St. Clair College celebrates the Chinese New Year
By Chris Jackman
A lion made an appearance at the St. Clair College Mediaplex in honour of the Chinese New Year on Jan. 31.
Students looked on as two dancers donned the traditional dragon costume and performed in the newsroom Friday morning. The Chinese calendar marks Jan. 31 as the beginning of the Year of the Horse.
Public relations student Jason Tang, who acted as the head of the lion for the dance, said this year will bring luck to those born in the Year of the Horse.
Twelve animals are represented on the cyclical Chinese calendar. According to tradition, the animal of the year someone is born in reflects their personality. Every 12 years, when the animal’s year is repeated, the year is believed to be a reflection of the animal.
“It’s supposed to be a really fast-paced, energetic year,” said Tang. “You know, a lot of stuff happening. Really good for business, apparently.”
Tang, who said he has been dancing as the lion for about four years, also said he considers the zodiac an important part of Chinese culture.
The Year of the Horse will continue until February 18, 2015, when it will give way to the Year of the Sheep.