Show The Heathen New Year To the Heathen Chinee the new year which commenced on Thursday Thurs-day evening is not only a temporal holiday but is also a matter of religious re-ligious observance During the days on which their New Year is celebrated cele-brated all work as far as possible is suspended The custom is to pay up all debts and begin the new year afresh and those who neglect to observe this ridiculous custom of paying debts fall into serious disgrace dis-grace Open house is kept by all and tea liquor and sweetmeats are partaken of freely The year is known by the Chinese Bible which is a history of the kings of the Flowery Kingdom The present new year is something over the 9000th and they have their works which tell them of the ruling dynasties during that period |