Awakening the Dragon and Lions Ceremony

Activity Type: 
Cultural Event
Presenter: 
OCA Pittsburgh
Date: 
Monday, October 16, 2017 - 19:00
Event Status: 
As Scheduled
Location: 
WPU Driveway
Contact Person: 
Lynn Kawaratani
Contact Phone: 
383-3062
Contact Email: 
lyk12@pitt.edu

Please join OCA Pittsburgh in the traditional ceremony to awaken the spirits of their new dragon and lions. Chinese dragons traditionally symbolize potent and auspicious powers, particularly control over water, rainfall, typhoons, and floods. The dragon is also a symbol of power, strength, and good blessing to people. In ancient China, the Dotting Dragon Eyes ceremony was traditionally done by the emperor. By using the red pigment on a brush to dot on the eyes, the dragon is “awakened." It also gives the dragon a brighter path and power, and an ability to bless people surrounding it.

In modern times, the honoree of this ceremony is often done by the highest local authority or dignitary. For the International Week ceremony, we have invited Vice Provost of Global Affairs Dr. Ariel Armony to dot the eyes of the dragons and lions to awaken their spirits.

UCIS Unit: 
Asian Studies Center
International Week
Non-University Sponsors: 
OCA Pittsburgh - Asian Pacific American Advocates