Crossbeams

 Li Xuelin /Sichuan Qingmu Junior Middle School　

supported by a large crossbeam.These cross beams not only support the roof of the house but are also symbols of peace and wealth to each individual household.Each time a new house is putting up its crossbeam,the house owner's friends and neighbors will all come to celebrate.It's always such a fun and exciting event!

Recently I was lucky to have a holiday on the same day as my neighbor put up his crossbeam on his newly repaired house.All our neighbors and friends came to join in on the celebrations. People brought food and drinks,and there were many freshly made buns wrapped in red packaging.

Just before the workers installed the crossbeam,there was a short blessing ceremony.Incense sticks were lit and food offerings were placed under the beam.A local master then said a few blessings - wishing the house and owner's prosperity and good fortune.The cross beam also had a blessing written on it,it read,"A sign of luck.May all our wishes come true".

After the ceremony,the real celebration began.We lit fireworks and fire crackers and started throwing the buns to each other.The guests threw buns in the air to the house owners,who in turn threw buns back to the guests.There were buns flying everywhere!I wasn't looking where I was going and all of a sudden a bun hit me right on the head!Apparently that is a sign of luck!Lucky me.

After the crossbeam was in place all the workers continued working on the house again.After that everyone slowly made their way home,all with a happy look on their faces.