Hey Squirrel Hill! Last weekend, on February 24th SHUC, Uncover Squirrel Hill, and the community celebrated the Year of the Dragon with a traditional Lion Dance performed by Steel Dragon Martial Arts. The Lion visited merchants throughout the community to spread prosperity and exchange Hongbao (red envelopes).
If you are unsure what a Lion Dance is, Chris Young gave an explanation before the performance began. Here is a summary:
The Lion Dance is done during Lunar New Year because Chinese Dragons bring peace and prosperity to the community. This tradition is thousands of years old. One of its original purposes was to bring abundance to crops so families and communities would have enough food for the year. When a lion dance is performed, the lion only bows to dragons and Gods to show respect. The year of the Dragon is considered to be the most auspicious year.
Thank you so much to Chris and Steel Dragon Martial Arts for making the celebration so special!
After the Lion Dance, the lion visited local merchants to wish them a year of prosperity. We would like to shout them out for their kindness and participation! Merchants include:
We would also like to thank Evie, the Allderdice Young Democrats Club, and our new board member Rachel Lecrone for organizing a clean up event prior to the lion dance to make sure the community was pristine. You are all fantastic. Photos below!
Our sponsors make the Treasure Awards Dinner possible and help SHUC continue advocating for and celebrating the Squirrel Hill community. Thank you for supporting our work and making the 2025 event a success!
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