The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1904-12-30


This Is TO brighten away evil spirits. and
have thought many time that those
splrlts must have a bad time Of IL during
the dawn Of the Chinese New Year. II
me chinese had been present al the time
that Admiral Simpsons guns had their
Dao coughing spell before the hills Of
Santiago on certain day in Lily. they
would have clapped their hands. and
cried: Good, good, Just like our New
Years."
fet, notwithstanding the noise. I al
ways liked the New Years in China for
after the first FAY the noise stops. and
The shops are all closed for one OF two
weeks. for il Is unlucky to do business
during the birth Of the new year (excep:
az 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 IL is
nnlucky 10 use that bad word al such a
happy time. Dear me, how wish that
New Years would last u months
But the first day has come. and elit-
ne Chinese children get ready TO enjoy
II for all IL IS worth They arc dressed
in their best and eauGiest clothes. which
are only worn on this occasion. The
father has got from the pawn shop his
finest silk gowns. which that obliginr
relative has taken good care Of during
the past - months. and. thus splendidly
attired the proud father and his little
boys start out on little visiting trip
20 his relatives and friends TO "Kung
III. Fab Tsoi. wish them happy new
year and many riches
What" you say. don't the little girls
60. 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 day II Is for the little boy,
lie has already got his first present
when Santa Claus. that is 10 say. the
boys father lsame thing. YOU see. as in
this country. gave him little string Of
copper cash tied on a red cord. for It IS
unlucky to start the New Year without
any money in your pocket. and that is
something both you and | agree with
isn't IL?
But our little Chinese boy could never
carry home all the money that is given
70 him for 10 is the custom for every one
whom he visits 70 give him presents Of
money. as we'll as candy and cakes. OF
course, the father takes charge Of this
II mean the money-and ! have often
wondered If his little son ever sees his
money presents again really think
that little Chimes boy must be q good
investment for his father on New Year 3
Day in China
But the visiting is soon over. and then
the little Chinaman is Of. sometimes
with his sister. TO see the sights in the
streets. They look al the peep shows
and the Punch-and-Judy shows-which.
by the way. IS aChinose invention. They
spin their tops and ny their kites. until
the sound OF songs and drums tells them
that there is a theater OF a juggling show
somewhere near. and of they 60. 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 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
az 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 al beating the unmusical
gong. or in diving among the mass Of
red paper in the courtyard. where the
fireworks were let on by his father and
big brothers. in search for unexploded
single crackers. which he al once puts
10 their proper use. until tired out with
HIS days exeretions he Is put 10 bed.
and IS soon sound asleep. dreaming OF
cakes and candy. copper cash. and
Punch-and-Judy shows and "Cr-cr-cr-
crack n bing bang-boom," -Suncey
School Times.