Since our blog is supposed to be about us living in China, I thought I should tell you a bit about China, because that hasn't happened on here in a while.
Well, we are in the Chinese New Year season. It technically starts on Wednesday and lasts for two weeks. This is a really special time of the year. It is basically their Christmas season. Everything shuts down and people head home to where their relatives live. I know there is so much symbolism and meaning behind everything going on that I don't understand but here is what I see:
- Stalls are set up on the side of the road selling dried sausage, dried ducks, dried HUGE fish (think sharks)....they may be sharks.
- Ladies are roasting sweet potatoes. Smells yummy.
- Everything is decorated the color red.
- Firework stands are set up. They will set them off LITERALLY 24/7 for the two weeks of the new year. Yes, I know this means from 1 am to 7 am, as well.
- The new year will be the year of the Rabbit! So there are rabbits on everything!
- Last year was the year of the Tiger...so tigers are on sale. (We say Carter is a Tiger...but technically he REALLY isn't. He was born about 2 week from being a tiger:)
- Stores make gift bags for easy gift giving filled with mini-dried meats.
- Hong Bao (Red Bags) which are red envelopes are sold everywhere. This is what you give your "Christmas Bonus" in. How much you give is VERY important. For instance, 444......BAD LUCK. Do not give this combination of numbers!!!!! NO! 888.....VERY GOOD LUCK!!!! Whew, we passed!! :)
- I LOVE their New Year Trees!!! Pink Cherry Blossoms, decorated with red tassels, red ornaments and lights. Also, some type of mini orange tree that smells so nice!!
- Special traditional Chinese outfits on sale.
Our Ayi in Shanghai gave one to Carter last New Year. He'll have to wear it now that he is big enough!
Happy New Year!!
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