Click on photos to enlarge!Ted Trimmer: "Magic Isle"
"What causes adolescents to rebel is not the assertion of authority but the arbitrary use of power, with little explanation of the rules and no involvement [of the adolescent] in the decision making." Laurence Steinberg & Ann Levine
"The skepticism of youth signals the beginning of a search for something actually worth trusting, both within one's own psyche and in the world. That's why teens, supposedly stuck in life's lost years, are often so unequivocal about what they love and what they hate, and so frustrated when they feel misunderstood. The adolescent spirit is not the spirit of the lost. It is the conviction that you are not lost - that wandering has a purpose, and that what you deserve more than anything is the freedom to walk awhile on your own path." Ann Powers
The Chinese New Year begins with a new moon, and the festival ends when the moon is full. That was last Sunday, and I just happened to be lucky enough to pass by the temple in time to see a ceremony that I never even knew about before. . .
Once more, the lions would dance to the gong, cymbal & big drum. . .
This time the lions were not invited to spread good luck and blessing. Rather it was their season's farewell performance; time for them to kneel at the altar and to receive a "well done" for all their hard work as emissaries of the Divine. . .
Emotion ran high. Primal music and incense filled the air. Next, the lions bowed to an elderly gentleman, paying their respects to the ancestors as they have for the ages since humankind's infancy on this planet. . . We fed them a few last dollars for their journey, as firecrackers laid red petals on the ground we trod. . .
They wandered the smokey grounds, seemingly saying "Aloha" to this material realm till next year. . .
They knelt at the outside altars, showing the bottom of their dear sneakers. . .
. . . "Goodbye. Please take our prayers to Heaven with you!"
Afterwards, the children were themselves again: laughing, joking, ready for the next stop of this special day. It's a school day tomorrow. . . here in our Honolulu.
A L O H A! Cloudia
15 comments:
Very nice first photo, Cloudia !
In Paris, there is a chinese side. When you walk in the streets it look like you are in China.
Aloha, dear friend !
Interesting as ever and a whole new world for me, even in Indonesia I haven't seen a Chinese New Year. But then I was too young at the time. Thanks for sharing. Aloha!
i am constantly amazed with the splash of colour you always bring out in your photos
I never knew about the ending either. Thanks for posting the wonderful photos in their radiant colours.
These photos are delightful. I appreciated the walking tour as well as the quotes on adolescence. I think youth must be a willful wandering!
This is so marvelous! You are so lucky to live where you do and to see what you see.
Love those colorful costumes.
Wonderful photos. And I enjoyed (and empathised with) the quotes. It's not the child that is father of the man, but the adolescent. The principles you thrash out then stay with you all your life.
You tell stories with photo series better than virtually anyone I know. This was delightful!
Loved seeing all this joy and color - and the first photo is amazing, with that small glowing spot of purple!
What lovely traditions and the photos are wonderful as always. :)
Bonjour, Claude!
Nihau, Wil!
Thank you, Med Kiwi!
Barbara: *** Blush****
Sandy, Yes-
Dina: I might say the same to you ;-)
Travis: You'd look GREAT in a lion suit!
Brother T: I agree; great to see you!
Carmi: WOW! Coming from a pro like you . . . WOW; thanks!
Deborah G: It's a Ted Trimmer special!
Ake: YOU are ever lovely, my Momi Lani.
that was a beautiful pictorial with lovely narration!
Its fun watching ceremonies from start to finish. I am glad that you caught the close of the cycle, Cloudia, not to mention the clothes of the cycle.
Looks like Chris's dragon made it's way to Hawaii.
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