Chinese New Year 2009
Chinese New Year 2009
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Councillor Jack Davis, Mayor of Tameside
On behalf of Tameside Council I am delighted to be here today for our Chinese New Year celebrations. Chinese New Year, the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays is currently being celebrated all over the world and includes fireworks, visits to friends and family, and the liberal use of the colour red, often red clothing.
This year is the Year of the Ox. The Ox or Buffalo sign symbolises prosperity through fortitude and hard work. Those born under the influence of Ox or Buffalo are fortunate to be stable and persevering.
Next we’re about to see a special Lion Dance blessing performed by the Northern Dragons Manchester 
who were established at the end of 2006 to bring Lu Gao Kung Fu, a form of martial arts back to the area. The Lion Dance we are about to see is symbolic in nature with the lion traditionally regarded as the guardian creature across much of Asia. It is usually performed at a ceremony to chase away evil spirits and to summon luck and fortune for the coming year. We could all do with a bit of that. The lion is required to be blessed to awaken its spirit so that it can be used in future Lion Dances including Chinese New Year where it is especially popular.
Following the dance we have some exciting martial arts demonstrations from the Northern Dragons Manchester and a stunning performance from the London Chinese Acrobats so please don’t miss those.
It therefore gives me great pleasure to introduce Northern Dragons Manchester and the Lion Dance –Hoy fat Choi– that’s their Happy New Year.
Applause