Library rings in Chinese New Year

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By Katrina Margolis
Hometown Weekly Reporter

The Dover Library consistently makes a point to celebrate cultural events, and does so in the most incredible ways. This past week, the Library celebrated Chinese New Year with a series of events. The start of the week, however, was a performance by the Rhode Island Kung Fu & Lion Dance Club. The program was supported by a grant from the Dover Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Luyi Shao explained a considerable bit about the Chinese New Year and the lion dance in a way that even the youngest member of the audience could understand.

Scattered on the ground were a number of different foods, including oranges, watermelons, and lettuce. Luyi explained that these are all natural and need to be cultivated, just as good things need to be taken care of and cultivated as well. “So any of the food that comes near you, possibly gets opened, or spread out, is really a symbol of good wishes being opened and spread to you – almost like an opening of the flower, the beginning or spreading out of positivity,” he said.

His students’ lion dance mesmerized all in the audience. The masks were beautifully decorated and adorned, the movements were absolutely mesmerizing.
The performance was an excellent way to start off a celebration of the Chinese New Year in style that only the Dover Library could provide.