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The Chinese New Year was ushered in on January 22nd -- the year of the rabbit. In Chinese culture, the rabbit is one of the luckiest of the twelve animals in the zodiac. The year of the rabbit represents the washing away of bad luck and bringing in good luck. For those of you who believe in luck, this year will bring about a year of prosperity for all those who show initiative in all their endeavors.
This year will further be classified as one of two sides of
the yin-yang symbol. This year is considered yin, and compared to its
light, a more active counterpart, emphasizing the importance of rest and
the cultivation of a peaceful heart. The rabbit is also a symbol of
intellect and cautiousness but, most importantly, conscientiousness.
I witnessed my first Chinese New Year Celebration here in
China in 2010. Many foreigners like me living in Suzhou, China, enjoy
the experience of going to Shiquan Street. It is due to the many western
bars and restaurants there. I spent a portion of the Chinese New Year
in 2010 at an extremely popular place on that street. It was called
Jane's Pub Bar, which is no longer there due to the COVID pandemic,
which closed many businesses.
I wasn't aware then that a huge firework display was going to
be set off in front of Jane's Pub Bar to usher in the new year. I got
more enjoyment, though, from watching how excited the locals got when
setting off those fireworks in the night sky. I quickly pulled out my
smartphone to capture part of the moment in a video.
In America, we rely heavily on public safety, so it was quite
amusing seeing the fireworks going off while the street was still open
for traffic. No one seemed to mind, though, and we really enjoyed
watching the night sky light up with booming bursts of exploding energy.
When the show ended and the smoke cleared, a very attractive
Chinese woman ran up and gave me a big kiss, and yelled, "Happy new
year, Tom." That was exhilarating, too, and since then, I've become a
huge fan of the Chinese New Year.
YouTube-Suzhou, China in front of Jane's Pub Bar in 2014.
Me (Thomas F O'Neill) celebrating the Chinese New Year in
Suzhou, China in front of Jane's Pub Bar in 2014, link to
www.youtube,com above.
- Always with love from Suzhou, China
Thomas F O’Neill
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