nothing really safe about this.

i'm writing this blog.  so.  we evidently survived our first

chinese new year in china.

fireworks began around 5:00 pm last night. {but really they are always happening in china.}

the real intense fireworks started around 11:00 pm

and finished around 1:00 am.

you will get a little idea what the fireworks were

like while watching the video.

but it is really hard to put into words.

some words i would use to describe the night are:

dangerous.  loud.  beautiful.  did i say dangerous?

last night we went to our friend's apartment.

we were on the 15th floor.

it was a perfect height to get up close and a little too personal with the fireworks.

i know the video is a bit long, but you have to watch it all.  they eventually start going off right below the building we were in.

can you believe little man slept through all of that and more!

here is a little info on spring festival.  

also known as chinese new year.

also called in chinese chun jie.

preparations include... 

cleaning the home from the top to bottom.  the walls.  doors.  windows.  floors.  furniture.  clothes. 

shopping for new clothes.  special foods.  fruit.  vegetables.  meat.  wine.  candies.  melon seeds.  toys.  gifts.  oh and of course fireworks.  

decorating is very important.  banners are pasted up on sides of the door and above.  they also put paper cuts, which represent money on windows to chase away evil and in hopes of becoming wealthier.

new year's eve...

this is a very important time for family to get together.  people travel long distances to see their loved ones.  

a popular dish to have at chinese new year's eve is jiaozi.

{chinese dumplings}

fireworks begin sometime around 11pm.  the entire city explodes in noise.  the purpose to to frighten off evil spirits and welcome in happiness.

there are special programs with singing and dancing from 8-midnight.

children and older people may receive red envelopes containing money.

these are just a few of the traditions and preparations that take place during chun jie.