Claudio asked me if I’d like to take part in a Chinese Dragon on the weekend as part of the Myer Melbourne Christmas parade (I know, what do Chinese Dragons have to do with Christmas.. dunno, what does Santa n Jesus for that matter!).
So anyway, we got into the city at 7:30 on Saturday morning (bit painful). Went to the Chinese Museum where the Dragon is kept, there we milled around with a Chinese Lion troupe and a bunch of Kung Fu school guys, got changed into our Dragon clothes. Then, when we had recruited some randoms from the street to make up numbers it was on. There was the ceremony to wake the dragon where the Chinese Lions danced and ate offerings and we were prepped and off.
The Dragon was HUGE, about 40 meters long, taking about 30 or 40 people to operate it. I was in the body down the back, we had shoulder straps with a little cup holder to place our dragon pole in, we had to hoik the heavy bamboo and cloth dragon up and get it into the strap. Then it was a confusing walk up to Parliament, a long wait and then a very long and confusing walk down to Elizebeth St and then back up to the Museum and back into its parking position.
It was kinda cool really, taking part in a cultural tradition (we have so few now) and a community event. I am definitely up for Chinese New Year - that should be more fun and chaotic.. WEEE!
The Dragon in its cave below the Chinese Museum
The Dragons’ Head before we went out
From the front as we waited to start the parade
Milling around with the Dragon
We roped this guy in, he was on his way to school.. think he was wishing he continued there!
Yes, it was bloody long!
Claudio and I getting all burnanator!
This was my view from inside
This was some Emo kid behind me - somehow him and his friends got roped in as well
This is what it looked like when I stuck my head out
It was a tiring but fun day.
