Celebrate the Spring Festival of the Chinese Lunar Calender
HAPPY NEW YEAR OF THE RAT
8th February - 15th February, 2008.
from Lily Choo & friends
Join the fun of the Spring Festival
The LION DANCE, to bring good luck to businesses & households, loud drums & firecrackers chase away the evil 'Nian' literally meaning 'year' in Mandarin.
'Nian' the New Year monster is frighterned of loud noises, firecrackers & the colour red, hence the predominance of red banners, decorations & lanterns.
At the climax of the Lion Dance is 'Choi Cheng' meaning 'picking the green' when the lion rises on its hind legs & picks the lettuce tied with 'Lai See' the red envelopes containing money & with good luck messages written on the front. The lion then chews the leaves & spits them out at the donor to wish good luck & blessings for the New Year.
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