The 21st Show

Illinois celebrates the Lunar New Year with lion dancing

 
Lion dancers perform during the Lunar New Year celebration in Panama City, Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023. Chinese communities worldwide are celebrating as they welcome the Year of the Rabbit in the Chinese zodiac.

Lion dancers perform during the Lunar New Year celebration in Panama City, Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023. Chinese communities worldwide are celebrating as they welcome the Year of the Rabbit in the Chinese zodiac. AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco

It is now officially the Year of the Rabbit, and thousands of families across Illinois celebrated the start of the Lunar New Year this weekend. The tradition is celebrated across the world within many different Asian communities, and within the several cultures, a longstanding part of the celebrations is lion dancing. 

To discuss the tradition, its history, and what goes into a performance, The 21st was joined by a member of a Chicago-area lion dancing troupe.

GUEST: 

Kam Cho

Member, Seven Star Lion Dance Group

 

 

Prepared for web by Owen Henderson

Help shape our coverage on The 21st by joining our texting group and answering weekly questions. To join, text “TALK” to 217-803-0730 or sign up with your phone number below: