2022 is the year of the Tiger, which runs from February 1st and with the Tiger representing courage and leadership for the Chinese New Year, it’s certainly an appropriate animal for this year. Known as the King of all beasts in China and one which hopefully will give the people of China and those across the world more courage and strength after the last two years.
According to traditional legends, the Tiger is an animal full of speed and strength and those born in the year of the tiger are supposed to be ‘ambitious, daring, courageous, self confident, generous with a sense of justice..’ , sounds pretty promising for them then !
The parades in London’s China town which usually attract thousands of people to celebrate this traditional festival are sadly though once again cancelled. The pandemic has once again forced that the parades and celebrations to be cancelled for the 2022 Chinese New Year. People have been advised to follow #CNYLondon to find out more and no doubt follow social media.
The London Eye will also be decorated in red and gold once again to celebrate and no doubt will be another popular destination for many Chinese people who believe to ‘climb high and gaze far’ on New Year’s day brings them good luck – so should be a big queue this year. Other lucky things for the Tiger are supposed to be blue, green and the numbers 1,3,7.. worth remembering for your lottery ticket maybe !
Chinese New Year obviously is a feast for photographers with so many amazing images to capture. Photojournalist David Hicks captured some great moments in previous Chinese New Years. His collection ‘East West-New Year’ highlighted the importance of this lunar New Year and the Chinese zodiac for the Chinese people. Capturing the large crowds punctuated by the odd dragon, Chinese food and parades. The behind the scenes preparations for past years when the celebrations were vibrant and positive as families gathered their street decorations for the festival . The superstitions and symbolism runs through the minds of every visitor as they are surrounded by lucky charms, ornaments, colours, clothes and even foods. Festivals like this provide so many moments that are just magic to capture, from the concentration of the souvenir buyers to the spectator’s interest.
As an Art PR Agency we love any opportunity that allows our arts eye to embrace the most amazing artistic moments from across the world and take that moment for artists to share these moments with a wider audience through their photographs and art.
But if you do feel like venturing to China town in London there will of course still be events and scenes that will be fun to enjoy or maybe just order a Chinese takeaway, put up some gorgeous red lanterns and hope the year of the Tiger helps you, with its predicted powers of courage and strength.
skype – quitegr8