Monday the 23rd of January 2012 will come in with a bang. It is the first day of the Chinese New Year and at midnight New Year's Eve the sky will explode in a crescendo of whistles, pops, booms and color. The fireworks and firecrackers will light the night and leave a lingering gray haze over the ground. And the fun has already begun. Red tents are set up on every corner with fireworks for sale and the children in my neighborhood, off from school and reveling in the holiday atmosphere, have already begun to take good advantage of them. People have bought their plane, train,and bus tickets; all preparing for their yearly hiatus which leads them home. Roosters crow and chickens squawk from apartment balconies, dumpling flour is scarce on grocery store shelves, and glutinous rice for 八宝饭 (bābǎofàn or
eight treasure rice pudding) is also in high demand. Round red lanterns hang from trees and light posts, and children anticipate the red money filled envelops that they will receive. Doors will be decorated and an overall festive mood hangs in the air.
Fireworks' Tent
Firecrackers in Rectangles and Rounds
Smoke Balls, Crackers and other "Mild" Fireworks
Buying.... One of my favorite fireworks are the ladybugs at the bottom left corner.
Lighting Bottle Rocks into the Pond
Welcome Chinese New Year of the Dragon!
