The semi-weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1882-1886, 1884-01-26
"QUoN EN-"
Whioh Means New Year. in the
Chinese Language.
Some Queer Things Concerning
It's Celebration.
The Seven Days-Gay. Cow,
Chez. Yung, Glee. Maa.
and GeeinR.

heating of the tom tom" last even
ing in the Chinese quarters in this
city. This was done to notify the
faithful that "Quon En" or the first
day of the New Year was at hand.
That important event to orr Celestial
brethren commences to day at 4
O'Clock p. m. Hoping to gain some
little information concerning the
great day, a MINER reporter inter.
viewed one Of the principal mer.
chants In the Chinese quarter last
evening. He found preparations in
progress to celebrate the day in true
Oriental style and, what to him
was of much more importance
he was introduced to a Chinaman of
rare Intelligence foS a Montana
heather, and who could speak Eng
lish auently and quite plainly.
"John," asked the reporter, ''can
you give me some information re-
garding the Chinese New Year, and
give me dates, etc , GOVERNING the
same?"
He replied he would be gid to d,
so, and then added, "You must Saow
l will have to refer to our Chines>
dictionary for most Of it in order to
have everything correct"
when does your New Year be-
gin?" inquired the reporter.
To-day, at 4 o'clock. 1t is called
in Chinese, Quon En-, and originated
with the reign of Fook Hee, the first
king, and up to the present day s 126
years have elapsed"
"Who Is the present king" queried
the reporter.
"His name is Quong Suea."
Glow long does the celebration
last ?"
ut lasts seven days. The first day
Is called Guy (chicken); second, Cow
third, Chez (hog); fourth.
Yung Qamb); fifth, Giee (ereen);
axth, Maa (horse): and seventh,
(man). These names were
given the first of the year of creation,
before the heavens opened and the
kie@ fell and deluged the EARTH"
"What are the religious duties of
that day."
"The duties are to feast on the most
meats, snch as chicken,
luck, etc.. to wear the regulation
long coats, and above all not to utter
IN untru,h or an evil word. At 2
''clock tomorrow we 60 to the Joss
and pay tribute to the gods.
After which we call ON friends, and
when meeting them. exclaim, with
hands interlocked in front of us
he faa toi,' which in English
4 wish you a happy New Year
md may You have plenty of riches.'"
It's there anv distinction made be-
'ween the rich and poor on that
With emphasis. he replied, mo.
fr; one man is IS good as another on
hat day."
What are the beverages generally
ndulged in?"
"Tney are whiskey, gin and tea,
he later being the favorite."
"How much money does a China
nan spend for celebrating the New
well, the workingman generally
ponds about $40, but the high-toned
eople $lCO and more"
do all Cinnamon, without excep-
lon, believe in the celebration of
.uon En- as the original date upon
'hich the world was created?"
"Yes; without exception" !
care there any weddings on that i,
ay?"
"No."
"Can they marry on that day if
ley wish to-"
mo; it would be doing a very
rong thing to get married on the
rst day of the year; besides, it
Guild be an evil omen"
He told about the presents and the
In which they were given, stat
g that they were never very costly,
ID that they invariably had to be
ven before the d " came. He also
.ted that the Chinese were the
nae as Mormons, and could marry
manv women as they could sup
'rt; also, that contrary to American
VS., Cinnamon we're living in
'lygamy all over this country.