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CHINESE NEW YEAR: THE DELICATE SOUND OF THUNDER


Today marks the first day of the new year on the Chinese calendar, and 2012 is officially the 'Year of the Water Dragon'.

According to Chinese archaeologist, Zhōu Chong-Fa, the Chinese word for ‘dragon’ is an onomatopoeia of the sound thunder makes.

Today marks the first day of the new year on the Chinese calendar, and 2012 is officially the ‘Year of the Water Dragon’.

Occupying the 5th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Dragon is the mightiest of the signs. Dragons symbolize such character traits as dominance and ambition. Water calms the Dragon’s fire. Water Dragons are able to see things from other points of view.

In NYC, you will find various colorful and exciting Chinese New Year celebrations, however GrandLife recommends the following special events:
Firecracker Ceremony
When: from 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Monday, 23rd January, 2012
Place: in Roosevelt Park (between Grand & Hester Streets)
The firecracker detonation, with expected attendance by local politicians and community leaders, is intended to ward off evil spirits. A large stage will feature all-day cultural performances by traditional and contemporary Asian-American singers and dancers. A dozen lion, dragon and unicorn dance troupes will march through Chinatown’s main streets, including Mott Street, the Bowery, East Broadway, Bayard Street, Elizabeth Street and Pell Street.

13th Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival
The parade usually winds throughout Chinatown along Mott, Canal, and Bayard streets, and along East Broadway. 
When: 11:30 a.m. – 4 pm, Sunday, January 29, 2012
Place: Canal Street South 
The spectacle features elaborate floats, marching bands, lion and dragon dances galore, Asian musicians, magicians, acrobats and procession by local organizations. Over 5,000 people are expected to march in the parade, which will start at Mott Street and promenade through practically every street in of Chinatown, finally dispersing at Worth Street. The parade is expected to conclude at 3 pm, at which time an outdoor cultural festival will take place on Bayard Street featuring more performances by musicians, dancers and martial artists.

Dragon and lion dances are common during Chinese New Year. It is believed that the loud beats of the drum and the deafening sounds of the cymbals together with the face of the dragon or lion dancing aggressively can evict bad or evil spirits.

— Posted by GrandLife Hotels, January 23, 2012

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