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It’s Jan 22 as I’m writing this — which is the eve of Chinese New Year. I thought I’ll write a quick post to wish everyone a Happy Chinese New Year! ;)
This year is the year of the Dragon, which is a long-standing symbol of power, strength, and good luck in Chinese culture. The dragon is a highly revered creature to the Chinese, and for the same reason, many Chinese see it as highly auspicious to have children in this year.
Every Chinese New Year, it’s common to see the Lion Dance and Dragon Dance – which are choreographed performance by people in life-size puppets modeled as Lions and Dragons respectively. Some people mistake the Lion Dance as the Dragon Dance, where they are two separate things.
Below is a clip of a traditional Lion Dance (in Hong Kong):
…and here is a modern take of the Lion Dance (they used Tiger puppets instead of Lion ones because it was 2010, the year of the Tiger):
At the moment I’m in Los Angeles, and traveling to San Francisco later today. I’ve heard a lot about the large Asian community in San Francisco, and the amazing vibe of the city, and can’t wait to check it out for myself. :D It’s definitely going to be fun, for sure. Will share pictures as I take them, via Facebook – To those of you who have been following me on Facebook – you know the drill!
After San Francisco, I’m probably returning to Singapore. It’s been a while (over 7 months, but hey – who’s counting?), and I can’t wait to see how things have been back home.
Because of the myriad of experiences I’ve been in since I’ve been away, first in Europe, then going to US, I’m expecting a reversal culture shock when I return. Mainly having to adjust back to the climate, the societal norms, the culture, and the way of life. No thoughts on how that’s going to be, but I’m interested to see how it’s going to unfold.
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Happy Chinese New Year from China proper – from the cold sunny day of Beijing
Here in Beijing we went to temple fairs and saw lots of traditional dances and performances
Wishing oyu the best in the Year of the Dragon
Noch Noch
Thank you very much.God bless you
Thanks Nana!
:dance: HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR TO YOU! &GONG XI FA CAI!
Thank you Luke – same to you! ;)
happy chinese new year. Celes. I am celebrating with my family, too. For my sign is Dragon this year.
That’s awesome, leny! Double the celebration for you then. Happy CNY – May the year of the dragon bring you lots of new opportunities. :D
It’s January 23, 2012! Happy Chinese New Year Everybody! :heart:
Yay, a holiday that celebrates the new, and being strong and empowered also.
Celes, you are rocking your world and so many others’ worlds out there with “Personal Excellence.” Really very exciting to watch and be part of. You write about and involve us in wonderful, practical, and uplifting information. Thank you for motivating us to rock our own worlds, and showing us ways to go about doing just that! Thank you, thank you thank you, and Happy Chinese New Year!!!!! :heart: :hug:
Rock ON, Celes!!!!! And Everyone!!!!! ;) :heart: :dance: :heart: :heart: :heart:
Bette
Hi Bette, thank you so much for your kind words! Thank you so much for reading PE and being such a great support! Let’s all rock on, together! :D
Kong Hei Fat Choi!
Gong Xi Gong Xi! :mrgreen:
this is great..happy and blessed new year :angel: :love:
Thank you – You too Izoh! :D
I love different cultures, and yours is very intriguing. Happy New Year, Celes!
Thank you, Prion! Happy new year to you too! :D
Year of the water dragon! :D
Indeed! It’s going to be a ferocious and powerful year. :D
Happy Chinese New Year Celes!! I hope you enjoy your stay on the West Coast. I absolutely love it out west! I may be going to Arizona soon, actually driving cross country from Massachusetts! I always wanted to!!
Thanks Lisa! The west coast is indeed very amazing. Los Angeles is such a great city, and I can imagine San Francisco is going to be too!
Hi Celestine,may the year of the water dragon brings joy, happiness, wealth, good health, peace and love to you
Thank you Ngee Key – I wish you the very same too! :D
Wish you the same!!
Thanks, Keerthi! :D
thx for sharing the lion and dragon dance lore with us.. i didn’t know there were two separate dances
happy chinese new year! :mrgreen:
Thank you, Clinton! :mrgreen:
Hi Celes, happy new year to you too! By the way, what is your sign? I’m a snake. :)
Hey Amanda, Happy Chinese New Year! :D I’m the Rat. :D
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