Celebrate Lunar New Year with a Traditional Lion Dance Blessing

The Lunar New Year is upon us, and the Mount Pleasant BIA and Chau Luen Athletics are thrilled to invite you to join the festivities as we welcome the Year of the Snake with a time-honored celebration!

Start the New Year with Good Fortune

Kick off the celebrations with a Lion Dance Blessing on Main Street! The event begins at 12 PM at Sun Hop Park, where you’ll witness a vibrant, traditional ceremony sure to bring good luck and prosperity to the community for the year ahead.

According to legend, the lion dance originated centuries ago when villagers, dressed as lions, came together to scare away a mythical monster threatening their harvest. Today, this rich cultural tradition continues, with lion dances performed during Lunar New Year to bring prosperity and fortune to those lucky enough to experience one.

The Lion Takes to the Streets

After the blessing at Sun Hop Park, the lion dancers will roam the neighborhood, visiting participating stores to spread festive cheer and blessings.

Why Do Lions Visit Stores?

This tradition of the lion visiting stores is more than just a colorful performance—it’s a way to usher in luck and prosperity for businesses in the coming year. Here’s how it works:

  • Participating stores hang fresh lettuce (生菜, sang choy) and red envelopes outside their storefronts.
  • The word for lettuce sounds like “fortune” (財, choy) in Chinese, making it a perfect symbol of abundance and prosperity.
  • The lions “eat” the lettuce, chew it, and spit it out in front of the store, showering the space with lettuce pieces—symbolizing the spreading of good fortune.

Join the Celebration!

This Lunar New Year, let’s come together as a community to honor traditions, share joy, and welcome an abundance of luck. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned participant, the Lion Dance Blessing is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in this cultural celebration and support local businesses along the way.

📍 Event Details
Date: Lunar New Year Day
Time: 12 PM
Location: Sun Hop Park, Main Street

Let’s celebrate the Year of the Snake with joy, tradition, and plenty of good fortune! 🧧✨