More about the Chinese New Year

The lion, a symbol of power, wisdom, and good fortune, chases away evil spirits and brings hapiness, longevity, and good luck.

The lion dance is usually accompanied by a musical ensemble consisting of a large chinese drum (called a da shih gu) played with two wooden mallets, a gong (called luo), and one or more sets of cymbals (called bo). The lion's dance is not choreographed to music; instead the musicians follow the lion's movements. Each of the lion's moods and moves has its own associated rhythm.

Firecrackers are widely used during Chinese New Year because it is believed the bright lights and the noise can scare away evil spirits like Nian. It was believed that Nian is a monster that would awake only during the Lunar New Year and would devour men and animals in its path. People used to light a pile of bamboos on Chinese New Year to scare away Nian. When gun powder was invented, it was added to the bamboos, causing loud bangs. With Nian and the other evil spirits scared off, it is believed that prosperity, good health and happy relationships will fill the year.

Lion Dance in the Year of Tiger

Different nations have different celebrations for New Year. Chinese do something special and traditional in Lunar New Year. We went to the China Town on the first day of Tiger Year and found the place was decorated as an antique street of China with a lot of purpose-built features. Joy and happiness filled up everywhere. All of us felt excited in such atmosphere.

My uncle asked if we interested to join the cruise of the lion dance for fun. Of course, we desired to play around in the show as well. Followed the regular lion dance, the four of us took over the stuffs and played our show. Kate leaded the lion's head and I held the tail. Ally played the drum without losing a meter. What amazing talent she has! Eve fired the firecracker boldly and it was the largest one I'd ever seen.

Fascinating time always go fast and remind us to cherish what we have, we experience and we laughing at... Let's dance like the tiger and lion, to be lively, strong and confident in the show.

At the beginning of Tiger Year, I bless all my friends to be: Everything come true as you wish, Nothing go wrong as you work.

-- Mia