Semiahmoo Shopping Centre was bustling with music, dance and more at a Lunar New Year celebration on Saturday (Feb. 10).
Organized by the Chinese Village Club, the event featured speakers and performers of all ages, all focused on highlighting Chinese New Year, which, in 2024, is the Year of the Dragon.
Speakers explained how the origins of the Chinese New Year are steeped in legend; with one saying that, thousands of years ago, a monster named Nian (the pronunciation of “year” in Chinese) would attack villagers at the beginning of each new year.
The monster was afraid of loud noises, bright lights, and the colour red, so those things were used to chase the beast away.
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Young dancers from Linda Education Centre perform a traditional dance called “Fly” at the celebration, as well as adult performers who conducted a Tai Chi fan performance.
The Dragon Dance, always a highlight of the Chinese New Year Parade, was also performed.
The dragon, speakers said at the celebration, represents wisdom, power, and wealth.
It is also said that the Dragon Dance will scare away the evil spirits and all the bad luck in the coming year.