Chinese New Year in Los Angeles, California
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu
This year the Chinese New Year in Los Angeles was fraught with violence, so it was very heartening to see the turnout at the East West sponsored event at the Huntington Gardens be so well attended.
As I pulled up to the gates, there was a sign stating Parking Lot full. I watched with chagrin and dismay as I saw some cars being turned away. Fortunately, after verifying my ticket the guard let me enter and search for parking. Finding a parking spot was an endeavor of patience but I was fortunate to turn down a lane as a family was leaving and the father graciously pointed out where their car was parked.
The entire garden was suitably decked out for the event starting at the entrance and working all the way through the park. Food trucks as well as all cafeteria’s embraced the day’s theme as I collected the brochure telling me what events were occurring where.
My timing was spot on, and I arrived just as the lion dancers were getting ready to perform. The dragon dancers were also present and ready to perform showing off the dragon twisting this way and that to the delight of the audience.
A quick explanation and introduction to the lion dancers and traditions. While these dances can be performed for any auspicious occasion including weddings and birthdays, they are traditionally performed at the New Year Festival.
And they were off. Prancing and showing off for the audience and making their way to the children seated on the ground and letting the children pet them. What an awesome sight it was.
Many of the audience was equipped with the traditional red envelopes that they stuffed into the dancer’s mouth to show their appreciation.
And then they asked for 5 children volunteers to come to the dancers for a special five on five interactions. Before you could say Jack Robinson, the green was full of children and their parents all vying for the opportunity.
A calligraphy table was set up to allow people to practice forming the traditional letters.
Oh, these drums sounded fantastic.
This green had a demonstration of Tai Chi, the fan and sword dances. Most of the performers here were of mixed age and I was both envious and encouraged to try my feet and body to this.
There were flower arrangements and short performances in the Chinese Gardens and food trucks galore. I snuck into the open Children’s Garden and watched these children escape from all the noise and mayhem to enjoy a few moments in the sun.
Of course, I did things backwards as I walked the exit, there was a photo booth and people taking pictures of these signs proclaiming the New Year.
Outside the bookstore was a book signing of books about each of the Chinese Zodiac signs with both the author and the illustrator present. I of course had to buy one for my five-year-old grandson. As luck would have it they were out of both the Rabbit as well as his birth sign book, so I settled on the Dragon’s story. All little boys love dragons, right?
A wonderful day enjoying the sunshine and the beautiful flowers that are announcing that spring is sprung and enjoying the festivities associated with the Chinese New Year and Lamp festival.