11 March 2024, is second lunar day of the second lunar month in the Chinese Calendar. It marks an extra significant Longtaitou Festival; a traditional Lunar festival that honours the ‘Dragon raising its head’.
Read moreFULL MOON LANTERN FESTIVAL
The Annual Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations will draw to a close, with the Lantern Festival heralding the first Full Moon of the Chinese New Year.
You’ve probably heard of the 12 Days of Christmas. The Chinese have a similar custom; only it’s 15 days long and denotes a different festival. From the first day of the Lunar New Year to the 15th day of the Lunar month, specific traditions and customs take place as Luna grows from New to Full. This year in the Gregorian (Universal) calendar, Feb 27th aligns with the Full moon, it’s the 16th Day of the 1st Month in the Year of the Ox in the Asian Calendar. However, celebrations take place on the evening before, Feb. 26th, hence the 15th day.
Read moreCULTURAL CUSTOMS :: 3rd LUNAR DAY
What does a dog, a mouse, a red mouth, a wedding and staying in have to do with the third lunar day of the new year? Perplexed? I’ve always been intrigued with the symbolism of the colour Red, so in 2021, I pontificated what happens when Valentine’s Day and the 3rd lunar day of the month coincided, also known as Red Scarlet day!
Read moreDragon and Lion Dances
Every year I try catch a DRAGON / LION DANCE (舞狮 wǔ shī) to mark the Lunar New Year. Spectacularly loud and boasting vivid colours, they are definitely an invigorating sight. It’s maybe a familiar sight to Western eyes but it draws a frown, followed by the covering of ears. But the deafening sound, is a necessary part of the tradition.
Find out why . . . .
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