HANAMA‘ULU — A sell-out crowd of more than 380 people was on hand to help the Kaua‘i Chinese Heritage Society welcome the Year of the Rooster Saturday at the Radisson Kaua‘i Beach Resort. Accompanied by the crackling sound of 10,000
HANAMA‘ULU — A sell-out crowd of more than 380 people was on hand to help the Kaua‘i Chinese Heritage Society welcome the Year of the Rooster Saturday at the Radisson Kaua‘i Beach Resort.
Accompanied by the crackling sound of 10,000 firecrackers, the ever-popular Beijing lions pranced and danced their way into the banquet hall where they frolicked around delighted spectators, even climbing up on chairs in a playful manner.
In Chinese mythology, the lion symbolizes strength, wisdom and longevity. Blessings of good health, happiness, prosperity and good luck are supposedly spread to those witnessing the lion dance.
The lion dance was followed by a seven-course buffet dinner that was “tremendous,” according to Violet Hee, president of the society, which was formed in 1928. Shu-Li Tsai, first vice-president of the organization, put up beautiful Chinese decorations, including Chinese sayings and decorations that simulated big fire-crackers.
Table decorations were fashioned by Rosalyn Nobrega who decorated each of the 38 tables with different centerpieces including lanterns that actually lit if you pressed a button. The centerpieces were later given away to pe ople born in the Year of the Rooster or whose birthday fell closest to Feb. 9.
Entertainment was provided by the Phoenix Dance Chamber, of the Hawaii Foundation for Chinese Culture and the Arts. Kaua‘i residents Allan Hom and Chen Jian also showed their artistry in two different styles of taiji. Chen Jian also sang a Chinese love song for the audience.
The Heritage Society has welcomed the new year annually since the 1980s, Hee said. The event wan’t held in 2004 because of the difficult economic times but this year the organization wanted to do something to promote the Chinese culture.
The Heritage Society is also responsible for raising funds and erecting the picturesque Chinese gazebo on the grounds of Kaua‘i Community College. Although the society gave the structure to the University of Hawai‘i, they also worked recently to restore the gazebo.
Officers of the Kaua‘i Chinese Heritage Society are: president, Violet Hee; first vice-president ShuLi Tsai; second vice-president Maryanne Kusaka, who also served as emcee at the event; secretary Sharon Sahara, and treasurer Koon Ye Ching.
The year of the rooster recognizes folks who were born this year, and in 1993, 1981, 1969, 1957, 1945, 1933, 1921, and 1909.
Those born in the Year of the Rooster like to observe and analyze, look at life in a straight-forward manner, socialize, spend money when necessary, and can perform many functions simultaneously, according to Chinese beliefs.
