Dragon Dance

Postcard US-3372308 to Finland shows a Kung Fu team performing the dragon dance at Chinatown Plaza in Las Vegas on February 22, 2015. Dancers manipulate the poles positioned at regular intervals along the length of the flexible dragon body, mimicking the supposed movements of this mystic creature in a sinuous, undulating manner.

Similar to the lion dance and often performing together, the dragon dance can usually be seen during the Chinese New Year celebrations.  It was a highlight during the Year of the Monkey Spring Festival at Chinatown on Spring Mountain Road earlier today.

Dragon dance at Chinatown Plaza in Las Vegas on February 21, 2016

Temple Fair

Postcard TW-1496908 from Taiwan shows scenes from a typical Temple Fair (廟會 in traditional Chinese or 庙会 in Simplified Chinese) in Taiwan. Temple Fair, originated from China, is a cultural gathering traditionally held near temples. In modern times, Temple Fairs are usually held in many regions throughout Asia during the time of the Spring Festival. Activities usually include worshiping Chinese deities, martial art demonstrations, folk art performances, and craft and food shopping.

Today in its 21st year, the Chinese American Chamber of Commerce and the Chinatown Plaza in Las Vegas are jointly hosting the annual Chinese New Year Celebration and Asian Food Festival, similar to a traditional Temple Fair in all aspects except for being on a city plaza rather than a temple ground. The program features many traditional food and craft vendors, with dragon and lion dance, martial art, acrobats, Kung Fu, Hip Hop dance, and folk dance performances from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Dragon dance at Chinatown Plaza in Las Vegas on February 22, 2015

Shachihoko, a Golden Fish, Osaka Castle, Japan

Shachihoko

A dear Postcrosser friend from Taiwan traveling in Japan sent this postcard of Shachihoko, a famous golden fish, from Osaka Castle (大坂城 or 大阪城). The castle played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century of the Azuchi-Momoyama period.

Shachihoko (鯱) is a mythical creature with a dragon head and a fish body. Sit on the tower roof ridge of Osaka Castle, they were symbols of the prestige and authority, and thought to protect the castle by spitting water from their mouths in an event of fire. Since they were covered in gold, they were believed to have doubled their powers.