Down town Xi’an, China
As CNY (more commonly known around here as the Spring Festival) draws to a close, after a two week festive frenzy, I wanted to bring you a few snippets of the action from down town Xi’an.
(Before we go any further, best not to judge me on my video skills….ahem.. I may have worked in television, but let’s just say the quality of my camerawork is a work in progress!)
So, we (surprisingly) woke up to snow falling spectacularly on the city this morning (sunshine was forecast); amid the sound of fire crackers bouncing earnestly off the pavement!
Tonight is the culmination of China’s most important and auspicious calendar period (not to mention the longest) and is still very much shrouded in myths and tradition, that are every bit as signifcant as they were 2000 years ago. (If you want to know more about the importance of cleaning your house and wearing red knickers, just click here!)
Today, the “Lantern Festival” – is officially the last day of the Lunar New Year celebrations (and the first full moon of the lunisolar year) marking the return of spring (and seemingly snow) and family reunions.
Traditionally known as the Shàngyuán Festival – Shàngyuán means “Official of Heaven” and was said to enjoy bright and joyful objects, so its believed there should be thousands of colorful lanterns hung out for people to appreciate. And let’s just say Xi’an doesn’t disappoint.
In ancient times, children went out at night to temples carrying paper lanterns and solving riddles on the lanterns! Today, riddles it seems are still very much part and parcel of the festivities…
It’s also the only night of the year that ‘Yuan xiao’ (Tang yuan in the south) or ‘sweet dumplings’ are eaten. These small sticky balls made of glutinous rice flour filled with sweet red bean paste, sesame paste, or peanut butter are a fixture in every household, not to be missed out on!
So, sit back and relax….take a look at some of the shenanigans that went on over the last two weeks here in North West China………
The clock struck midnight on the first day of CNY…..and new comers (like myself) could probably be forgiven for believing Xi’an had eerily become a war-zone! (Have a listen.)
Fireworks sang out brilliantly across the night sky………
And firecrackers bounced fervently off every corner, literally exploding across city streets! The noise was deafening….and went on for hours, if not ‘on and off’ for days!
Traditional Lion Dances rocked the city! Vibrantly coloured lions snapped up lettuces tied to red packets of Hong Bao left, right and centre in an enthusiastic display to bestow good luck and prosperity on many businesses.
Street parties took pride of place – especially in our ‘hood and they came from far and wide across China in their droves!
Street food was the staple diet and was eagerly snapped up by every man and his dog, out celebrating.
Vivid red lanterns hung beautifully across the city, lining every street; and there was a stunning show of lights and giant eye catching lanterns in every shape and colour making their mark on the majestic city wall.
So, until next year… may the Year of the Sheep be kind to you with lots of good fortune, health and happiness.
If you don’t mind, I’m off to eat sticky rice balls and let off a few fire crackers!
This is China.