The Portland Lee’s Association lion dance team has taken up the task of reviving PoChiMu, the city's prized 150-foot dragon, which has adorned local Lunar New Year festivities for decades. According to OregonLive, the team recently escorted the dragon - a striking tapestry of fabric, sequins, and papier maché - from storage to the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association building for its 35th anniversary restoration.
The Year of the Dragon, which 2024 happens to be, marks a special time for the vibrant Portland community, and PoChiMu, short for Portland Chinatown Museum, is set to shine even brighter after its refreshment. First unveiled at the 1989 Starlight Parade, this dragon, unnamed back then, was a symbol of international friendship gifted by Taiwan, OregonLive noted. It represents a long-running tie between Portland and its sister cities, particularly Kaohsiung, and speaks to a tradition that goes beyond mere parades. Seriously, it's a big deal around here.
Meanwhile, in Southern Oregon, the Lunar New Year is not being welcomed by any slouch. Jacksonville is throwing a bash at the Britt Pavilion garden, near the state's oldest Chinese Quarters, with a festival on Feb. 17. This year's lineup includes Taiko drummers, lion and dragon dances, and a multitude of activities that promise to engross both young and old, local news outlet HereIsOregon reports.
The Southern Oregon Chinese Cultural Association has solidified itself as the caretaker of this particular event, which, has been a staple since 2006. In addition to dance performances, attendees can expect to delve into a rich cultural tapestry with martial arts, storytelling, and the meticulous arts of Ikebana and Bonsai. According to the Rogue Valley Times, it's an opportunity for the community at large to engage with Asian traditions and honor the cultural richness that abounds.
