Most people are not aware of the hugely spiritual side that
this holiday indicates. It’s tradition to set off the firecrackers and they do
it. "Historically", it is supposed to be used to chase off the evil spirits for
the year. The red banners hung on the sides and top of the doors are meant to
welcome in good luck (fu) and money. Health, wealth, and joy are the things
that they hope their luck in the New Year will bring. Before the big Chun Jie
celebration many Chinese people (my friend’s mom included,) go to Buddhist
temples to give money and kowtow. In the day, they buy paper money, clothes,
and cars, to burn to their dead ancestors at night. They don’t know if it
really works, or what they are doing, but they are afraid that if they do not
continue to do these things, bad luck will come to their homes and families.
One friend who is in her forties is a believer and goes to
visit her elderly mother in the south of China during Chun Jie. Her mother is a
believer, but is often tormented by “satanic” dreams of her dead ancestors
during this time of year. My friend has tried to tell her mother that she does
not have to be afraid of these evil spirits, but her mother cannot comprehend
these words. Each year she continues to make her altar to her ancestors and present
them with food and money. (These traditions also continue in Korea where they
also celebrate Spring Festival.) One year, after much prayer, my friend’s
mother was spared from these dreams and did not prepare the altar. This year my
friend said that her mother was still afraid.
In Taiwan, Cambodia, and other Asian countries the awareness
of the spiritual side is even bolder. “God-parades” happen in Taiwan and in
Cambodia sacrifices of pigs are made. Pray for these countries and their
spiritual bondage.
Even my friend with whom I celebrated Chun Jie this year
expressed that she was afraid of the spirits after I passed in front of a “god”
and took a picture. I thought she was joking when she asked me, “Aren’t you
afraid of the evil spirits?” After I responded in a joking manner, I realized
that she was serious and genuinely concerned. I tried to change my tone. I must be more sensitive to her needs and I also need to think
about the lack of awareness in my own daily living. I don’t need to be afraid
of these spirits, but do I acknowledge the reality of the spiritual battles? I
should.
Another big firework days of Chun Jie was on the 5th
day of Chun Jie (Chu wu). On the 15th day of Chun Jie (Chu shi wu). The 15th
day is the lantern festival. I love that festival too because we get to eat
“glutinous rice balls” that have various jellied foods inside of them. (The
most popular is “red bean.” Not all my foreign friends enjoy that flavor. If you eat too many, I also agree that it’s not so tasty.)
I am not quite sure, but on the Lantern Festival Day many
people also get lanterns, write good wishes for the New Year on them, set the
inside on fire, and let them float away in the sky. I got to do that with
some friends in Bao Ding (another province) BEFORE the Lantern Festival last year. AH! So
magical. I love it. (I hear Thailand does it too.)
So much more I could write about Chun Jie! So many people
going to so many different places because they all have the week (or longer)
off and they all need to be with their families. Some times the trains
(particularly the few days leading up to Chun Jie,) are so packed that people
have to get in through the train windows and/or they don’t have space to sit
for the whole of their hours long journey.
When we went to Beijing for a day this break – so many
people were at the high tourist spots. So many people are on the subways, so
many people are on the buses. You just have to SQUISH on. When I went with my
Chinese friends to “Ancient Culture Street” in Tianjin, sooo many people (“hen
duo ren”) were there to experience traditional culture, celebrate the New Year,
and buy things. (I love it.)
“Ren shan; ren hai.”
(A Chinese saying, translated, “People mountain; people
sea.” Meaning, “There’s so many people it’s like a mountain and a sea made of
just people.”)
Always in China? Of course.
Especially during Chun Jie?
Indeed!!!
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