Year of the Dragon
23 Jan 2012 6 Comments
Happy Chinese New Year! It’s the year of the Dragon which symbolizes wealth, happiness and power. The day of Chinese New Year is determined by the lunisolar calendar. This year it fell on January 23rd. Last night, being the eve of Chinese New Year, was absolutely insane! It was almost like we were under attack and bombs were falling all around us. I’ve never seen or heard so many fireworks in my life! It was crazy! The fireworks started early in the day, but they really got ramped up after the sun set.
When we got home from dinner, we spent about an hour running from room to room in our apartment watching fireworks within our compound and across the river. It was like we had our very own fireworks show. Of course, after it got late and the boys were in bed, I was wishing they would end. But, they didn’t. Not until after midnight, anyway.
Chinese New Year is a very special holiday and we’re starting to learn about some of the traditions, rituals and customs. There are red lanterns all over the city and we can see them hanging in the windows of houses and apartments all around us. Yanhong, our nanny, brought us some decorations including little red lanterns that we’ve hung across our TV.
The city is decorated so beautifully with lights….lots and lots of lights. We drove around for a bit after dinner so the boys could see them.
This was along the roadside. Several people were stopped here taking pictures so I thought I should too!
Another tradition includes giving red envelopes which typically have money inside. Our new friends Agie and Mitch, who live in a building beside ours, brought envelopes for the boys. Samuel has already picked out which toy he wants to buy with his money. We also gave envelopes to our nanny, our driver and the security guards that work in our building. (I’ll tell you more about them in another post.) After we had already given them their envelopes I read online that you’re not supposed to give an amount that starts with an odd number because that signifies death or an amount given at a funeral. Way to go, Jess! Hopefully they understand that we’re new at this and that we’re at least trying! I’ll get it right next year!
Nicholas with his red money envelope.
Here are some pics of us at dinner. We went to this Japanese restaurant that I love! It’s a traditional Japanese restaurant where you get your own private room, take off your shoes and sit on the floor. The food is delicious!
Elijah learning how to use chopsticks.
Feeding our driver, Jo Yo
Samuel thinking about trying the crab
He tried it!
Jo Yo is so helpful
2011 brought so many changes for our family. We can’t wait to see what 2012 will bring! Wishing you much happiness this new year!
Jan 24, 2012 @ 21:45:28
Great blog, Jess! I love it. See you soon!
Jan 24, 2012 @ 21:57:45
I LOVE this so much! Thank you for sharing this with us; we can’t wait to read more posts. We miss and love y’all!
Jan 25, 2012 @ 08:45:59
Hey Jessica Lynn & Family-it’s good to hear from you guys. It looks like you all are enjoying fitting right in & embracing the culture & traditions! It’s fun to learn about & just think what the boys will have in memories. Plus Chris needed an adventure in his life too!
Of course we miss you, but do love getting new updates & pictures. Those boys are eating something healthy over there, because they are so big already. Sending our love & best wishes for 2012. Love, Ronnie, Tania, Haley, Sarah & Gabriel Smith
Jan 28, 2012 @ 20:57:25
I miss you guys!
Jan 31, 2012 @ 09:18:21
Pictures are great, looks like everyone enjoyed the show. It seems like everyone is enjoying New Year’s and the lights. We miss you guys and hope everything is good. We love you and think of you every day, take care of yourself and Jerre said bring those babies home. Looking forward to next Christmas. Glad things are going good and you guys look happy. Love you lots. Memaw and Papaw