Golden and Red

Next Monday is the Chinese New Year, so tomorrow is New Year's Eve. A big day to welcome the Year of the Ox. Since I arrived to Taiwan two weeks ago, I could see in supermarkets, or in 7-11s, small mountains of things related to the typical food or ornaments of this time of the year. Little by little, I have seen how decorations have been put up everywhere. In shops, in homes, in offices; similar to Christmas in Europe. But here, red and golden colors are overwhelmingly the main colors used. Lucky colors, I think. As an example, some of the things on sale in a shop I visited last Sunday


Moreover, the temples I visited in Changhua, and the one I have seen in Taiwan, were particularly decorated with many lanterns, red naturally; and I could also see some temple doors lined up with LED strings. I was told that there are many celebrations all around the island during these next days and weeks: from lantern festivals, burning of paper ships, fireworks and firecrackers festivals (apparently very dangerous), etc

Talking about pyrotechnics, I have already began hearing some fireworks and firecrackers near my apartment; even if I was told that they were forbidden —maybe only some types—, and it is very different, and quieter, than a few years ago. I will have a chance to see how spectacular it is tomorrow evening. It is out of season for me, but I kind of like hearing the familiar sound of firecrackers blowing up in the night.