2023 Welcomes the Water Rabbit
Friday, January 27, 2023 @5:30pm
Pearl City Shopping Center
850 Kamehameha Hwy, Pearl City, HI 96782
Start @American Savings Bank
The Lung Kong Physical Cultural Club Chinese Lion Dance blessing has been part of the Pearl City Shopping Center’s annual event calendar for over 40 years. From what started out with only the shopping center’s Chinese restaurant “House of Dragon”, it now encompasses neighboring tenants. The Lion dance team will make their rounds at participating merchants’ doorsteps to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits. The general public is welcome to join in on this cultural & community celebration.
The Lunar New Year begins on the day of the 2nd new moon after winter solstice. In China on January 22nd is when this celestial body appears. 2023 is the year of the Water Rabbit which comes once every 60 years. (Chinese 5 elements: Fire, Wood, Gold, Earth, and Water). The Rabbit is the fourth animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle and its qualities have multiple interpretations, but primarily represents the following characteristics; peace, longevity, and prosperity.
Upon welcoming the Water Rabbit, the Lions have a significant role in Chinese culture…”Lions were brought down from heaven to give happiness”. For those in their presence, the feeling of joy simply radiates while the Lions perform. Each are blessed in various temples, given life, and adorned with colorful red ribbons & decorations. When time has worn these Lions, they are returned to the temples with a ceremonial burning tribute to send their spirits back up to heaven.
The cultural aspect is supported by the long history of the Lung Kong Physical Culture Club. Established in 1958 by four senior members of Lung Kong Kung Shaw Society, their main goal is to promote Chinese culture by continuing the teaching of Chinese martial arts and Chinese lion dancing. Instruction for students also include principles of discipline and showing of respect for others. These form a sound base to not only educate in physicality but also in mind. Choy Li Fat is the style of Kung-Fu taught at the Lung Kong Physical Culture Club. The lion dance uses a lot of energy, breathing, and muscle. These fundamentals are instilled within each individual and is required for anyone that will participate on the lion dance team. This process usually takes 2-3 years to develop. The students are accepted as young as 8 years old and there are currently 50 – 80 members depending on the time of the year.
The Lung Kong Physical Culture Club is at its busiest during Chinese New Year. They make their annual pilgrimage to visit various Buddhist & Taoist temples to perform and thank them for guidance. The club’s peak period is 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after the new year where they are called upon by local businesses island wide to be blessed. The club has performed for celebrities such as Jackie Chan, Martin Yan (“Yan Can Cook”), Titus Chan, Jason Scott Lee and more! They can also be found on an episode of “Magnum P.I.” with Tom Selleck.
Pearl City Shopping Center is fortunate to have the Lung Kong Physical Culture Club be a part of its seasonal blessing. Everyone’s invited, plenty of parking. Come on down!
祝您新年快乐,身体健康
“Wishing you good health in the New Year”
For more information on the Lung Kong Physical Culture Club
Contact: Ernie Loo (808) 262-4503
Located: 1432 Liliha Street, Honolulu 96817
Basic martial arts training every Friday 6:30pm-9pm Must be at least 8 years old to join. Membership is $10/month
