Celebration of Lantern Festival In Southampton, UK and China.
Introduction
The 15th day of the first month of the Chinese lunar calendar, also known as the Lantern Festival, fell on February 5th, 2023. To celebrate this special occasion, various folk cultural activities were held across China to welcome the upcoming festival. From dragon and lion dances to traditional performances and fireworks, the country was alive with celebrations. In this blog, we'll take a look at some of the most memorable and exciting moments from the 2023 Lantern Festival.
Free Performances and Workshops:
To mark the start of the celebrations, the Chinese community in Southampton put on free shows and workshops for the public. Parades marched through the city center, showcasing lion and dragon dance performances. Children were given the opportunity to take part in cultural and craft workshops, learning about the rich traditions and customs of Chinese culture.
Westquay Show:
On Sunday, a free show was hosted inside Westquay, where visitors watched a range of performances, including a lion dance, Kungfu display, Taichi, Chinese folk songs, dance, and other cultural performances. The show was attended by families, who were entertained and educated about the rich culture of China.
Lisa Douglas, 37, attended the show with her two children and said, "It has been such a good morning here with the kids. We loved the lion dance, my girls have loved it. I think days like this are great because it teaches us about different cultures and traditions."
Celebration in China
Dragon and Lion Dances
One of the most iconic elements of the Lantern Festival are the dragon and lion dances, which were performed in various towns and cities across China. The dragon dance is a traditional Chinese performance in which a large dragon-shaped puppet is manipulated by multiple performers, symbolizing good luck and prosperity. The lion dance, on the other hand, involves two performers mimicking a lion's movements in a colorful and energetic performance. These dances were performed in Tancheng County of Linyi, Wuhan Sports Center in Wuhan, and Chenggu County of Hanzhong City, to name a few.
Traditional Performances
In addition to the dragon and lion dances, various traditional performances were held to celebrate the Lantern Festival. In Heyang County, Shaanxi Province, performers beat gongs to create a lively atmosphere, while in Shexian County in Huangshan, folk artists held fish-shaped lanterns in a mesmerizing performance. In Huaibei, students took part in a bamboo dance at a local primary school, showcasing their skills and cultural heritage.
Fireworks and Riddles
Another popular aspect of the Lantern Festival is the display of fireworks, which light up the night sky and add to the festive atmosphere. In Yanzhou ancient town in Jiande, tourists were able to watch a breathtaking fireworks display, while in Wuhan, children had the opportunity to guess lantern riddles at the Wuhan Sports Center.
These riddles are a fun and interactive way to engage with the festival and test one's knowledge of Chinese culture and tradition.
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