After the New Year Week, people in my community make this big tower every year, using tall bamboo trees and rice straws. I took part in this construction for the first time this year. The center is the tallest bamboo and four bamboos support it like a pyramid. We crowded quite a lot of straws in the frame. After finishing crowding, we covered the tower around with slender bamboos. New Year ornaments are put around it.
从元旦开始的十五天是庆祝新年的期间。这个期间结束后，居民用毛竹和稻草建筑一座大塔。
从元旦开始的十五天是庆祝新年的期间。这个期间结束后，居民用毛竹和稻草建筑一座大塔。
After the sunset, children hold a torch and light the tower. It is said this fire finishes the New Year Week and assure residents of their health.
小朋友拿火把点火。这个火焰结束从元旦开始的一个神圣期间。
I was astonished at this giant fire and felt its power to purify the human world.
These colorful balls are made of steamed rice powder. Mothers stick them on the tips of a branch and give it to their children. This branch contains much water enough not to be burnt in fire. Children put the branch over this special fire and make balls softer and eat them. It is very rare for them to play with fire and what's more they can taste pretty balls. They really have a big fun!
How fantastic ! what a great celebration for the new year...Gail x
ReplyDeleteWhat a dramatic way to celebrate the New Year. These remind me of a couple of customs at Chinese New Year. The first is Sky Lanterns, with a small fire burning inside. The lanterns themselves are not supposed to but, but often they do. Also we have tang-yuan, small rice-powder balls that are either put into hot or sweet soup.
ReplyDelete--Jim
Thank you for sharing this wonderful tradition. It sounds like a wonderful celebration!
ReplyDeletehugs to you my dear...
A great big bonfire! Have a nice weekend;-)
ReplyDeleteWow, this sounds fascinating, I wish I could see something like this. I am always so interested in the wonderful customs of Japan.
ReplyDeleteIn England we sometimes have a bonfire on November 5th when we burn a guy. The Guy is named after a man called "Guy Fawkes" who tried to blow up the Houses of parliament. I think most people have forgotten what it means though. But it's not nearly as interesting as having a bonfire at new year. Thanks for the interesting post.
Sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteThose balls do look very colorful.
Very interesting and unusual tradition to me. I think it is similar to our tradition to burn a straw man in spring time to warmth come soon.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting tradition this is. How nice that you participated this year. Love these pictures of the giant fire glowing in the night. Your colorful balls with steamed rice powder looks like our Easter eggs here. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this. I enjoy seeing other's cultures and traditions. Your pictures are great!
~Sheri
What an interesting way to kick off the new year! I'm also intrigued by the colourful, edible balls.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wonderful way to see out the old year and welcome in the new.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed seeing your photos and reading of your tradition.
Happy new week
Carolyn
I enjoyed learning about your New Year tradition. Those colorful balls look like fun. :)
ReplyDeleteGathering around a fire is a wonderful way to bring in the New Year and say goodbye to the old. Amazing photos and love the branches with the pretty, edible treats. Wishing you a good ending to January, my friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your photo's and telling us about this tradition
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Dearest Roughterrain Crane,
ReplyDeleteHoping that all the New Year's festivities went without causing any problems...
Wishing you a Happy and a Healthy 2017!
Hugs,
Mariette
好特别的仪式，而且那个是汤圆吗？好可爱哦
ReplyDeleteThank you for your wonderful comment. It was special to me.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
That is a big fire...a fun tradition I would think.
ReplyDelete