From the Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre:
I don’t think anyone will object to 2020 being categorized as a true “annus horribilius”.
Safe to assume we’re all wishing for something to look forward to in the 2021 calendar year. If you find yourself distracted, fed up to the back teeth or anxious about what’s going on here on earth, look to the heavens for some inspiration!
The one and only Aquarius new moon In February coincides with the lunar new year which falls on Friday, Feb. 12 this year.
The lunar new year has been celebrated\observed by members of the Chinese community here in Timmins since the turn of the century, in this edition of Remember This? The Timmins Museum National Exhibition Centre takes a look at some customs associated with the holiday and other fun facts besides.
The Timmins Chinese Community Cultural Centre could always be counted on to put on a dazzling display of traditional choreography at auspicious events in Timmins during the year.
Wherever these creatures of Chinese folklore appear evil spirits scatter!
Often mistaken for a dragon, the colourful beast pictured here is actually a lion (admittedly with dragon-like features). This proud lion brings good fortune, wisdom and power to the fore and has been linked to the lunar New Year celebrations since
The Three Kingdoms era (220-280 AD). Chinese diasporic communities have brought many variations of this iconic folk dance to Canada, some involving martial arts, tumbling, and acrobatics and often a dose of zesty and enthusiastic humour to amuse and delight onlookers.
Standard moves which are accompanied by the sounds of drums and crashing symbols are meant to mimic a lion’s behaviour with a twist. You’ll see a lot of blinking, fluttering eyelashes, mock grooming and leaping when these dancers get into it!
Hoping this lunar New Year in the sign of the Metal Ox brings steadiness, financial prosperity and the plodding determination to see us through another tumultuous year. Gung hay fat choy, friends!
Each week, the Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre provides TimminsToday readers with a glimpse of the city’s past.
Find out more of what the Timmins Museum has to offer at www.timminsmuseum.ca and look for more Remember This? columns here.
