Happy Chinese New Year

By: PAULINA BEATRIZ

Saturday afternoon 18th Jan 2019. With cool breeze and warm sun, motiongate invites people to watch the lion dance competition. With over 30 teams from China to compete along with professional officials to judge. As a warm welcome to the Chinese New Year; Dubai Parks and Resorts- home to River land, Bollywood, Legoland, Legoland water park and Motiongate- holds a remarkable event.

Starting at 2pm, people gathered round the set up stage, it was set up in the Bollywood area close to the parks entrance. Looking around you could see the props and costumes on the side.

The event started with the welcoming of the teams and a representative of Dubai Parks and Resorts signing the eye of the lion. The eyes reflect the spirit of the ritual hence why signing the eye was important.

Traditionally, lion dances were performed during new year celebrations to scare off bad spirits with loud drums and cymbals paired with the face of a lion, which are auspicious animals in Chinese culture. When witnessing a lion dance, it is lucky to feed red pockets filled with money to the lion. This action is done for good luck for both spectator and lion dancer and is an offer to thank the martial arts team for putting on the performance.

The Chinese lion dance is normally operated by two dancers, one of whom manipulates the head while the other forms the rear end of the lion. Chinese lion dance fundamental movements can be found in Chinese martial arts, and it is commonly performed to a vigorous drum beat.

Bad spirits were definitely scared away as the loud drums and cymbals played a Chinese melody that the lions danced to.

A green lion “eating” a yuanbao ingot

The event lasted till 7pm, prayer break at 3:30 PM and resumed at 4:00 PM. With several performances that captured the eyes of the audiences and sure enough scare away the evil spirits.

The back of a red lion

The dancers in costume greeting the judges.

After intense performances, spectators and the dancers themselves were ward off of the evil spirits as we welcome the Chinese New Year.

To a prosperous New Year!

新年快乐

祝你新年快乐