Wai Yee Hong, Chinese New Year 2014
Despite the recent poor weather, and Bristol being on flood alert, the crowds and the sunshine came out to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Horse with us. The weather managed to behave itself as Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr. Peter Main opened our celebrations and led a countdown in Chinese for the traditional firecrackers. Yi Quin Kung Fu Group began their Lion Dance, which then proceeded to enter the building to bless the businesses inside!
Street Envy Dance Troupe entertained us all before Yi Quin returned to demonstrate their kung fu, and receive their hard-earned reward when the lion was brought to life again to 採青 (Choi Cheng), which means ‘plucking the greens’. Delighted onlookers in the crowd were showered with lucky greens, mandarin oranges and sweets.
This year, we were excited to be joined by Avon Somerset mounted unit, who brought horses Sidney and Lewis to greet our visitors. They were clearly enjoying the arrival of the Year of the Horse as much as we were! Further welcome additions to our Chinese New Year celebrations were Bubbly Tea, who served up delicious bubble teas, and the Chinese cake stall, with delicious New Year snacks. Our friends at Interlink were also in the building to lend an Asian flavour to the day with food tastings on their delicious snacks!
Wai Yee Hong would like to thank all of our customers again for joining us this year and making it such a wonderful celebration, and for supporting us for all these years! Gong Hei Fat Choi!
2014 is the Year of the Horse, which is the Seventh sign in the Chinese zodiac. Horses are the free-spirits of the zodiac and are known for their impulsiveness and carefree nature. Check out my horse horoscope!
Want to learn more about the traditions and folklore surrounding Chinese New Year? Why not take a look at:
- Festival Food – Chinese New Year
- Find out more about the Legend of the Chinese Zodiac!