A close-up view of platform performers at the "She Huo" Festival in Jinzhong, Shanxi Province, Feb. 6, 2012. [Photo: China.org.cn]

Ending the New Year with a bang

As the New Year holiday ends, many of the local residents in Zuoquan will go back to difficult labor jobs, including working at the local power plant, farms, factories or coal mines. Others will leave their hometown to pursue work in other cities. But during the Lantern Festival, the entire county is able to come together to carry on ancient traditions that have been going on for thousands of years.

Even though variations of She Huo Jie also exist in other areas of China, the bright colors, high energy and excitement of She Huo Jie in Shanxi Province, as well as the sheer numbers of performers, have made it renowned all over the country. I'm very grateful for this opportunity to experience a traditional Lantern Festival celebration in a very unique place.

(China.org.cn by Corey Cooper February 18, 2012)

热热闹闹送走春节

当新年假期结束后，左权县的许多当地居民将回到艰苦的体力劳动中，包括在当地的电力厂、农场、工厂和煤矿工作。还有些人要离开家乡，去其他城市追求他们的事业。但是在元宵节期间，整个左权县的居民都汇聚在一起，上演着传承了数千年的古老传统。

虽然中国的其他地方也存在类似于社火节的习俗，但山西社火节以其亮丽的色彩、火爆的程度和超旺的人气闻名全国。能在这样一个特殊的地方庆祝传统的元宵佳节，我非常感激。