5341(II)_The EAO Lion Dance honors the RM and his new council
The last evening of GC28 with a Feast around the Rector Major
March 19, 2020
Valdocco, Turin, 18 March 2020 -- On the last evening of the GC28 (last Friday) we enjoyed the traditional Salesian style of the 'Academy - Feast' around the newly re-elected Rector Major and his renewed Council. With the new Vicar of the Rector Major, Fr Stefano Martoglio as the MC, the seven regions presented mostly their best songs from all continents. Only the EAO region was happy to share 'something special' - the East Asian traditional Lion dance. 'Hidden' among the costumes were one Indian (PGS), one Korean, one Timorese and one Vietnamese. After a few practicese during over the previous four weeks, our item got exciting appreciation.
The Rector Major, his Vicar and the outgoing Regional Councillor wore the traditional Vietnamese costume in different colours: Yellow for the Rector Major, Red for his Vicar and Blue for the Regional. All other EAO delegates went behind the two lions in procession, wearing their own country traditional costumes. At the end we shared a gift with Fr. Angel!
The meaning of the Lion Dance
The Lion dance originated in China about 2000 years ago, there are many regional versions of the dance around East Asia: from Vietnam and Indonesia up to Korea and Japan. The lion dance is believed to bring luck and happiness – including for the next 6 year period (2020-2026) of our Salesian congregation!
The lion is a symbol of fortune, of power, of strength to subdue evil and the devil.
“Yellow lion” shows the imperial color.
“Red Lion” shows the color of happiness and joy.
The five episodes of the Lion dance - story:
The spirit of the ancestors send two young lions to look for their happiness
The young lions set out for the adventurous journey around
At certain moment the two lions get tired, they rest looking for happiness
The lions go up to the altars of the palace – house of their father and finally find happiness.
At the end of the dance the lions spat out a scroll with greetings from the EAO region, written in two languages – Mongolian traditional script and in Italian: 'Good Christians and Upright Citizens' (Strenna 2020). Then both lions bowed down in front of the Rector Major and expressed their deep esteem and love for the 10th Successor of Don Bosco. We are grateful to all who practised hard for the Lion dance and prepared wonderful memories for all GC28 members!
NB: The two lion dance 'kit' is now available at the UPS (Salesian University) in Rome for those who are in need!
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