren't enough excitement!

Why the tradition of setting firecrackers? Originally they were to scare off demons. Some people still set off firecrackers for this purpose. But most of the activity we saw was families simply having a good time with their children. We were a bit shocked to see toddlers helping light fireworks! But this is part of their culture and tradition.

The excitement lasted into the early morning hours. I was awakened in the night by another round, but I didn't bother looking at the clock. I guess that we'll have some more tonight -- leftovers from the New Year. It is now the year of the rat.

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Comments

February 22, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by 4sweetums

My big teen would love to be there and see all those fireworks! I was born in the year of the rat. Sprite will catch up on American History. She is getting so many wonderful life experiences that I wouldn't worry about it at all.
Blessings,
Dawn

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February 23, 2008 - Such colorful pictures!

Posted by ReviewsbyHeidi

They remind me of the themed stores in Vietnam.
Heidi

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February 23, 2008 - Fire Horse

Posted by Alexandra

I found out recently that my year of birth combined with my sign, the Horse can be bad luck. Fire and horses = extra wild. ; )

http://happyheartsathome.blogspot.com/index.html

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February 23, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

that sounds totally fun to me. I love fireworks, even though I'm cheap and don't like to buy a lot myself. My sister in law buys hundreds and hundreds of dollars worth for Independence Day. VERY fun. :)

Emily
thelearningneverstops.blogspot.com

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February 23, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by madiantin.blogspot.com

=D =D That's pretty dang funny that Sprite asked what 4th July was. =D

Happy Chinese New Year! =)

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February 23, 2008 - Fireworks and New Year.....

Posted by Anonymous

The year of the rat hu?

Sounds like a pretty good evening though! I love fireworks... 4th of July here State side really is one of my favorite Holidays.... I love it... food, friends and family... and LOTS of fireworks!!

Lisa~
koinonia Academy

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