Evening star., 1920-02-19

Every Chinese heart here is happy to-
day, for this is the Chinese new year.
the first day of the year of the re-
public
The fact that this is the first new
year celebration of local Chinese under
prohibition did not seem in any way to
put a damper on the three-day festivi-
ties which began last night in Wash
ington'S Chinatown" located on Penn
sylvania avenue between Sd and Az
streets.
Brand new signs of black and gold.
decorated with new drapings of Chinese
red cloth and surmounted with the fes
tive Thong, were placed in front of all
the stores of Chinese merchants yester
day afternoon, in preparation for the
new year eve celebration last night.
Every store had its layout" consist
ing of an old table on which were group
ed flowers, nuts. fruits and cigars. The
more than 1000 inhabitants of China
town gathered and visited in the various
places, Cinnamon from all parts of the
city beipg among the guests.
No Whisky in Evidence.
If there were any stocks Of the old
white Chinese whisky and wines Of for
mer years on hand 1t was not apparent
AT the new year groups last night. 1t Is
not Chinese custom to lay away sup
ply for medicinal purposes" as is done
among their white brethren. it is said
The Chinese do not go in for lemonade.
and suggestions that such a drink be
used in lieu of former beverages
broughe bland smiles to the faces of the
local members of the Chinese colony
Tea was much in evidence. being
served put Of big stone pot which
was placed in what must be the
moder1 invention, the vacuum bottles
which keep liquids both hot and cold.
The Chinese bottle" is wicker
basket lined with sort of plush,
and big pot of tea placed in this
basket keeps warm and cozy for
The $arious Wholesale and retail
stores among the Chinese are closed
for three days. during which New
Year will be celebrated with much
visiting feasting and smoking.
Luscious Chinese apricots, plumbs,
are on the table for all visitors
The Chinese are cigar connoisseurs,
and today are smoking the best of
the American brands, as we'll as
cigars rolled by themselves. which
music E is played at the Test festival gath gatss
ertngs, but not upon instruments
which appear strange to Americans.
Various kinds of talking machines
supply practically all the music, but
CnlneSe records. ODtalneQ from New
York. are being used almost eX-
clusively these three days.
Last night the Chinese threw
AWAY all their old dishes. which they
mad been using personally for the
past year. and began the use Of new
sets OF dishes. This is one of the
customs observed in the Celestial
kingdom across the sea, and ia fol-
lowed Syery year here. after the man
ner that the signs in front Of the
stores, are put up fresh every New
Year.
Nan Try to Pay All Debts.
Every Chinaman will make stren-
uous ertdeavors to pay off all his debts
by tonight, and unless he does so he
will be- placed on a sort of a "black
list" This is the universal Chinese
custom. When the clocks strike the
hour Of midnight every Chinese resi-
dent Wal have cancelled all debts con-
tracted during the past year, it is ex-
pected..
In p4ying up their debts, however.
II is Perfectly permissible to borrow
money from some other person in or
der to do so. and this is done when
necessary. Then the new debt con-
fractad has q wear in which IN rrn