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Celebration Honors Year Of The Ox

TRIBUNE PHOTO BY JESSICA BALANZA

Members of the Tampa Chinese School dressed as Chinese lions and collected donations from attendees at the New Year's celebration.

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By JESSICA BALANZA | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 5, 2009

CARROLLWOOD In an effort to ward off evil spirits, colorful lions helped ring in the Year of the Ox.

The costume lions were part of a Jan. 31 Chinese New Year event at First International Oriental Market.

Jacques Leong of the Tampa Chinese School said one of the event's ceremonies included the Lion's Dance, which involves a costumed lion dancing toward a hanging lettuce with a donation attached.

"The lion is supposed to scare ghosts or bad spirits away," said Leong. "It brings a good harvest."

More than 20 members of the school, ranging from preschoolers through adults, performed dressed in costumes or as Chinese lions.

The Chinese New Year was Jan. 26. and the Ox is "a symbol of strength and energy," Leong said.

Elkie Hng, owner of the market, has hosted the celebration for the past seven years.

"It's a cultural event," Hng said. "Customers get to understand our culture."

Jessica Balanza can be reached at (813) 865-1518.

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