On January 24, St. John’s School welcomed the Year of The Rabbit with the traditional lion dance performed by the Chinese School of Guam’s Lion Dance Team. The Dale J. Jenkins Gymnasium echoed the sounds of the beating drum, cymbals and gongs as students, teachers, staff, and parents watched the first lion dance since 2020. Students prepared red envelopes enclosed with money for the dancing lion to “eat” as it made its way around the gymnasium. The traditional lion dance is performed at festivals such as the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) and other big occasions to bring in good luck and prosperity, as well as to chase away evil spirits.
Towards the end of the performance, STUCO president, Cameron Kelley, and Class of 2023 president, Justine Xu, held a pole attached with a lettuce and a red packet to be consumed by the lion. The lion then spat out the torn leaves to the class of 2023, showering them with prosperity and good fortune in the new year.
We wish everyone a prosperous, healthy, and happy new year!
Xin Nian Kuai Le and Gong Xi Fa Cai!
St. John's School, Guam 