Dancing with the Lions
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By Paula Kirman
One of the most exciting aspects of Edmonton, for me, is the multicultural face of the city. The appreciation for the number of cultures represented here became most apparent to me when I began working in the inner city, as the editor of a community newspaper in the McCauley and Boyle Street area. Interacting and working with people from diverse backgrounds became a daily occurrence.
Chinatown extends through both McCauley and Boyle Street. I have spent many occasions sampling the different cuisines at the multitude of restaurants serving food from Vietnam, China, Thailand, and other Asian lands. I have roamed through gift shops looking for treasures from distant lands, some of which now decorate my office and home. I often bring friends with me to experience these cultural explorations.
In late January I attended a Chinese New Year celebration in Chinatown. It was the first time I ever attended such a celebration. After opening remarks and a dragon dance, the rest
of the afternoon featured lion dancers visiting all of the businesses along 97 street. The "lions" would be allowed entry into the shop or restaurant to receive an offering from the owner. Then, the "lions" would go back outside and dance as firecrackers were set off in the doorway. Another offering would fall from the top of the firecrackers onto the ground, where the "lion" would accept it. A crowd of people followed the "lions" from door to door, taking part in the joy and excitement in celebration of the coming year.
What a blessing to live in a city where people can honour their culture and traditions, and where we can learn from each other. I will always remember the colour and movement of the lion dancers, the sound of the loud firecrackers being ignited, and the excitement in the air on that cold January day.
