Many of these 'why' questions are left unanswered, or with the ubiquitous shrug and, "This is China." Neither is very satisfying, but it's what we've got. Actually, "it's what we've got" is also a pretty common answer.
Anyway, in my few years of living here, I have found a few very satisfying answers to my 'why' questions related to Spring Festival (Chun Jie 春节) or Chinese New Year, as it's often referred to back home. Here are my findings:
Why the fireworks? Every year, China erupts into mass chaos at midnight to ring in the New Year. Fireworks are sold at street corners for two weeks prior to the big event, and the volume of fireworks has led to a few hazards in the past. That seems commonplace enough, but what most people don't know is that the fireworks, firecrackers, noisemakers that sound like bombs, and every other irritatingly loud noisemaker will go off before every meal time over the course of the following week.
I've learned that the reason for this is that fireworks, firecrackers, and noisemakers aren't just something Chinese people use to celebrate. The light and noise from these things are meant to scare away evil spirits that, I suppose, are only active at the one major holiday of the year. These 'evil spirits' are also more present at meal times, which is why the works are always set off just before meals also.
Why the red paper around the doors? Ah yes, the red paper around the doors. For those of you who don't know about red paper around the doors, they are sort of like China's version of Christmas lights that stay up year-round. Walk up any apartment building stairwell, and you'll see fading, tearing strips of red paper stuck to the door frames, usually emblazoned in some sort of Chinese greeting in gold foil.
Turns out that this tradition also stems from the same vein of guarding from the evil spirits. Red is the color symbolizing good luck in Chinese culture (hence, why red is freaking EVERYWHERE in this country), and they are keeping bad luck out and good luck in. I find this absolutely fascinating because it totally mirrors the story of the last plague on Egypt, when the Israelites were able to keep the Angel of Death from entering into their homes by painting the red blood of a lamb sacrifice over the tops and sides of their door posts.
Why the TV specials? Ask any Chinese student what they do at New Year's, and you'll probably receive the same answer: watch TV. CCTV puts on a number of New Year specials featuring magic shows, some song-and-dance numbers, a lovely hostess in a flashy outfits, and cross-talk... which is sort of like China's version of stand-up comedy. These specials will often go late into the evening, and I have to admit that I've never seen anyone get so excited to watch TV until 3 AM.
From what I understand, there isn't much to do on New Year's. Everything is closed, the dumplings have been wrapped, boiled, and eaten, and the fireworks have been set off. At that point, there's not much else to do but gather 'round the old telly and be entertained. I heard that this year's specials left much to be desired, but then again-- I haven't been one for hours of Chinese kitsch and comedy I don't understand.
For how long I've lived here, I've learned comparatively few answers to all my 'why' questions. The truth is that even many Chinese people don't know the answers to these questions, but that is part of the beauty of living here. To simply exist in a seemingly insane system of traditions and ways of doing things, and appreciate the aspects you enjoy, and learn to deal with the aspects you don't. In any case, here is to wishing everyone a joyful new year! 新年快乐 xin nian kuai le !
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