Photo by Heather Beaumont
Gong Hay Fat Choy!
I was invited to pitch an idea for an 800-word piece on Lunar Chinese New Year for a newspaper’s special section.
After conducting some online research about Chinese New Year I came across information on the Lion Dance, and I knew I’d found a topic that would be interesting for me to research and write about. The Chinese Lion Dance would definitely attract readers.
A brief pitch is all it takes. I wrote up the details that I had quickly researched on the Lion Dance and forwarded them to the editor in an email. I mentioned that I wanted to learn more about the dances, the symbolism, the costumes and the dancers’ skill.
The editor gave me a go ahead with a deadline that left me lots of time to conduct research, to interview, write, edit and polish the piece. I emailed and spoke to preliminary sources to find my subjects and then set up interviews. Then I coordinated a photo session for a photographer and provided detailed information to the photographer.
It’s tradition in Chinese culture for the lion to visit local businesses and stores to wish everyone good fortune in the new year. The lion chases the lucky lettuce then spreads the good fortune of the lucky green to the assembled audience.
Centuries ago, a male Kung Fu master performed the Lion Dance, but today women and people from different cultures perform. And they’re not necessarily all Kung Fu Masters.
I interviewed the Si Fu or Master of Northern Legs Southern Fists for my article and attended a recent performance at Holt Renfrew. As the Master banged a powerful drumbeat that symbolizes one universal heartbeat, the lions chased the lucky green. And when the lions caught the lucky lettuce and scattered it among the crowd, to spread the good fortune, the lettuce hit me right smack on the left arm. So now, I’m looking forward to lots of good fortune in 2016.
At this time of year, Lion Dances are performed in the local Chinatowns, business communities and stores and schools. If you have a chance to see a Lion Dance and receive blessings and good fortune, this Chinese Lunar New Year, don’t miss out!
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