I'm working tomorrow, but I'll be able to almost witness something cool firsthand: the Chinese New Year Parade. It takes place in downtown San Francisco, going down Market Street and around Union Square where I work.
I say almost witness because I'm getting the heck out of there before the thing starts. I'd love to watch, but it's one of those things that I'd only feel like watching if I was off work on the day it took place and the day after. I'm wierd like that. And speaking of wierd...
...why is it that the darned parade takes place two weeks after the actual start of the Chinese New Year? It's been like this for a while, I'm told, but why? Wouldn't it be a little odd to you if you were invited to a party to celebrate New Year's on January 14th?
One good thing, though, is that it looks like this will be the first Chinese New Year parade in years that won't be rained on. Perhaps it is a good omen for those born in the Year of the Dog (I'm a Year of the Tiger guy, myself).
In any case, go on San Francisco...get your parade on.
4 comments:
I think the scheduling allows all the Chinese folks and their attendant community organizations to actually enjoy their holiday season and then put on the dog and pony show for the gwailo. Did you ever notice Macy's parade has santa in it a month before Christmas? Nobody would go to a parade on Dec. 25 except for Al-Quaeda.
(sorry for getting your blog flagged by web-scourers...)
It's not really anything like the crowds at parades in NY, at least the only time I went. Hang out for a few minutes and check it out, and you can hop on BART right after. Of course, this seems to be the first time in 1000 years that it hasn't rained on the parade so maybe that will make for a bigger crowd.
BB
Well, I was also told today the celebration of the New Year takes place for about a month after the actual day, so I'm sure it makes perfect sense to everyone except my ignorant ass.
"Nobody would go to a parade on Dec. 5th except for Al-Qaida"
That was so hilarious, yet so true.
BTW, I was the guy hopping on BART...only I did it right before, instead of right after.
celebration for Chinese New Year lasts for 15 days after the New Year's Day. the parade is held towards the end of this period to allow time for the assorted New Year's activities corresponding to specific days. for example, the third and fourth days are for the sons-in-laws to pay respect to their parents-in-law (glad i'm not married yet). i suppose it's always a Saturday since that's probably the most convenient day for everyone.
Thanks for the info, Natto.
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