hi Bob
lt's New Year's herel lt's so different from the States. though. Did you know that it. falls on a different date every year? lt's based on a combination of lunar and solar movements. lt starts on the first New Moon of the year and ends fifteen laster with the Full Moon. So l can celebrate New Year's twice this year. lsn't that great?
The last day is called the Lantern Festival. lt's celebrated at night and the whole city is illuminaled by lanterns. which are carried by children in a parade Family members are gathered at dinner Departed relatives are always remembered with great respect during those meals ln general, old people are treated very well in this country.
There are so many superstitions related to New Year'sl My friend has been explaining them to me for the last few days. The floors are swept after New Year's Day. beginning with the door in the middle of the house. The dust is swept into the corners and it's leil there for five days lt is forbidden to walk over it Afterid five days it is taken out the back door, because if it is taken out by the entrance it means that good luck is swept away.
Red is considered tucky. lt brings a bright future Children's bad behaviour ls tolerated and not punished because if they cry on that day. they will cry the whole yeai Knives and scissors are not used because they out nff good fortune death and misfor tune are not mentioned. These traditions are kept alive because the Chinese believe that custorns provide continuity from the past to the future.
l like this country very much and l respect their customs, but don't care if washing hair is considered bad luck.
l'm hot leaving this house today with dirty hair
Oh my. it's getting late l'll write again soon.
Love,
Susan