It’s celebrated on the second full moon after the winter solstice for some reason, probably tradition and lasts for fifteen days. This year is the year of the rat and 4706. Their New Year is all about wrapping up the old year and welcoming a bright future, filled with good things, good times and good food, it is celebrated with dragon or lion dances, fireworks, family gatherings, a special meal, and giving red envelopes with money inside symbolizing good luck and prosperity. (Photo from Wikipedia.) It concludes with a lantern festival. Sounds fun, my oldest son Frank went on a mission to Taiwan so he experienced two Chinese New Years.So for those Americans who have broken their New Year’s resolutions, it’s time to make new Chinese New Year’s ones. I actually agree with a children’s author Byrd Bailey (book “I’m in Charge of Celebrations) that New Year’s should start with the first day of Spring. A time for newness and starting over again. There is an air of spring possibilities in the air in So. Utah even though the ground hog saw his shadow and predicted 6 more weeks of winter, spring comes early in our southwestern desert community and the temperatures will be warming to 70 degrees in about 10 more days. Why would any one want to live anywhere else?
correction...Byrd Baylor is her name...
ReplyDeleteUhhh... Why would anyone want to live anywhere else in the state? I can think of 120 reasons during June, July, August, and at least half of September...and all of them are degrees. But, MOST preferably, I would want to spend my summer months in Fairview.
ReplyDeleteI really LOVE your idea about New Year beginning in the Spring. I say, let's do it. That means that with January 1st, the second full moon after winter solstice, and right around Easter... we'll have three chances to keep all of our resolutions moving in the right direction. You come up with some of the best ideas, Lin. I think I want to keep you!
I also thought it would be fun to get (or make) some colorful, red envelops and put some cash in them for my kids. I think that would
be a fun tradition to get going. Especially if my kids would carry it on with their children. I mean it! I really like the idea! Who couldn't use a little more good luck and prosperity? And another reminder that the folks are behind you in your endeavors?
In ten days you'll be hitting 70 degrees? My poor kids will still be trying to dig out their mailboxes. I'll still be listening to the crunch of hardened snow under foot. So... for right now at least, you're right on... Who would want to live anywhere in Utah except St. George and the surrounding areas?