新年快乐!

Chinese New Year's day fell on 14 February 2010, welcoming the year of the tiger - for all of your born in 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986 or 1998, this is your year,  so best get out your red undies!*

 

On 13th February, and after a big dim sum brunch, we decided to hit Ditan Park temple fair, the biggest and busiest new year temple fair in Beijing, during which the entire park is decorated with red lanterns.

 

I'm not quite sure what I was expecting, but it certainly was not the hilarious tack-fest that was in store!  The main attraction at the temple fair, at least early on, was about 1,500 stalls selling a multitude of zodiac-related tack.  Items were mainly centered on the tiger (tiger ears, masks, costumes, toys, muffs, giant paws, etc...) but also included things clearly left over from previous years (mouse ears, toy dogs, ram memorabilia and dragon paraphernalia, etc).  We spotted a prime opportunity for comedy, and set ourselves a Y25 budget each for acquiring accessories for the day (see above pics...).  On our way around the park later, I splashed an extra Y15 on a comedy all-(Barbie Girl)-singing, all-flashing, all-dancing white and pink ram, which was worth every penny...

 

Later in the day, there were performances by dancers, people on stilts, dragon/tiger dancing etc, and a huge selection of fairground games (on which we won a red tiger toy) - so all in all, a funny and pleasant way to while away the new year's eve.  新年快乐, everyone!

 

* Traditionally, those whose zodiac year it is should wear red every day, all year long, though practically speaking some opt for red underwear in order to protect yourself against the hazards of benming nian (meeting your zodiac year)...