Chinatown's annual Lion Dance Parade was Sunday, February 21, 2010. Approximately 150 people lined the sidewalks beginning at 10AM to watch the Lion Dance Troupe perform. The parade began in Phillips Square and zig-zagged through Chinatown.
Spectators included Chinatown residents and other Bostonians, who came to share in the cultural festivities. Children played with noisemakers and danced in the street to the sound of the parade's drums. Dressed in lion costumes, the troupe visited local shops. The lion symbolizes courage and power in the Chinese tradition. The Lion Dance Parade, which also occurs during weddings, grand openings and other cultural events, is believed to bring good luck and fortune to those involved.
The Lion Dance Parade coincides with the eighth day of the Chinese New Year. Also called the Lunar New Year, it is the longest celebration in the Chinese calendar, lasting fifteen days. The Chinese New Year is based on lunar and solar movements. Thus, the celebrations begins on a different day each year. This year, the Chinese New Year began on February 14, 2010.
Each year in the Chinese calendar is represented by one of twelve animals that form the Chinese Zodiac. The signs rotate linearly with each sign occurring every twelve years: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.
2010 is the year of the tiger, which symbolizes bravery and competitiveness.
Want information on upcoming events in Boston's Chinatown?
No comments:
Post a Comment