Archives for posts with tag: Lunar New Year

Today marks the first day of the new Chinese lunar year – for 2015, it is the Year of The Wooden Sheep. Our neighbourhood, Canada’s oldest Chinatown, is very busy at this time of year! This coming Sunday, from noon until 4, the festivities include a Lion dance, dragon performances, kung fu and tai chi demonstrations, traditional dancing, and Chinese tea ceremonies.

2015 Year of the Sheep (© Firehorse Designs 2015)

2015 Year of the Sheep (© Firehorse Designs 2015)

The Gates of Harmonious Interest, Chinatown, Victoria BC.

The Gates of Harmonious Interest, Chinatown, Victoria BC.

The 500 block of Fisgard Street, Victoria BC, decorated with new lanterns for the New Year.

The 500 block of Fisgard Street, Victoria BC, decorated with new lanterns for the New Year.

Yesterday our neighbourhood of Chinatown hosted the Lion Dance celebration as part of Chinese New Year. Colourful lions, martial arts displays,  drumming and fire crackers welcomed in the new year. It was a lively afternoon!

Participants and spectators taking part on the Lunar New Year Lion Dance, Chinatown Victoria BC.

Participants and spectators taking part in the Lunar New Year Lion Dance, Chinatown Victoria BC.

Shops and homes along the lion dance route hang lettuce and red packets with money enclosed. Accompanied by drummers, the lion visits each doorway and accepts the packet and lettuce. Firecrackers scare away evil spirits and leave be behind good luck and good fortune for the year ahead.

Shops and homes along the lion dance route hang lettuce and red packets with money enclosed. Accompanied by drummers, the lion visits each doorway and accepts the packet and lettuce. Firecrackers scare away evil spirits and leave be behind good luck and good fortune for the year ahead.

Eight lions seen photographed through old wavy glass.

Eight lions seen photographed through old wavy glass.

My favourite lion. The artistry is magical.

My favourite lion. The artistry is magical.

So many beautiful colours and costumes.

So many beautiful colours and costumes.

A colourful dragon waiting to come to life.

A colourful dragon waiting to come to life.

Dales Gallery ready with it's offering for the Lion.

Dales Gallery ready with it’s offering for the Lion.