IT’S A DRAGON
Theia Barry, Amilia Immamovic and Emilia Holmes spot the dragon at Bray School Project’s Dragon Dance Parade last Friday. TWO PAGES OF GREAT PICTURES INSIDE
The children of Bray School Project celebrated Chinese New Year last week with a dragon dance parade at their school.
This is an annual tradition at the school, started with the creation of a very impressive dragon around 30 years ago by artistic pupils.
There are a number of Chinese pupils at the school, who were delighted to mark the occasion with their friends.
Parents Connie McTurk and Mein Lin as well as past-parent Hong Soon Har organised an assembly last Friday to celebrate Chinese New Year.
They taught the children to say ‘Happy New Year’ in Chinese, and taught them a celebratory song to ring in the year of the dog.
They also provided samples of typical Chinese food for everyone to enjoy.
Each child was presented with a red envelope containing a coin. This ancient Chinese tradition will, it is said, bring luck to the recipient during the coming year.
Then it was time for the dragon to make an entrance.
The tradition is that sixth class pupils lead the parade, carrying the magical creature.
Every class took part, with pupils making lanterns, dragon puppets and decorative fans.
Fifth class followed the dragon, playing badhrans and drums during the parade.
It was a most enjoyable day for the children, teachers, and even the dancing dragon.