Ear-plugs or Ear-phones

On the final day of the Chinese year, firecrackers begin bursting at 7am. They continue throughout the day in small cracks, pops, and sometimes massive, pounding bursts. There are those that are endless sizzling fizzles and plenty with staccato bravado. It is a sign of the joyous event that is upon us, as over 1.3 billion people bring in the New Year on at midnight. It reminds me of the 4th of July when I was a kid when, more than a professional show downtown, we would look for backyard fireworks bursting in the neighborhood skyline. Yet, here in China, after hours of this, sitting sleepily on the sofa after a big lunch, it has begun to sound more like gunfire and mortars exploding nearby. Hence the title of this post. The earplugs only soften the kaboom, and music certainly has a nicer melody, but celebration knows no silence. As night falls, there is a lightshow to accompany the crash and bang of merrymaking.
Today is the 30th on the Chinese lunar calendar. However, as we approach midnight, the word used for "new year", chūnjié, is used. Today, J's cousin taught me the phrase: Chunjie chi jiao zi, which means "On new year's, we eat dumplings". Although, I must confess, we've been eating dumplings since the 29th--who can resist!
When we wake tomorrow, chunjie continues, but it is also referred to as chūyí, literally "the first (day)". The first is the day to wish your relatives and friends a happy new year, giving us the phrase: Chuyi guo nian hao. This is accompanied by a gesture holding your hands in front of your chest, with your left hand in a fist covered with your right hand.
And thanks to that, I might never have to take out my earplugs.