Shape of Water

I remember as kids back in the Philippines, we used to throw water at people on the streets celebrating this day. This is a festive occasion that I’d rather stay indoors, but some towns celebrate it in a bizarre way … Continue reading →

Support Piano on the Street

Hi, My name is Julie. I entered this Piano on the street contest on September 21, by playing Chopin Fantasie Impromptu Op. 66 on the Lonsdale Quay Market Piano, if you like it please vote for me! Thank you.

Julie is just amazing. Let’s raise the roof and vote for Julie.  This is one of many players at Support Piano on the street. Please share and vote here.

Disclaimer: I am not related to her in any shape or form. I am not getting paid for this. I just want to show that there are many talented people out there.

Awakening the Spirit of the Dragon

Each year, festival honours the ancient Chinese tradition of dragon boat racing with an Eye Dotting and Dragon Blessing Ceremony. 

Dragon Boat Logo

An altar is set-up on the dock for a Taoist Priest to perform the ceremony.  The dragon boats are dressed with ornate dragon head and tails.  The boats are all lined up for blessing.  Invoking the Goddess of the Sea, the Saints and the Immortals through chanting and burning joss sticks cleanses the race course, competitors and boats.  This will charge them with the strength of the Dragon. 

The priests make offerings to the five elements and directions:

• East – joss sticks representing wood
• West – flowers representing metal
• South – candles representing fire
• North – water representing its elemental self
• Centre – fruit representing the earth

 Eye dotting ritual is the climax of the ceremony which officially awakens the Dragon. Ancient Chinese dragon mythology has it that the Dragon sleeps in the mountains and travels to the water when it is awakened. 

And the race is on….. the 25^th Annual Dragon Boat Festival.

Splashing Flyers Team

Splashing Flyers Racers

25 years ago, I did join the race.  The name of our team was “Wet, Wild and Weary”.  I kept the T-shirt for memorabilia.  Did we win the race?  In our minds, we are the winner.  Joining the race is already a sign of winning: a sign of courage that we can do it.  And we did.

Wet, Wild and Weary Team

My shirt 25 years ago

Related articles

• Dragon Boat Festival Activities (theepochtimes.com)