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Chinese New Year 2011

The year of the Rabbit

Occupying the 4th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Rabbit symbolizes such character traits as creativity, compassion, and sensitivity. Rabbits are friendly, outgoing and prefer the company of others. They also prefer to avoid conflict. In confrontational situations, Rabbits approach calmly and with consideration for the other party. Rabbits believe strongly in friends and family and lacking such bonds can lead to emotional issues.

The Lion Dance starts....

During the Chinese New Year, lion dancer troupes from the Chinese martial art schools or Chinese guild and associations will visit the houses and shops of the Chinese community to perform the traditional custom of "cai ching" (採青), literally means "plucking the greens", a quest by the 'lion' to pluck the auspicious green normally 'vegetables' like lettuce which in Chinese called 'cái'(菜)that sound like 'cái'(财)(fortune) and auspicious fruit like oranges tied to a "Red Envelope" containing money; either hang highly or just put on a table in front of the premises. The "lion" will dance and approach the "green" and "red envelope" like a curious cat, to "eat the green" and "spit" it out leave it in a nice arrangement, like a auspicious character but keep the "red envelope". The lion dance is believed to bring good luck and fortune to the business and the troupe is rewarded with the "red envelope".

Laughing Buddhas (above) wear a painted mask with a large smile and either a traditional Kung fu uniform or a monk's robe. Sometimes a pillow is placed under the robe for a more Buddha-like appearance. The Buddhas are comic and acrobatic characters who interact with the crowd and tease the lion with a fan or a ball. The lion in turn will play with, chase, or even bite and kick the buddha depending on its mood. Because it is difficult for the lion dancers to see, the Buddhas also help the lions find their "food", etc. The Buddha's movements are also based on Kung fu stances and moves as well as acrobatic and gymnastic moves.



Em and Will....



Lion getting ready to "pluck the greens"



 The Lion collecting "red envelopes"