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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Hi, I'm Jimmie, and this is my online collage -- a little bit of this and a little bit of that, but mostly homeschooling with a loosely Charlotte Mason style. You're welcome to poke around and leave a comment if you desire. 
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