In Japan, the first everything in the New Year is considered important. And the
first fire is often lit with embers taken from a temple ground.
This was our first fire. It was at the home of a friend with quite a large number of people present. About half of them were Chinese, public officials here in the US to study public administration.
It was a good gathering, a good first social event of 2008. I hope there are many more that are equally warm-spirited!