Brian held our bag of sparklers. We approached the massive boxes full of explosives, that must have been the equivalent of 5 months salary for the average person in our city, and we realized how small contribution was.

We’d spontaneously taken up the invitation after meeting new our hostess in the park, earlier in the day. “My family’s lighting off fireworks for Chinese New Year tonight,” she’d said. “Do you want to join?” We’d talked for less than 5 minutes when the invitation was made. 

I’d come to this county with the anticipation of making good friends, of learning a new language and culture, and sharing my own. I anticipated friends and I growing in our understanding of one another. This proved harder than I expected, but perhaps the surprise invitation was a fresh opportunity for friendship. This family lived nearby and were obviously friendly.

Now, hours later, as my potential friend emerged from her house I caught glimpse of a room that was wallpapered gold and the massive chandelier that hung from the ceiling behind her. In heels, she barely reached five feet.

“Who are these people?” I wondered.

We’d lived in China for several years already and this family didn’t remotely resemble the people we usually interacted with. I realized, no matter how much I learned about the culture I would always, to some degree, feel lost.

I was familiar with the frugal side of China – and could appreciate it, knowing the older generation had lived through famine. Grandma’s in the grocery store would often point out that I was buying too much meat, even if I only had 3 pieces of chicken in my cart, and when I told a friend our house was cold, despite turning on our space heater, she said I should move into a smaller apartment so I wouldn’t have to pay for heating. This is why, when I stood beside the mountain of fireworks, and thought of the expense, I was caught off guard.

Our host had blocked off the end of the one way lane and had apparently invited all of her friends and family. She said a quick hello, introduced me to her children’s European nanny, something unheard of in China, and pushed a handful of Roman Candles toward me. 

Seemingly all at once, people started lighting fireworks. The mood was immediately festive, but I watched with uncertainty. We were all standing in such a small space and kids were being handed explosives. I urged my children back away from the crowd.

To Be Continued?

Should I write part 2 of this story? If so, comment below.

Or if you prefer, email me at charityleejennings@outlook.com with the subject, “Part 2!”

And if you haven’t already, sign up at the bottom of the page to be notified of new posts by email 😊

Thanks for joining me for this Chinese New Year memory 🎉