A Skip and a Hop to China!

Early this morning I went to the market to buy some veggies for my grand attempt at chicken noodle soup. I love going to the market and just walking around. There is something about it that is so fascinating. When I was walking home I heard the loud noise of firecrackers going off. As I looked over to see what was making that loud noise I saw these beautiful colorful discs. There are many shops here in Shuangpai where people make these circles out of tissue paper and tree limbs. At first, I thought that they were for some kind of celebration coming up but I later found out, through my students, that they are for funerals. Anyways, after the fireworks I saw a row of people carrying these discs with ribbons on them. I realized that it wasn't some kind of parade but rather a funeral percessional. I walked toward the street and started to take out my camera. After the people walked by with the colorful discs a dragon was next. It was one of those dragons that people stand under. Every once and a while the dragon would stop and the people underneath it would make it dance. As you can see in the video. The noise in the background is all the firecrackers that were going off. Sorry its sideways!!!It was mezmerizing to see this dragon dance. I then realized that I should stop taking pictures and just watch what was happening. I think that it would have been disrespectful for me to continue to take pictures. Cars followed the dragon and then the coffin. It was held up by men with wooden beams. It was coverd with colorful paper and with white. The family followed in front of it wearing white. White in China is a symbol of mourning. As I watched the family pass by I couldn't help but feel sad for them. They held a picture of an old man. A father, brother, grandfather, or friend to probably many people in the crowd and more importantly to the people in front of the coffin. It made me think of my family and of the loved ones that I have had pass away. I am so grateful for my family. I realized once again how percious life is, even here in China. Each moment is so priceless that we must make the most of each and value each moment.