Openingsceremony
The openingsceremony starts with music.
Represented here are five drums
| The story tells us that when the lions 'awakes', the end of the year is
coming, and the new year shall arrive soon. The lion is hungry and will
go out to seek food. In front of the door there will be a piece of leddace,
which will appease the lion. This is done because good luck and prosperity will come to the owners, and their families. |
![]() |
![]() |
| Openingsspeech: wishing everybody a happy new year | Speech from the mayor of The Hague, mister Deetman |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
The first ritual that takes place:
Awaking the dragon in the traditional fashion
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
The second ritual that takes place:
Awaking the lions in the traditional fashion
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
| lion slowly awakes | lion awakes | The other lions wait until the ritual is completed |

The fireworks are being set off to start the new year
| In Asia, where there are many Chinese, the Chinese new year is celebrated the first 10 to 12 daysof the new year. There is a lot of eating (special dishes like Chinese newyearcake), new clothes are being worn,there is a lot of firework and older people give younger people red bags with money and married couples give red bags with money to non-married people. |

Chinese New Year has begun