Dancing dragons, lions and pandas as Chinese mark Year of the Dog
Honesty, loyalty and good luck — these are just some of the traits people born during the Year of the Dog are said to exemplify, according to the Chinese zodiac.
Until Feb. 18, Chinese-Canadians in Calgary will be ushering in the Chinese NewYear with a weekend of cultural festivities, including martial arts demonstrations, a market, traditional dances and much more.
The Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre will host free events open to all Calgarians on Feb. 17 and 18 to celebrate the Year of the Dog, which hasn’t come around since 2006.
“To the whole world the dog means loyalty, and in Chinese culture the dog is usually the one who watches the house to make sure nothing goes wrong,” said Tina Mao, manager of the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre. “The arrival of dog means also the arrival of good fortune.”
Starting Feb. 17 at 10 a.m., the centre will host a New Year market with upwards of 50 booths for shoppers to peruse and festival food featuring Chinese cuisine. There will also be a Chinese lantern display, musical performances throughout the day and a traditional Dragon and Lion Dance outside the centre.
“Usually wehave one dragon and around 16 lions together, so, yes, it’s going to be a big one if weather allows,” Mao said. “It’s a folk tale about ... keeping away the bad fortune and welcoming the good fortune for everybody.”
Mao said the celebrations incorporate not just the traditions of mainland China, but also celebrates Taiwanese, Hong Kong and Malaysian culture.
Even the Calgary Zoo is getting into the Chinese New Year spirit ahead of the opening of Panda Passage on May 7.
“This year is special to Calgary because we’re getting the pandas from Toronto Zoo to Calgary Zoo, so we’re celebrating with Calgary Zoo together,” Mao said.
“On Feb. 18 we will have a panda mascot coming to our event and celebrate with everyone,” Mao said.