Celebrating cultures To travel is not only about seeing exotic places or taking photos of famous landmarks, it should also be about experiencing and exploring different cultures.

SOUTH AFRICA | Friday, 5 July 2013 | Views [465] | View Smaller Image

According to traditional Chinese mythology, dragon is a very auspicious yet powerful animal. It signifies courage, power and its ability to overcome any obstacles in its course.

Outside the hall the celebration of the Year of the Dragon began with the thundering sound of hundreds of crackers being set alight. The whole courtyard was covered with a white blanket of smoke. This marked the start of the Dragon and Lion Dance, a traditional dance to celebrate the year of the dragon. This dance is done with the intention to ward of evil spirits and to bring prosperity and good fortune .

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The Lion dance is done by two dancers per lion. They move on the rhythm of drums and gongs which creates a spectacular show. The head of the lion is made out of paper mâché and the twinkle and movement of the lion’s eyelids as well as the movement of the head and mouth are supposed to enhance the lion’s vitality and longevity, while the tail of the lion sweeps away bad fortune from last year.

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Celebrating cultures To travel is not only about seeing exotic places or taking photos of famous landmarks, it should also be about experiencing and exploring different cultures.

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