lions and dragons

Last week we went to one of the nicer malls, IFC, over on the HK side to watch the movie The Descendants (which finally just made it out here).  While walking through the mall, we happened across a lion dance and a dragon dance.  This was totally unexpected and super fun.

The lion dance was really neat as the boys were very acrobatic and energetic.  For those of you who have not seen one before, the lion consists of two dancers, with one acting as the head and the other as the body.  They must work together to walk, jump, and dance in unison.  The dragon dance was also lovely to watch as the boys worked really well as a team to get the dragon to move around smoothly and quickly.  There were also musicians playing the drums, gongs, and cymbals, which kept the atmosphere very festive (and loud).  

Something different that I had not seen before was the "eating of the green" ceremony.  Each store had lettuce, various greens, and red packets hanging above the doorways that the lion dancers had to get down.  The dancers had to reach up to grab the packet and then proceed to eat it, keep the red (money) packet for themselves, and spit out the greens which represents the spreading of good luck for the new year.  This was definitely the highlight for me.

Lion heads

 

Lion leaning forward on a ladder and leaping from step to step.

Lots of strength goes into these performances.

 

Some of the dancers and musicians.

Close up...the dragon chases the ball.

People touched the lions and dragon for good luck.  So happy!

Focusing on the pattern.

Blessings.

Lettuce package hanging on the doorway of a shop.

 

Reaching for it, grabbing it, and eating it.

Close up...this had a lot of herbs and a carrot!

A different view from underneath.

(Linking to Sweet Shot Tuesday)

(Linking to Tuesdays Around the World)