My Beng Ming Year
Topic of the day: Ringing in the year of the pig
Someone at dinner the other day recently compared the eve of Chinese New Year (Da Nian 30) to be like London during the blitzkrieg. If you're in Beijing, it's not hard to see why. Days before Chinese New Year day, people start firing off fire crackers at all times of day. On the actual night of Chinese New Years eve, everyone in the city with a few kuais to spare purchase a bit of paraphernalia and sets them off on midnight. Come 12am, the city sounds like it's under siege - only this one is to scare off an ancient monster who is scared of loud noises and the color red.
There's something magical about bringing in the new year in the Mainland. Everyone is looking forward to spending some time with loved ones, eating good food (including lots of dumplings), and for once, having smooth traffic at all times of the day in Beijing.
That said, a very happy Chinese New Year to all those out there - especially those who, like me, are celebrating their Beng Ming year (when the sign is the same as the year you were born in). May the year bring happiness, good fortune and prosperity to all!!!
Someone at dinner the other day recently compared the eve of Chinese New Year (Da Nian 30) to be like London during the blitzkrieg. If you're in Beijing, it's not hard to see why. Days before Chinese New Year day, people start firing off fire crackers at all times of day. On the actual night of Chinese New Years eve, everyone in the city with a few kuais to spare purchase a bit of paraphernalia and sets them off on midnight. Come 12am, the city sounds like it's under siege - only this one is to scare off an ancient monster who is scared of loud noises and the color red.
There's something magical about bringing in the new year in the Mainland. Everyone is looking forward to spending some time with loved ones, eating good food (including lots of dumplings), and for once, having smooth traffic at all times of the day in Beijing.
That said, a very happy Chinese New Year to all those out there - especially those who, like me, are celebrating their Beng Ming year (when the sign is the same as the year you were born in). May the year bring happiness, good fortune and prosperity to all!!!
2 Comments:
Gongxi facai Sheila! I miss you! But, if all goes well, I will spend this summer in China! I am looking at TNs in Shanghai, and might be in Beijing the whole month of August at PKU. I will keep you posted love! =)
Hi Sheila,
I'm from Hungary (old Europe), and I'm very happy to find your blog and your photos.
I celebrate you, especially your Pig Year, but fortunately You didn't know about that.
Check this sites:
http://www.mggaleria.hu/index.php?p=hirek&id=45&h_tipus=1
http://www.pestiest.hu/cikk/45871/az_aranydiszno
My website:
http://www.agivedres.com
E-mail:
agi@agivedres.com
I like your photos, pls contact me.
Ági
Post a Comment
<< Home