Lunar New Year 2024 Year of the Dragon

On Friday, February 9, dancing lions from a local lion dance troupe helped Silver Oak students and their families celebrate the start to the 2024 Lunar New Year. Two lions danced and entertained our students while twirling, prancing, and spinning to lively drums and music. During the performance, students “fed” the lions red good luck envelopes. “The lions ‘eat’ the wealth and spit it back out to the audience to give them prosperity,” explains 5th grade teacher Mr. Robin Nguyen who organized this year's event for the upper grades. 

 

Among the many customs observed during the Lunar New Year festivities is the traditional lion dance - which stems from a popular legend dating back more than 2000 years. In Asian culture, the lion symbolizes strength, stability and superiority, while the dragon represents power, boldness and excellence. Dances with both these creatures are performed during festive occasions as a means to chase away evil spirits and welcome in prosperous times.

 

The Lunar New Year, celebrated by nearly 2 billion people worldwide, begins on Saturday, February 10, with celebrations lasting up to 15 days. Also known as the Chinese New Year -- and as the Spring Festival in China. 2024 marks the Year of the Dragon. A central figure in Chinese culture, the dragon represents vigor, strength and good fortune, among other powerful attributes.