Atlanta Chinese New Year Festival
Many cultures have a lunar calendar where the new year begins in either February or March. But, who knew there is a yearly celebration at the Cultural Center of Tapei in Chamblee, GA, about 15 minutes from downtown Atlanta? When we researched Chinese New Year Atlanta, we found this gem and are so glad we attended today.
The cost for entering the festival was low, $5 for adults, $3 for children. There were booths highlighting Chinese cultural events and business. There were a multitude of food stands, where you could buy shrimp noodles, milky tea, congee for $1-2 per serving. We tried every imaginable Chinese street food, and they were delicious.
Since the room was packed, it was difficult to see the stage. But, we got glimpses of children dancing, heard Shinto drumming, and participated in many facets of the Chinese New Year celebration. The highlight was the Lion Dance and the Dragon Dance, both designed to chase away residual negativity from 2013 so that we all can enter 2014 clear, clean, and ready to go. My understanding is that if you open the windows of your home for awhile today, everything that is released with just float away.
I was talking to a Buddhist nun, and she told me that this year is one of possibilities. She said that the Chinese symbols for the year are Green Wood Horse. After two years of water animal energy which symbolizes bringing up the hidden shadows within ourselves and our structures such as government, church, business, the vision of green shoots springing up from watered ground is very potent. The horse also is a powerful symbol of movement and power. From what she said, 2014 will be a very good year where what you worked on in 2012 and 2013 will begin to flourish.
Should you wish to attend the Chinese Lunar New Year Festival this weekend, it is open tomorrow, February 2, 2014, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Lion Dance and Dragon Dance take place at noon.
The owner and staff of Bee Wild wish you a Happy Chinese New Year, filled with joy and abundance!
