Sunday

After a few mild days, it snowed overnight, and Valentine's Day/Chinese New Year's day dawned cold with a few inches of light, crisp powder on the ground. The snow did not diminish the crowds at the Dragon Dances (I meant dragon AND lion dances, but was too tired and overloaded today to type correctly ;)...and the cold toes and noses were well worth the spectacle.
Watching the Q alternately stunned and amazed by the dancers was priceless.
I had never seen these dances in person before myself, and the dance was quite amazing and beautiful.


I think the drums were Q's favorite part. She spent much of the ceremony "drumming" on daddy's head.
The remains of last night's fireworks.





This red paper dragon was Q's favorite. We hung a paper one from the kitchen ceiling at home, which delights her.
The fireworks, though they were intense, prolonged, and so close to us that we could feel the flack coming off them, didn't phase Q. She never so much as batted a lash.
...though daddy did a good job of squooshing her cheeks in an effort to protect her ears.
Afterward, with the restaurants too crowded to brave, we stopped into the Vietnamese deli for Bahn Mi sandwiches and candied papayas.

10 comments:

FDChief said...

Now I'm intrigued, because we call these things "lions", and the long paper thing is the dragon.

Maxine didn't really like the lions - she thought they were scary - and the noise was a little too much. But she liked the dragon, too, and especially because the CCBA dragooned about a dozen bystanders into carrying the dragon - including her mommy!

As usual, Q gets her tough-girl props for loving the noise. Go, Q!

Maia said...

I meant "lion and dragon dances". Trying to wade through a bazillion photos while simultaneously finishing too commissions. Long day...hopelessly behind on work.

Maia said...

I mean "two commissions". I can't write straight today.

liza said...

What an amazing series of posts, beginning with your child of the world (yey!) and finishing with this fantastic New Year's celebration. Thank you! We (especially I) LOVE Ruby's Wish, by the way. LOVE!

Evelyne said...

Une magnifique fête et des images colorées pour la si jolie QQ.

Merci de nous faire partager ces moments.
Le bonnet de QQ est juste..parfait.

Maia said...

Evelyne, I think you have recognized that Q's hat was made by the lovely and talented Anne, mother of Muguet! I have a post in line on that subject...just haven't gotten to it yet! It is indeed a fabulous hat, and perfect for the Q!

Rosa said...

awwww! Q is so cute when her ears get squished.

She's so brave :O

Mom-Friday said...

I can feel the very festive mood and you captured them though your photos, love it! and having watched many lion and dragon dances since I was a kid, i can totally relate to Q as I too was always in awe and was fascinated by the elaborate dances and ceremonies every Chinese New Year

beachGirl said...

you had a better weather than us, and you pictures, as always, draw me totally in the mood !
your little girl is adorable, and it is such a pleasure seeing her discover life with all the energy she has !
( and sorry for my english ;)) )

Catalina said...

Beautiful!!!

Happy New Year!!!