A cracker of a festival to mark Chinese New Year.Byline: GRAHAM DAVIES AND MARK JOHNSON Mark Johnson may refer to: Academics and scientists
BRIGHT colours and loud noises cheered up an otherwise grey day in Liverpool city centre yesterday as the Chinese community celebrated the start of the Year of the Rooster rooster its crowing at dawn heralds each new day. [Western Folklore: Leach, 329] See : Dawn rooster symbol of maleness. [Folklore: Binder, 85] See : Virility . Revellers carried Chinese dragons, lions and flags through Great George Square to the sounds of firecrackers and whistles. And bowls of steaming noodles noo·dle 1 n. A narrow, ribbonlike strip of dried dough, usually made of flour, eggs, and water. [German Nudel. were dished out to passers-by for comfort against the harsh winds and bouts of rain that threatened to blight the day. The celebrations saw people of different races, religions and cultures gathered together under Chinatown's landmark arches. Landscape architect Katrine Heath, 27, from Aigburth, said: ``It is the first time I've been. It's a nice celebration of culture and brings people together in the city. '' Helen Murphy, 24, a geo-technical engineer from Woolton, agreed. She said: ``There's a real sense of community, which is great to experience. '' Children appeared to be the target audience. Toddlers climbed on to their parents' shoulders to peep at the dragon procession, while others joined never-ending queues to have their photographs taken with Chinese lions. The day also included music performed by children from the Pagoda Chinese Youth Orchestra at the Pagoda in Henry Street. Tax officer Janine Barlow, 35, from Wallasey, said: ``I haven't been to Chinese New Year Chinese New Year (Simplified Chinese: ; Traditional Chinese: ; Pinyin: Chūnjié), or Spring Festival for years, ever since I was a little girl. Now I'm the parent bringing my children. '' For one Chinese family, the celebrations proved more enjoyable than those they had experienced back home. Accountant Min Da, 37, moved to Liverpool from Nan Jing City last year with her husband university researcher Yu Liang Yu Liang (庾亮) (289-340), courtesy name Yuangui (元規), formally Marquess Wenkang of Duting (都亭文康侯), was a Jin Dynasty (265-420) official and general who impressed many with his knowledge but whose inability , 40, and daughter Ya Jie, aged 11. She said: ``This is completely different to the celebrations we have in China and we're all enjoying it very much. ``Lots of places don't have the celebrations, just smaller parts of the country. ``The firecrackers are a very important part of the celebrations. They are red because in China it is considered a very lucky colour that will bring you good fortune. '' All 12 years in the Chinese zodiac are named after different animals. Last year was the Year of the Monkey, while the last Rooster year was in 1993. The year people are born is said to influence their personality. Those born this year are thought to be eccentric, extrovert extrovert /ex·tro·vert/ (eks´tro-vert) 1. a person whose interest is turned outward. 2. to turn one's interest outward to the external world. and flamboyant. Rooster years are thought to sometimes bring bad luck. Civil servant Peter Cain, 27, from Aigburth, said: ``I've been coming here for a few years and this one seems like the best yet. '' Brian Wong, the event's chief co-ordinator, said last night: ``More than 10, 000 people joined us for one of the biggest Chinese New Year celebrations in the UK, and we are extremely grateful to everyone who has made the day such a success. City councillor Joe Anderson said: ``It's a cultural event renowned in the North West and not just Liverpool. '' CAPTION(S): Rhys Davies, aged 6, with a paper dragon; A dragon in Liverpool's China Town was a favourite at Chinese New Year celebrations Pictures: TRACEY O'NEILL |
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