2013 still brings firsts for me in Shanghai, such as my first Chinese
New Year in China. Although I have been
in China for over a year now, I had yet to ring in the lunar New Year here. The date of this changes every year according
to the lunar calendar, and was celebrated at the end of January last year,
prior to my arrival. Having celebrated
the Vietnamese equivalent, Tet, during 2011, I was interested to see how Chinese
celebrations differ. I’d been told it’s
an amazing time to be in Shanghai, despite the abundance of fireworks at all
hours of the day and night throughout the festivities, so I decided to stay in
the city, rather than venturing further afield.
As previously mentioned (see ‘Expat Festive Season’ post – Wednesday, 2
January 2013), Chinese New Year is the big holiday in these parts, when
National holidays and time off are a given.
As such I could look forward to a week off work and time to relax,
socialise and move to my new apartment. I’ve
never been busier – sightseeing, catching up with friends and many more things
to boot.
Lunar New Year’s Eve brought with it, as you would imagine, vast numbers
of fireworks. Opting to avoid the crowds
congregating at The Bund for the firework and light show, my apartment on the 25th
floor, provided spectacular views of the colourful explosions all around the
area, whilst also keeping us snug as bugs in rugs.
During the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, I was surprised to hear yet more fireworks and bangers, continuously throughout the day & night. I’d been burning the candle at both ends a little and was keen to get an early night while the social scene had quietened a tad, but tonight’s celebrations from my Chinese neighbours were certainly not going to permit that. Having jabbed in some earplugs, completely in vain, I had a mediocre night’s sleep to say the least, only to be woken by the sound of yet more bangers & fireworks. The reason for all this – welcoming the good old God of Fortune, of course! Apparently during these 24 hours, you set off as many fireworks as possible – the louder the bang, the wealthier you will be in the coming year.
Anyhow, I had a great week: fabulous fun in wonderful company and many memories made – the only major downside: none of the street food vendors were working so I had to go without tasty cheap eats for a week!
Happy Chinese New Year! 新年快乐! Chúc mừng năm mới!
A xx
