If you were in London last weekend there’s a good chance you found yourself surrounded by festive pigs and dancing lions. Without some context, the experience may sound bewildering and otherworldly. However, it was all part of an annual celebration honouring the beginning of the lunar new year.
The Lunar New Year is observed throughout Asia and celebrations are held all over the world. Therefore, festivities vary depending on national and cultural customs. However, in London, the majority of people celebrate the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year.
Considering London's Lunar New Year festivities are the largest outside Asia, my friends and I were especially excited for Sunday’s spectacular events. We started the day by gathering in Trafalgar Square where we were surrounded by red laterns and delicious food stalls. Alongside hundreds of people we looked onward toward the main stage where various politicians and community leaders took part in the Lions’ Eye-Dotting Ceremony.
The process involved using a brush to carefully applying ink to the lion's pupils which symbolizes life-giving and empowers the lion to bring forth prosperity. Following this ceremony, the awakened lions performed.
For those who haven't had the opportunity to watch a lions dance before it can be described as an impressive display of teamwork and strength imbued with cultural meaning. Observing the dance it's easy to get lost in the fantastical performance and feel as though you're watching the lions come alive and soar through the air. I could tell that everyone around me was equally amazed as we gasped in awe at each jump and cheered as the lions united in an embrace at the conclusion of the ceremony.
Equally impressive was the dragon dance that followed. Unlike the lions dance which is playful, the dragons dance is powerful. Observing its intricate movements it was evident that the dance required a great deal of coordination, creating a symbiotic performance that allowed the dancers and the dragon to create a harmonious dance.
After watching the performances my friends and I went to Chinatown to satisfy our food cravings. Sitting down in front of a plate of cheung fun, surrounded by my friends and the larger community celebrating the Lunar New Year, I found myself reflecting on how grateful I am to have found a second family at LSE and in London. The Lunar New Year is a time for giving thanks and looking forward to the good fortune ahead and given my experiences thus far I couldn't be more excited for what's to come!
Photos and words by LSE Social Media Ambassador Alisha Morales