they sparkle and they shine

these nights have a special glow to them for so many millions of chinese families. with each pop and rain of fiery glitter, they welcome in the new year with style, and with hope.

setting off fireworks for chun jie is more than just a release of celebratory emotion, it comes from age-old practice and tradition. farmers once believed that a great spirit called nian (year) would come each year to terrorize them. but, as legend has it, they discovered that the big, bad spirit was afraid of two things: the color red and loud noises. hence the red everything and the brilliant (and incessant) display of luminescent sky confetti.

last night, suz and i sat on our balcony and enjoyed the show. for 4 straight hours hundreds of fireworks were shot off both near and far while chinese families sat in their homes making dumplings together and handing out hongbao (red envelopes with money). what a great holiday.

these nights sparkle and they shine!