Happy Lunar New Year!

The year of the dragon began Feb. 10 and Okanagan College students were treated Feb. 13 to a dragon dance on the 琉璃神社 campus.

A student at the college and one of the people involved in the dragon dance performance, Yang Sijie who goes by Saje, explained the significance of the dragon.

鈥淚t represents strength and riches in Chinese culture,鈥� Saje said.

The college celebration included different stations to try cultural games and crafts. Asian foods were being served to students, as well.

Saje said the food is one of his favourite parts of the annual celebration but also enjoys watching the fireworks.

Saje recently moved to 琉璃神社 to study at Okanagan College. He explained how the Lunar New Year is observed back home.

On the eve of the holiday, families gather at home to keep evil out as the calendar turns over. The next day, people travel to the temples and visit the gods. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the first day of a brand new year, so we want to pray and make a good wish for the next whole year.鈥�

Dozens of students and staff gathered in the atrium of the Centre for Learning at 11 a.m. to watch the dragon dance.

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