Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1904-12-24

the shops are all closed for or twt
weeks, for II IA unlucky to do business
during the birth Of the new year (excep
at tie back door-but don't say any
thing about thisl,
Then, too, we Americans could wall
along the streets for once in the yea
feeling sure that nobody would curs'
us, or call us foreign devils" for 1t L
unlucky to use that bad word at such Z
happy time. Dear me, how | wish that
New Years would last u months!
But the first day has come, and thelit.
tie Chinese children get ready to enjoy
II for all 1t 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 hi:
finest silk gowns, which that obligine
relative" has taken good care Of during
the past II months, and, thus splendidly
attired, the proud father and his littlc
boys start out on 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, dent the little girls
so, 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
IRE more than three inches in 'angth.
But what a day it is for the little boy!
He has already got his first sent
when Santa Claus, that is 10 say, he
boys father (same thing, you see. $ in
This country, gave him a LITTLE string of
copper cash tied on a red cord; for II IN
unlucky to start the New Year without
any money in your pocket, and that Is
something both you and | agree with
isn't K?
But our little Chinese boy could never
carry home all the money that is given
to him, for II 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 CT thia
i mean the money-Gnd | have often
wondered if his little son ever sees his
money presents again. | really thini,
that a little Chimes Roy must be good
investment for his father on New Year'a
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 show:
and the Punch-and-Ju shows-which
by the way, is a Chinese invention. They
> spin their tops and fly their kites, unit
The sound OF gongs and drums tells then
that there is a theater or a Juggling show
somewhere near, and off they go, anG
soon are to be found in the front row
! cllpping their hands in childish gles
5 at the funny antics of the performers
until the man comes round with the hat
and then there is a patter of small fee
as the youngsters scurry away. for thu
Chinese boys have no use Tor the ha
like some other boys | know.
But twilight finds the tired little foll,i
! at home, for they are afraid 10 be OF
at dark; and little John Chinaman close
the Gay in eating sweetmeats, or in tax
; ing his turn at beating the unmusica
! gong. or in diving among the mass o
red paper in the courtyard, where tn
fireworks were let of by his father an;
? big brothers, in search for uneXplodet
! single crackers, which he at once put
to their proper use. until, tired cut witt
his days exeretions, he Is put to bed
and is soon sound asleep, dreaming 0
cakes and candy, copper cash, ant
D Punch-and-Judy shows, and "Cr-cr-cr
[ crack = bling blng-Hoom!"-Sunda.
School Times.