Fire Rooster Celebration

新年快乐! Happy New Year! 2017 is the year of the fire rooster, which means people born this year will be trustworthy and hardworking. Each of the 12 zodiac signs and the 5 elements is believed to influence one’s life and character. However, if this is your zodiac year you will be unlucky because the God of Age unleashes his wrath during years which share a zodiac sign, and it’s said most misfortunes happen during this time. Fortunately, wearing red clothes and jade jewelry will help ward off the God of Age’s bad luck. In Chinese we call this type of zodiac year 本命年 or ben ming nian.

Onwards to the festivities I attended yesterday. I attended the 6th Annual Lunar New Year Festival for the first time and the various performances were quite riveting. The first performance was a traditional Chinese lion dance, which I’ve never witnessed one in real life before, and I loved it. I wished I had taken a video of the dance because the drums and cymbals really brought together everything, it was lively which symbolized the awakening of the lion. There’s just something more to experiencing an entirely new act and it felt a lot like an awakening of sorts. This was my favorite so far as it had brought a smile to my face.

Other countries were represented during this festival like Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, and Indonesia, and they showcased traditional dances and martial arts.

The event was free and is held each year at the Orlando Fashion Square Mall.

This festival was an uplifting experience because it helped me reconnect with some ancient Chinese traditions. It’s rare to see an event on this scale in the U.S. especially in the South since there aren’t as many Asians here, but it’s still comforting knowing that all the various Asian cultures in Orlando decided to put together an event. I think it's important to educate other communities on how we celebrate the lunar new year. So if you get the chance next year, drop by and experience what the festival has to offer.

Check out my Instagram for more photos that aren’t posted on the blog!