Lunar New Year Lion Dance Celebration 2024!

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:

• Gabe et Jules, 5837 Forbes Ave
• Silk Elephant, 1712 Murray Ave
• Viet Nom Nom, 1715 Murray Ave,
• Games Unlimited, 5876 Forbes Ave
• New Dumpling House, 2138 Murray Ave
• Sumi’s Cakery, 2119 Murray Ave
• Coriander, 2201 Murray Ave
• Tan Lac Vien, 2114 Murray Ave

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!