Saturday, February 02, 2008

Celebrating Chinese New Year





















































































































This year we joined in the chinese community's new year festivities. In the morning we headed over to the international language school, for their presentation. The different classes shared songs, bird sounds, and different dances from different regions. It wasn't a long presentation, but it gave us a little taste of Chinese culture. (and a lengthy discussion on learning a second language through this program)
After lunch we headed over to a larger gathering put together by the Chinese Cultural Association. Here, the kids tried using chopsticks to move marbles, had their names written in calligraphy, talked to an origami artist, read about the different celebrations that happen during the first days of New Years. The highlight by far was the performances. To begin there was a very impressive lion dance, who came down into the crowd for the kids to interact with. There was some singing and a performance by a group of musicians playing traditional chinese instruments.
It was the first year the association has invited the larger community to participate in the celebration in the hopes of sharing their culture and creating understanding. It was fabulous to be a part of it, gaining a greater appreciation for their part in our community.

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