Ringing in the year of the dragon

THE year of the dragon is set to be celebrated with a gala concert organised by the Chinese Australian Cultural Society Ballarat next month.

Held on Saturday 23 February, the concert at Founders Hall marks lantern day which is the end to 15 days of New Year celebrations by the Chinese community.

“New years kicks off on Saturday February the 10th and the Chinese know how to throw a party, so the New Years celebration lasts for 15 days, culminating with the lantern festival,” said Michelle Phillips, vice president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society Ballarat.

“The society has decided this year, because most Chinese New Years celebrations are often at the start of the New Year period, to hold our concert at the end.”

The concert will have a range of different entertainment for attendees and Ms Phillips said they will reflect different aspects of Chinese culture.

“China has a very broad range of cultural groups, most people are unaware of how many ethic groups are in China, so people can look forward to performances which reflect a number of those areas,” she said.

“There will also be traditional things that people associate with Chinese culture such as martial arts and a lion performance.”

The new year will mark the year of the dragon which is one of 12 animals that make up a cycle.

“The dragon is the fifth animal of the 12 cycles and there is some folklore which goes along with how those animals were selected and it varies a little bit,” said Ms Phillips.

“The story goes that on the Jade Emperors birthday he wanted to create some sort of ranking.

“They held a race and the first 12 who arrived at his palace were given the honour of being the highest in ranking in his kingdom.”

Funding from the SBS, City of Ballarat and Victorian Multicultural Council means the concert is free, however, bookings are still required.

More information can be found on the Chinese Australian Cultural Society Ballarat Facebook page.