In China, each new year is associated with one of the twelve animals that make up the Chinese version of the zodiac. This year is the Year of the Monkey, which brings to mind one of the most beloved characters in Chinese literature, the Monkey King. The Monkey King is one of main characters in the novel Journey to the West, a fictionalized retelling of the Buddhist monk Xuanzong's journey to India to obtain copies of the Buddhist scriptures in the 7th century. In the novel, the Monkey King, an immortal who has been punished for his misdeeds, becomes one of the companions and protectors of Xuanzong during his journey. The Monkey King is such a popular character in China that he even appears in TV commercials! I remember that when I was living in China I would occasionally see a TV commercial in which the Monkey King sees a man wearing a very stylish pair of dress shoes. He is so taken with them that he uses his magical powers to give himself a pair.
Thinking of my time in China, I recall participating in a very traditional Chinese New Year custom--attending a "temple fair." Called miaohui in Chinese, in the past these events took place on the grounds of Taoist or Buddhist temples, hence the name "temple fair." However, these days "temple fairs" are often held at places other than temples, like the one attended a number of years ago, which was held in a large public park in Beijing. It was rather like a country fair or a carnival midway, with lots of games of skill offering prizes like stuffed toy animals. In addition, there were stalls where traditional crafts were demonstrated and craft items offered for sale. Perhaps the most vivid memory I have of the temple fair I attended is of the crowds. I had seen many crowds during my time in China, but the crowds I saw at that temple fair were among the biggest I had ever seen.
It has been a number of years since I attended that temple fair in Beijing, but it remains one of many vivid memories I have of spending Chinese New Year in China. Obviously, living in the U.S. it is not possible for me to participate in many of the traditions associated with the holiday, but at least I have some very pleasant memories to hold on to.