The rhythm of drums, cymbals and gongs echoed through the streets of Chinatown Feb. 9 as colorful lions danced from storefront to storefront in the annual Lunar New Year parade.
Hosted by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of New England, or CCBA, the parade began with lion dance performances on a stage set up in Phillips Square. Afterward, local leaders and CCBA members gave short speeches to the crowd, emphasizing their excitement for the parade and the new year.
As more lions took to the stage, other dance groups dispersed and began visiting Chinatown’s shops and restaurants. Various performance and martial arts groups from Boston, including the Gung Ho Club and Wah Lum Kung Fu, participated in the parade, with members working together as dancers, percussionists and leaders to put on a captivating show.
At each business they visited, lions — which traditionally serve as a symbol of courage and power — initially bowed three times as a sign of respect. They then performed a dance, stomping their feet and jumping up and down to showcase emotions including excitement, curiosity, hunger, fear and anger. Many businesses provided traditional offerings of lettuce, oranges and red envelopes, which the lions “ate” and spit out to symbolize longevity, wealth, luck and good fortune. Some storefronts also lit fireworks, which traditionally scare away evil spirits.
Dozens of people followed each group as they marched down the streets, taking photos and videos of the performances. Nearby, in the Chinatown Trade Center, families also enjoyed free New Year activities ranging from live performances to crafts and calligraphy.
Through a beautiful display of Chinese culture, Bostonians celebrated the growth, renewal and personal transformation that the Year of the Snake embodies.
