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January 29, 2006
Chinese New Year
Just weeks after the Russian Festival, Trafalgar Square filled itself with another cultural celebration--the Chinese New Year. Unlike the former, the Chinese celebration spanned through China Town and closed down many streets in central London.
Of interest to me was a dragon parading through the crowded streets...
Dragon.
Part of what I observed involved people hanging a head of lettuce from their 2nd floor window which the dragon would eat, then spit out with little gifts.
Dragon going up.
Main street in China Town. You can get food here almost 24 hours a day.
The Chinese New Year is actually a 15 day celebration, of which what I attended, was only the first. Each day carries with it certain rituals: abstaining from meat (day 1), prayer to ancestors (day 2),...seven vegetable drink for farmers (day 7), family reunion (day 8)... Lantern Festival (day 15).
I nearly missed on this celebration all together, had it not been for a reminder from my local China House Restaurant. I go there so often (3.50 pound student special), last week, when being informed on which celebrations to attend, I was offered a job! Four pounds per hour and two free meals per shift, working four shifts a week...tempting, but there is almost too much to do here to frequent any place that often. I do not even go to campus more than three days a week.
Posted by ami6 at January 29, 2006 08:10 PM
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