Lion dance celebrates Chinese new year

YOUNGSTERS at a village primary started their week with a bang when martial arts experts brought a taste of the Orient to school assembly.

Boys and girls at Barwell Church of England Academy were treated to a traditional Chinese Lion Dance to mark the start of the Year of the Dog.

Unlike our new year the Chinese new year begins anytime between January 21 and February 20 because it is based around the lunar cycle.

For 2018 this meant the new year started on Friday February 16 and marks the Year of the Earth Dog. All the 12 creatures of the Chinese zodiac are given one of five different traits - metal, water, wood, fire and earth.

The last time there was a Year of the Earth Dog was in 1958.

Leicester-based Chinese Martial Arts Society brought the colourful characters to life at the High Street school, accompanied by the customary music.

Headteacher Victoria Newman said: “It was fabulous. The children absolutely loved it and were inspired to ask very insightful questions. A great start to our day and thank you to the Chinese Martial Arts Society for a superb display.”

The dog is the 11th animal in the 12 animal zodiac and people born in this year are said to be communicative, serious and responsible in the workplace. Notable Year of the Dog personalities include Winston Churchill, Madonna and Jennifer Lopez.