M ChanI just finished my first Facebook LIVE broadcast and have mixed feelings. I loved the interaction and the live questions and comments, but I felt unprepared and a bit unorganized compared to my usual podcast recordings. Most of you who have been following this blog know how much I love being prepared! Overall, I really enjoyed the live podcast and hope that those of you who tuned in enjoyed it too. You can watch it on Facebook, or tune in on the soon to be released Culture Chat 53 to hear the full episode. (Available March 6)
Chinese New Year is an important time for many, but for me, it comes with a world of emotions. (please listen to the podcast for all of the conventional meanings and traditions) I guess I didn’t realize how unique each celebration had been in my life until I we started talking about ‘old’ stories on the podcast. It brought back so many memories. I was excited to see that the viewers of the Live feed included both former and present members sharing their stories. I realize that I get so caught up in the planning, organization, and execution of the event that I sometimes forget to enjoy the moment, and also to reflect. The wrap up episode was great because it forced me to think about stories I hadn’t thought about in a long time. I was asked about the crazy stories like eating live crabs and back flipping off of my lion tail shoulders, but there are many other meaningful moments in CNY history that I would like to share with you now. I also forgot to mention the very important start of the day, which is lighting the incense to pay our respects to our ancestors.
Oscar joked about the holiday being ‘Chinese Christmas’, however this is actually true, especially in Jamaica. Most of you know that my mom was born and raised in Kingston, so I have a lot of Jamaican culture in my life. (if you don’t know…shame! Go watch Pui Chan: Kung Fu Pioneer right NOW!) Back in the 90s, a small team of 8 of us were hired to go to Kingston and perform for the Chinese Benevolent Association (CBA) in Jamaica. We also were asked to lion dance at all of the businesses whose owners were of Chinese descent. For those of you who are imagining the Wah Lum Team sipping daiquiris on the beach….think again. We blessed 50 shops in one day! We talked about blood sweat and tears on the podcast, but the celebrations here are nothing compared to CNY in Jamaica. ‘Chiney Christmas’, as the non Chinese locals would call it, is vastly different in JA. Downtown Kingston is dangerous, crowded, and intense.
After the podcast, I spoke with my Jamaican friend who also used to perform in Kingston, and he said something that really resonated with me. He said, “those in a first world country well never know how good they have it.” I just finished talking about the hardships of CNY for 30 minutes online, and now sit to reflect on how much harder it is for those in Jamaica, or any third world country. Although we have different challenges, the poverty, lack of resources and support make life difficult, let alone trying to celebrate Chinese New Year. We only went that one year, because in all honesty it was just too much. I have so much respect for the locals that fight to keep the tradition alive in Jamaica. Those teams perform for barely any compensation, in a dangerous environment, and with a skeleton crew. The drum was dilapidated, the cymbals were heavier than usual (for those that play 8 hours straight know how tough it is) and the lion was raggedy. Fortunately, we brought a lion and some equipment with us to share. We left the lion we brought with us so they could continue to use it. We had over 50 participants at the parade today. The year we were in Kingston there might have been a total of 12 performers. Even my mom had to help with the lion tail!
The one thing that was the same? The happiness we bring to the store owners. No matter what country I have lion danced in, the audience is always grateful to witness the lion dance. Bringing joy during Chinese New Year is an incredible feeling. I am grateful for the opportunity to remember how fortunate we are to have beautiful lions and an incredible team to support the festivities.
Bottom line: Blood, sweat and tears? No complaining. Someone always has it tougher.
Happy new year everyone. May you be blessed with happiness and filled with gratitude for 2018!
What a great story and another example of Master Chan’s’ great generosity !
Thanks for the comment! Yes, Grandmaster Chan is extremely generous!
Wow… 50 shops in one day! With only 12 performers… That’s blood, sweat and tears for real!
Yes! It was borderline torture. As a matter of fact Sifu George Kee of Wah Lum North Orlando was there too! We have fond memories, but it was rough for sure.