It's Finally Over

As it turns out, Chinese New Year celebrations last 15 days. But there are only 3 days that warrant a tremendous amount of fireworks and firecrackers -- New Year's Eve to ward of the evil spirits for the new year, the 3rd day after new year's day to ward of poverty and the last day of the holiday. The 3rd day was the Sunday on which there were 7 hours of fireworks and firecrackers, and of which I complained about in an earlier blog. Warding off poverty seems like an important and necessary thing to do so it is forgivable that there was so much racket that night. Today is the last day of the new year celebration and it is known as the Red Lantern Festival. Everyone hangs red paper lanterns in their homes and outside of stores. And yes, fireworks and firecrackers have been going off for the last 2 hours and I expect it to continue for many more hours. The fireworks are still pretty lame for such an important day.