Philadelphia Celebrations: Year of the Snake (Video)

According to ancient Chinese wisdom a snake is a good omen as it means you will not starve. A snake is seen as a great mediator, being good at business, and is willing to sacrifice possessions for well-being A snake is keen and cunning, quite intelligent and wise.

Philadelphia is gearing up for the Year of the Snake, and is set to start according to Chinese calendar.

As per tradition, the Lion dance is to start February 9th. The Lion Dance is about the tradition of the lion bringing prosperity and good luck to those whom are able to lure him into their place.The lion is portrayed as a vegetarian in Chinese culture, so hanging vegetables and firecrackers are the lures.

Check out all the happenings around Chinatown for this grand celebration of the Year of the Snake, 2013!

February 9th

• 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Chinatown Flower Market at the 10th St. Plaza, 10th & Vine St.
• 11 p.m.: Midnight Lion Dance Performance to be at 10th & Race St.)

A teaser leds a lion dance during the annual Chinese New Year parade January 28, 2001 in Washington, D. C. This was the last year of snake on the Chinese calendar.

Photo credit: 

Alex Wong/Newsmakers

February 10th

• 11 a.m.-2 p.m.: The Philadelphia Suns Lion Dance Parade starts at 10th & Spring St.
• Martial Arts Performance to be at 10th & Arch St.

For more information on this year's celebrations in Chinatown, Philadelphia see:

Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corp.