On New Year's Eve in 1997, the fifth watch of the night divided the two years, one night connecting two years. Lights shone all night to drive away the plague, and we stayed up all night to celebrate the New Year. Spring peach charms replaced the old ones...
That's right, the festive atmosphere of the New Year is strong in this era.
Whether rich or poor, everyone goes home for the Chinese New Year! Everyone returns home with smiles on their faces, and every household is immersed in the festive atmosphere of New Year's Eve.
Early in the morning, you can hear people setting off firecrackers.
Inside the main room, Liu Fei, his father Liu Changqing, and others sat around the brazier, making New Year's paper money and chatting.
The flames in the brazier leaped and danced, emitting a warm glow, as if celebrating the arrival of the New Year.
He Qunfang was busy in the kitchen preparing a sumptuous New Year's Eve dinner, while Liu Yue helped wash vegetables and tend the fire.
A short while later, his second brother, Liu Xingyi, came to the house and invited them to his home for New Year's breakfast.
In the Liu family, there is a tradition during the Lunar New Year: the three families of Liu Changqing and his brothers must gather together for a reunion dinner.
They usually arrange the New Year's Eve dinner according to custom: breakfast at the eldest uncle's house, lunch at the second uncle's house, and dinner at Liu Feng's house.
However, sometimes, adjustments are made based on the actual situation; whoever's New Year's Eve dinner is prepared first, we go to their house to eat first.
When Liu Feng and his family of five arrived at his uncle's house, his grandfather, Old Man Liu, was already busy as a bee.
On the offering table, there was a full array of offerings, including pig's head, fish, tofu, and rice.
Grandpa solemnly put on a new set of clothes, which he only wore during festivals each year. He had worn them for several years and they were no longer brand new.
Although time has left its mark on its surface, it has not diminished its solemnity and sense of ceremony in the slightest.
He washed his hands and slowly walked towards the offering table, each step showing exceptional piety.
Offering incense, burning paper money, and kowtowing, people sincerely invite their ancestors to come home for the New Year.
Grandpa closed his eyes, muttering incantations as he earnestly prayed, "Ancestors, if you are watching over us from heaven, please bless your descendants with good health, freedom from illness and disaster, and a happy and fulfilling life..."
Outside, the second brother, Liu Xingyi, was busy preparing to set off firecrackers.
A group of children excitedly surrounded him, chattering, "Second Brother, quickly get us some small firecrackers to play with!"
Looking at the expectant eyes of Liu Fei, Liu Yue, Liu Xiaoling, and Liu Xingju, Liu Xingyi showed a helpless smile, but still fulfilled their request and gave each of them 10 small firecrackers.
Liu Feng also received his share, which he held in his hand, immersing himself in the joyful atmosphere and sharing the happiness of the New Year with everyone.
Then, the second brother lit a long string of firecrackers.
"Crackling and popping..."
The sound of firecrackers exploded instantly, like the tolling of New Year's bells, announcing the end of the old year and the beginning of the new.
A group of children covered their ears and scattered to avoid the explosions of firecrackers.
After the firecrackers gradually subsided, they eagerly rushed forward again, squatted down, and picked up the duds that had fallen to the ground.
That pure joy echoed across this land, warming the hearts of everyone.
Liu Feng also joined in, searching carefully.
He found three duds, and seeing that his younger brother had found nothing, he gave the duds to his brother Liu Fei.
Liu Fei accepted it with great joy, as if he had obtained a rare treasure.
"Dinner's ready! Dinner's ready!"
Just then, Grandma's familiar voice called out, and a group of children immediately ran into the house.
The table was already laden with a sumptuous meal, and a rich aroma wafted through the air, making one's mouth water.
The three large bowls of meat, in particular, were very eye-catching.
One bowl contains pork ribs, with alternating layers of fat and lean meat, and the meat is tender and juicy; the other bowl contains large pig trotters, which are crystal clear and soft and delicious.
Another dish was grass carp, with an enticing golden broth and bright red chili peppers on top, making it incredibly appetizing.
"This year has been the most fulfilling year for our Liu family. All the children have returned to our side. This is the greatest happiness!"
Grandpa stood up and expressed his feelings.
As Grandpa finished speaking, everyone raised their glasses to congratulate each other and began to enjoy the sumptuous New Year's breakfast.
The eldest brother, Liu Xingman, and the third brother, Liu Xingju, were particularly active. They took turns toasting their grandfather, eldest uncle, second uncle, and youngest uncle, expressing their respect and blessings to their elders.
Then, the two started competing with each other, playing drinking games, clinking glasses and drinking heartily, creating a lively and cheerful atmosphere.
Liu Feng picked up a piece of pig's trotter, still coated with a thick layer of broth. He took a light bite, and the collagen and fat between the skin and meat melted in his mouth. The abundance of collagen made him want to keep eating it.
At that moment, he felt as if he had tasted the most delicious food in the world. It was the taste of home, a homesickness that he would never forget, no matter where he went in the future.
"Auntie, this braised pig's trotter is really delicious!" Liu Feng exclaimed.
"These pig's trotters were made by your grandma herself. She makes them very tender and flavorful. If you like them, eat as many as you like!" Auntie replied with a smile.
"Yes, your grandma's braised pig's trotters are really delicious!" Second Uncle also praised.
Hearing everyone's praise, Grandma Fang Shuxiang was very happy and jokingly told everyone to eat more.
Everyone, adults and children alike, ate their fill and thoroughly enjoyed the New Year's Eve dinner.
The point of celebrating the Chinese New Year is to eat well so that you can have an even better year ahead.
But everyone left some room in their stomachs, because there were two more big meals waiting for them later.
After the family finished their lively New Year's breakfast, they all returned to their own homes and began preparing for the next New Year's Eve dinner.
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