Wednesday 27 February 2008

Fireworks

In Australia many years ago we used to celebrate Guy Fawkes Night with great displays of fireworks. Every family or neighbourhood would gather around a big fire which the local men and children would put together complete with "Guy Fawkes" right in the middle.

But it was all stopped. Too many people were being injured, and fires started by these activities. Only folk licenced to do so can work with fireworks, and hence on special occasions we have wondrous exhibitions of fire works.


In China it is different.

Fireworks are let off frequently. It is not uncommon to see or hear several fireworks let off at the end of the day. Sometimes every half/hour there are more let off in a different area. These are celebratiory fireworks. A business might have broken a sales record, school exams might be over, anything that is achieved is celebrated in this way.

This morning it started just after 4 am. I am not sure, but I suspect that is because someone has died. This is part of the celebration of someone's life. An announcement that a death has occurred.

I find it someone interesting that in a place where they are trying to reduce pollution that these fireworks are a regular activity and fill the air with more smoke.

Life goes on in China.

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