STORY: Russian expat experiences folk tradition in China's Guangdong
SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 29, 2024
DATELINE: March 3, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:58
LOCATION: GUANGZHOU, China
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): TSEITLER ROMAN, Russian expat
2. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): Local villager
3. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): TSEITLER ROMAN, Russian expat

STORYLINE:

"Grabbing lucky cracker" is a folk tradition that boasts a history of 800 years in Dongguan, south China's Guangdong Province.

During the cultural event which is also known as "Grabbing Paotou," people shoot specially made firecrackers up to the sky with some crackers tagged with a number and auspicious phrases.

When the crackers fall, the ones who can rush to grab the crackers with the tags are believed to be lucky and will have a prosperous and safe year.

On Thursday, the event was held in Dongguan, and a young man from Russia had an immersive experience of the folk tradition in a town there.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): TSEITLER ROMAN, Russian expat
"What am I preparing for?
I'm going to participate in Houjie's annual 'Grabbing Paotou' event.
You'll see me show off my skills later.
Ok, I'm here.
You're probably wondering why I'm wearing this helmet.
Because I've heard that the competition has been so fierce in past years.
So this year I had to be prepared to take the 'Paotou.'
The event is scheduled to be held on the 20th day of the first month of the lunar calendar every year in Xintang Village, and has always been a spectacular event.
This activity has a history of more than 800 years while praying for blessings and wishing the villagers a year of good weather.
Hey, guys, listen to me, the event is about to start. I'll try my best to get the 'Paotou' to exchange for prizes.
Wait and see.
With the sound of a 'gong,' the activity of grabbing the 'Paotou' officially began.
Villagers who grab it could go to the ancestral hall to receive the corresponding gift, which symbolizes peace, prosperity, happiness and contentment throughout the year.
I didn't grab it."

SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): Local villager
"I won last year, and I also won this year. This is my prize."

SOUNDBITE 3 (English): TSEITLER ROMAN, Russian expat
"He is so lucky. I'm so jealous. I hope next year, guys, I will see you here, and you also win something. 
(You can keep it.)
Wow, thank you."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Guangzhou, China.
(XHTV)