One of the many legends that about the origin of this conclusion tells that long ago a man killed a sacred bird of God in Heaven. In retaliation of what happened, decided to burn all the houses of the earth on January 15 (following the lunar calendar). His daughter, who had a good relationship with human beings, teach them to make red lanterns, to light fireworks to deceive his father and make him believe that burning the village. For this reason arose, which currently is called, or Lantern Festival Lantern and all the first full moon after the New Year, Chinese cities are stained red.
It is logical that many of the elements that can be observed on this date are marked as paper, bamboo and gunpowder. For something China is its largest producer and was the discoverer. It’s time that this ancient people suffered and shows off its finest and its people is given a break. The number of holidays that nourish his schedule reduced to nothing when compared with the working days that mark the pace of accelerated but necessary growth.
Cities dance to a soundtrack that is scary and touching in equal parts. Fireworks, firecrackers and other pyrotechnic products resonate and color the sky where the stars, here, only intuit. The Christmas themes as a perch ox horns on their heads and, far from representing more than a dubious deception towards the couple, he is paraded through the streets as a sign of good luck. As if one night they were kings, families leave their houses armed with their cameras to photograph those younger eyes that continue to shine. For if the Spring Festival is held over doors inward, reserving time for small firecrackers, fireworks on the doors of their homes, this first full moon encourages the locals to enjoy the atmosphere and buildings decorated lights for the occasion.
Countless red lanterns hanging from the door lintels are observed in the balconies and decorate a city imbued with the color of passion, luck and happiness. Adopting different animal shapes, like those that make up the Chinese horoscope (this year’s starring the ox), the mythological beings like the dragon, or the bird, which honors an ancient culture as real as fictional. Within these lanterns as emblematic in this country and made known outside its borders by the Chinese director Zhang Yimou in his film Raise the Red Lantern, hanging by a thread riddles written on paper. Hand in hand with a logic that articulates what is come to reveal the hidden secret of the riddle. The prize is guaranteed, as will be enjoyed and thought for a while, never excessive.
Dragons and lions take to the streets with their dances steeped in symbolism. Surrounded by red lanterns and flares in the sky, thrill to a population that receives an end, the culmination of a festival in which they have enjoyed as a fairyland. Contrary to what we know across the world, the dragon is not the only one who likes to dance at parties, because the lion is followed closely, playing roles as important to their culture. And is that since this festival was intended to honor Buddha and not only the Hindu religion, the two animals have made a spectacle street dances. If in southern China, the lion is bold, threatening, rapid and difficult dances with acrobatic movements to perform, in the north is much more sympathetic, kind and funny, becoming more of a cat for meowing little lacking. And the same goes for the dragon. Her dances are as varied in ethnic areas is difficult to have witnessed two shows alike. Citizens, mostly men, cover their bodies with long cloth that come alive to the beat of drums and cymbals. Animals can decide deified natural phenomena that can affect the Chinese population. Taken as totems, the offerings have been reflected in the ceremonies, flooding it with colors, movements and sound.
The same cult surrenders to these animals is also performed with food and that food and festivities go hand in any event Chinese. If the dinner on the eve of Lunar New Year families gathered around the table to eat dumplings and noodles, representing the unity and longevity, this time have taken their place balls of rice is not so familiar to us, the West. The yuanxiao become the highlight of all Chinese diners. Building on the immense production of rice this country has long ago proved its citizens to create a new gastronomic entertainment.
Some balls made with rice flour sold at street corners in Beijing while firecrackers are constantly ringing. Crowds gather in front of these kiosks city with the intention of continuing the tradition, still dream of her legend. Cooked, boiled or fried. Sweet or salty. That choice will consumer tastes. While the best known are those filled with sugar, sesame and tangerine skin, the salty also have a place in a food that is intended to pass the memory until the next first full moon. Texture strange to our language but capricious for locals. These small balls of a pasty mass leave no one indifferent and raise a variety of opinions among the tourists. And if nothing in Chinese culture is casual, round and compact shape is not. The fullness and perfection in line for a family union becomes one of the pillars. But if they agree on the representation of these balls, they are not both in the description. While in the north are called yuanxiao, in southern China prefer to refer to them as tangyuan. One detail that many associate only the name but others argue that to differentiate from other balls. What is not called into question is that tangyuan yuanxiao or mark the beginning of the end of a celebration as important as family for the country.
Fifteen days later, China has already reached the end of a culture celebrations to have are the most important of the lunar calendar. The red color, the sounds of firecrackers, the smell of gunpowder and the family have been their special gifts on dates that are taken as reference throughout the coming year. I have lived a full moon, now the ox influence eleven remaining before next year
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