Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1904-12-29

the chops are all closed for one or two
weeks, for it is unlucky to do business
during the birth of the new year Except
at the back door-but don't say any
thing about this).
Then, too, we Americans could walk
along the streets for once in the year
feeling sure that nobody would curse
us, or call US foreign devils" for it is
unlucky to use that bad word at such a
happy time. Dear me, how l wish that
New Years would last IL months!
But the first day has come, and the lit
tie Chinese children get ready to enjoy
it for all it is worth. They are dressed
in their best and gaudiest clothes, which
are only worn on this occasion. The
father has got from the pawn shop his
finest silk gowns, which that obliging
relative" has taken good care of during
the past IL months, and, thus splendidly
attired, the proud father and his little
boys start out or a little visiting trip
to his relatives and friends, to "Kung
Hi, Fab Tsoi, wish them a happy new
year and many riches.
What" you say, don't the little girls
go. too?"
No; they must stay at home, because
the little girl is not so important as her
brother, and, besides, she would have
difficulty in walking far in her tiny
golden lily" shoes, which do not meas
ure more than three inches in length.
But what a day it is for the little boy!
He has already got his first present.
when Santa Claus, that is to say, the
boys father (same thing, you see, as in
this country, gave him a little string Of
copper cash tied on a red cord; for 1t is
unlucky to start the New Year without
any money in your pocket, and that is
something both you and I agree with
isn't it?
But our little Chinese boy could never
carry home all the money that is given
to him, for it is the custom for every one
whom he visits to give him presents of
money, as well as candy and cakes. Of
course, the father takes charge of this
i mean the money-and | have often
wondered if his little son ever sees his
money presents again. l really think
that a little Chimes hoy must be a good
investment for his father on New Years
Day in China.
But the visiting is soon over, and then
the little Chinaman is off, sometimes
with his sister, to see the sights in the
streets. They look at the peep shows
and the Punch-and-Judy shows-which,
by the way, is a Chinese invention. They
spin their tops and fly their kites, until
the sound of gongs and drums tells them
that there is a theater or a juggling show
somewhere near. and off they go. and
soon are to be found in the front row.
%clapping their hands in childish glee
at the funny antics of the performers,
until the man comes round with the hat,
and then there is a patter of small feet
as the youngsters scurry away, for the
Chinese boys have no use for the hat
like some other boys | know.
But twilight finds the tired little folks
at home, for they are afraid to be out
at dark; and little John Chinaman closes
the day in eating sweetmeats, or in TAX
ing his turn at beating the unmusical
gong, or in diving among the mass of
red paper in the courtyard, where the
fireworks were let off by his father and
big brothers, in search for unexploded
single crackers, which he at once puts
to their proper use, until, tired out with
his days exeretions, he is put to bed,
and is soon sound asleep, dreaming Of
cakes and candy, copper cash, and
Punch-and-Judy shows, and "Cr-cr.cr-
crack bling bang-boom!"--Sunday
School Times.