New Year's Eve.
A sudden snowstorm attacked Datian Village last night, covering the village with a thick layer of snow.
It was still snowing today, but the wind had stopped, and as dusk approached, the village suddenly became lively.
The crackling sound of firecrackers was incessant, mixed with the innocent and cheerful laughter of children.
Collecting wild bean pods that grew on mountainsides or field ridges and drying them in the sun, one could sift out the beans, fill a bamboo tube or wooden stick with them, and ignite them with fire, causing the beans to burst into a puff of "bean flowers."
The bursting sound was crisp and loud, said to have the effect of driving away evil wraiths.
This was probably not true, but the "bean flowers" produced were indeed fragrantly sweet and delicious, becoming the village children's favorite snack during the New Year holidays.
If one could dip it in honey, it would be even more delicious!
