Roosters are ready to crow

Roosters are ready to crow

Chinese New Year is coming, and the roosters are ready to crow on
the dawn of Feb. 9, 2005.

Chinese Jakartans have been preparing for family gatherings at
home.

Although some Chinese Indonesian community leaders have requested
that people celebrate this new year in a modest manner -- out of
respect for the tsunami victims -- they also say that there is no
harm in decorating your house with a red lantern or two.

A
Two acrobats, originally from China, show off their skills at the
Mega Bekasi Hypermall in West Java as part of celebrations for
the Year of the Rooster.

B
Many stores in Jakarta are selling Chinese New Year decorations
and foodstuffs, such as red lanterns and Chinese sweet cake made
from sticky rice and sugar palm, in the days before the beginning
of the Year of the Rooster, which this year falls on Feb. 9,
2005.

C&F
The ambience of upcoming Chinese New Year is palpable in
Jakarta's Chinatown of Glodok, West Jakarta. Residents have
adorned the neighborhood with red lanterns and other Chinese
decorations.

D
A Chinese Indonesian family lights incense in preparation for
prayers. Prior to the Chinese New Year many Buddhists and
Confucians come to temples to pray for a better life in the
upcoming year.

E
Emir, who works at the Batra Bakti Temple in Ancol, North
Jakarta, paints a dragon on a giant candle.