According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2009 is the year of the Ox, which is set to start on January 26. The Ox symbolizes prosperity through fortitude and hard work. Although the animal is usually used to characterize people born in the year, we certainly could use the symbolism to represent the nature of 2009 as a whole as we stand strong against the global financial crisis and work hard as a country to hold the fort and keep the crisis’ repercussions from hitting home.
As multicultural as Panama is, it should not be surprising to see people adopt traditions from other cultures. With more than 180,000 members in the Chinese community, certain traditional aspects are sure to seep into local circles. And with the heavy activity at the beginning of the Gregorian calendar (what with real estate bubbles bursting, crimes and violence increasing, political feuding?) it wouldn’t hurt to hurry up the process, hastily joining in any tradition that will position us one step closer to a successful year. Consider it a second chance to start the year off on the right foot.
The Chinese New Year will be celebrated at ATLAPA on January 25 and 26, as the Chinese community in Panama holds a fair to showcase their culture, traditions, food and folklore. This fair will have dances, company exhibits, fashion shows, karaoke contests, children games, Chinese food and much more.
Among the highlights will be the performance by a group of 10 acrobats, straight from China, who will take part in the dance of the lion. They were a smash success last year, and their performance promises to equally enthrall audiences this year. More importantly, the lions’ dance, to the tune of heavy drum rolls, is said to scare the bad spirits away in order to welcome good luck into the upcoming year. Six big lions will be performing.. and with an election set to occur in May, let’s just hope six are enough!
Additionally, the fair will have the 18 meters long dragon that was part of the Beijing Olympics games, more than 65 exhibitors selling goods and services, 18 different food stalls, six folklore groups, craft workshops, medical speeches, Chinese writing classes, and martial arts presentations. There is no entrance fee for the fair, which will wrap up with a colorful display of fireworks.
Besides the lion dances, look out for the Chun lian? a special type of Duilian, or couplet, decorating both the fair and houses around town. It is used during the Chinese New Year, placed on the entrance of the house as part of the celebration. Chunlian comprises of a couplet written on vertical strips of red paper in the best calligraphic style one can muster. The first (upper) line is posted on the right side of the front door. The second (lower) line is posted on the left side of the front door. Typically, the chun lian writes a happy, hopeful, uplifting message about a better year to come.
Blame it on Panamanians’ openness towards foreign cultures, or on the need for a spiritual uplift, but something tells me we will all be joining in the Chinese New Year’s celebrations this weekend.
