Traditional dance ushers in new year

The sound of the tanggu drum filled the air at Rockingham foreshore last week as people of all cultures gathered to celebrate Chinese New Year.

Three nights of celebrations and customary Chinese dancing drew spectators outside Exclusive Chinese Cuisine restaurant on Rockingham Beach Road.

Restaurant owner Donny Low said the traditional Chinese lion dance was believed to bring good luck for the new year.

Mr Low said dancers in colourful lion costumes and accompanied by the tanggu drums and the cymbal completed a 30-minute performance designed to bring good fortune for the Chinese year 4712, the year of the horse.

“The lions are fed coins to scare bad luck away — they spit out letters to bring good luck,” he said.

“It’s been an excellent three days. The restaurant has been fully booked, with customers enjoying traditional food and entertainment.”

South Metropolitan MLC Phil Edman, who attended the festivities, said diners were treated to traditional raw fish salad Yee Sang, also known as the prosperity toss, believed to bring wealth and prosperity when eaten.

Mr Edman said the festivities were a reminder all cultures and traditions were to be respected.