The Ox works hard, patiently, and methodically, with original intelligence and reflective thought. These people enjoy helping others. Behind this tenacious, laboring, and self-sacrificing exterior lies an active mind.
Chinese New Year (Chunjie) is the biggest Holiday in China. It kind of combines the food and family aspects that Thanksgiving encompasses, and then adds in a huge amount of fireworks, plus a special TV show that everyone likes to watch together. The TV show is mostly short skits and performances (just like on New Years eve in the US), but what I'm in the most interested in are the fireworks.
Unlike in the US, where most of the big firework displays are paid for and co-ordinated by a township or whatever, fireworks in Beijing are paid for and set off by residents. People spend a lot of money on fireworks, because it's said that setting them off will scare off evil spirits in your house that might prevent you from having a prosperous year. Personally, I keep out evil spirits and ensure prosperity with a mezuzah, but that didn't stop me from setting off a few roman candles for fun.
Fireworks are set off everywhere - in the streets, on the sidewalks, in the parks. Firecrackers, mortars, bottle rockets, roman candles. Fireworks are set off throughout the night, the din of firecrackers growing louder and louder until it reaches a crescendo at midnight. Imagine the best fireworks show in your city, but spread over the entire city of Beijing, and it lasts for a few hours. It's absolutely incredible.
Moishe House Beijing has a pretty sweet apartment- 15th floor, with roof access. We had an amazing skyline view of the city and its fireworks. Landon Loomis started taking this video when a few mortars exploded near us, but then started filming the skyline too. The fireworks were only this intense for maybe 15 minutes or so, starting right after midnight. Enjoy. If you're interested, get a higher resolution version here.
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