Chinese New Year

Narrator: Well, here it is. Chinatown residents kicked off the New Year with a bang, lots of bangs actually. Now you tell me, but I thought the idea was to light it and then run away. At least let go, that's it. A big crowd of people battled the cold and turned out for the big annual New Year's parade which makes its way through Chinatown.

Narrator: What are you guys doing down here?

Woman: Oh, Chinese New Year, that's about it.

Narrator: What do you think?

Woman: It's good- it's loud! I like it though.

Narrator: And I don't think you're Chinese?

Woman: Nope. Just for fun.

Narrator: And how will you be celebrating New Year?

Chinese Man: We come here, go to eat, see the lion dancing, and then the firecrackers, and to have a happy, happy New Year or something like that.

Narrator: These men are doing what's called the "Red Lion" dance. They're kung-fu masters. They dance for merchants, and if the merchant likes the dance, he gives the red envelope with lucky money inside. Legend also has it that the noise from the firecrackers will ward off evil spirits. If that's true, there isn't an evil spirit left in the tri-state area. The New Year celebrations will continue for ten days. One hint, bring some earplugs. In Chinatown, Michael O'Looney, New York One.

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