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Sweeping in the New Year

By Joseph Hong

Photo by Joseph Hong.

According to Chinese custom, everyone must clean their home before the Lunar New Year begins. Translated into English, the Chinese saying “Ying tsun jie fu” means “Welcome spring, let the prosperity come in.”

San Francisco youth expanded the tradition, coming out Jan. 19 to sweep clean the alleys and streets of Chinatown. Each young person belongs to a community organization. In return for their good work, Chinatown leader Rev. Norman Fong donated $12 per youth to the organization each represented.

AsianWeek followed the kids from Chinatown YMCA. When asked if they had anything to say, they responded: “Stop littering!”

The Chinatown YMCA Sweepers included: Dan Ngo, Debbie Chan, Roselle Zhal, Alvin Chiu, Vivian Li, Barry Chen, Lydia Chiu, Gloria Chan, Wendy Li, Donna Tan, Maggie Hsin, Kimberly Jin, Phu Chen.