Show ancient rites ala mark rk Chi chinese new year magnificent parades of giant dragons and bright lanterns help celebrate new years in chinas cainas big cities but simple ceremonies mark the passing ot of the old year in the great mass of homes great care is taken that ancient customs are nicely observed because new years is the time when many events of the coming year are determined four days before the new year begins a feast is spread before the idol in every home this almost invariably contains sticky candies and syrups although the gods are not especially pleased with sweets the candy is offered to stick the gods jaws together so he cannot tell too much of what he saw on earth when he be returns to the heavens on the last day of the old year large quantities of water are stored in the house because it is unlucky to draw water during the first three days of the new moon the door to every simple home is opened at midnight of th the e last day as its god reenters re enters amid blazing firecrackers incense sticks and flaming candles after a few minutes the door is tightly closed to keep in the good luck which he brought with him |