Fireworks and Stars

        I LOVE STARGAZING. I could watch for hours without end, the overflowing sea of silver washing over the dark canvas of navy skies. On quiet nights back at next to the shore, the East China Sea’s salty scent swirls around me, like a familiar friend’s embrace.

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        Small, vibrant fish dart between the edges of the muddy riverbanks of the Min River—and I’d give chase, fingers slipping into the water to trail after their colourful gills. Hours later, my usually mother calls me back to help with the chores; sweeping the house, washing the rice, and feeding the chickens. The hens would cluck indignantly as they pecked at my calloused fingers when I attempt to snatch their eggs. The rooster’s loud crow signals the start of my everyday journey through the mountainous terrain of Fuzhou and towards the little brick school miles away. But I’d always return before the hens retreated back into their wooden coops; glaring indignantly at me with their beady eyes as I slipped through the door. I halfheartedly slumped onto the couch; enjoying the quiet moment as I bathed in the setting sun’s warmth.

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        “Chunhua-ah, don’t do that; stop playing around and come help me prepare.” My ma clicked her tongue, her weathered yet youthful face fixed into a stern expression, as she beckoned for me to come. Typically, she would leave me to my own devices; allow me to change and run down to the river, as long as I came home with fish. But today was a special day.

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        “Go set the candles and flowers at the front of the house before the festival starts.” She ordered. I did as I was told; picking up the ruby-red wax candles carefully handcrafted by my ba, and the assortment of vibrant flowers—before placing them in front of our little home. For the entire day, I worked alongside my ma; tirelessly slicing fresh Nian Gao, preparing meat, steaming fish, and rolling sticky rice cakes in a sweet brown sugar topping. Finally, I began my favourite part of the day; creating the lanterns.

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        My ma was a stubborn woman. Nowadays, many of our neighbours would cut artistic floral patterns onto lucky red papers; which were then folded into intricate lanterns that were carried by the children during the parade. One for each family member.

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        But ma insisted on doing them the way they used to be made when she was young; drawing little pictures depicting stories onto wide sheets of thick paper, and then folding them into lanterns. Passerby would often stop to stare and admire the family’s handiwork, interpreting the drawings through their own perspective. I had heard that rich families in the city released chicken-sized, glowing lanterns into the sky; but when I asked ma about them as a kid, she had simply given me a look—before telling me how many hens we could feed with the fortune required to purchase one. 

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        I heaved a happy sigh before I looped the lanterns onto a stick for my little brother to carry at the parade. One for ma, one for ba, one for the little rascal, and one for myself. Right on time too; my ma’s calls rang from up the stairs, as I paused. It was time to gather the offerings and place them at the altar.

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        Gigantic, carefully crafted figures of important Buddhas had been placed at the village square; where an altar had been set up. Dozens of red plates filled with mouth-watering delicacies had been placed before the figures; our family put ours amongst them. A procession of children holding red lanterns proudly strode alongside the actors dressed as important generals and characters from Chinese folklore. Firecrackers lit up the night—their fiery sparks showering the floor in gold.

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        By midnight, my eardrums were throbbing; the constant rhythm of beating drums and cymbals imprinted into my memory. At this time of the night, the sky was typically the clearest. The clouds would part and flow away like the ocean’s currents; making way for the stars to sparkle in their full glory.

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        But tonight, I wasn’t looking at the stars. I remained still; gaze fixed on the lively scene before me. Even the overenergized children stopped to admire the picturesque scene.

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        The sky was lit up with fireworks. They crackled merrily and exploded into showers of crimson, amber, and dazzling orange; illuminating the lantern-lit town with radiance. I could feel the edges of my lips quirk upwards into a rare, soft smile while I heard murmurs of appreciation and delight around me.

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        I loved stargazing. The expansive universe of glittering gems etched into the sky reminded me of my place in the world; as a single speck of dust. Only they could dispel the darkness of the night. But sometimes I forgot that something as simple as a firework could shatter the illusion of the unknown; bringing prosperity and luck to the family.