The last evening of GC28 with a Feast around the Rector Major
Valdocco, Turin, 18 March 2020 -- On the last evening of the GC28 (last Friday) we enjoyed the traditional Salesian style of the 'Academy - Feast' around the newly re-elected Rector Major and his renewed Council. With the new Vicar of the Rector Major, Fr Stefano Martoglio as the MC, the seven regions presented mostly their best songs from all continents. Only the EAO region was happy to share 'something special' - the East Asian traditional Lion dance. 'Hidden' among the costumes were one Indian (PGS), one Korean, one Timorese and one Vietnamese. After a few practicese during over the previous four weeks, our item got exciting appreciation.
The Rector Major, his Vicar and the outgoing Regional Councillor wore the traditional Vietnamese costume in different colours: Yellow for the Rector Major, Red for his Vicar and Blue for the Regional. All other EAO delegates went behind the two lions in procession, wearing their own country traditional costumes. At the end we shared a gift with Fr. Angel!
The meaning of the Lion Dance
The Lion dance originated in China about 2000 years ago, there are many regional versions of the dance around East Asia: from Vietnam and Indonesia up to Korea and Japan. The lion dance is believed to bring luck and happiness – including for the next 6 year period (2020-2026) of our Salesian congregation!
The lion is a symbol of fortune, of power, of strength to subdue evil and the devil.
“Yellow lion” shows the imperial color.
The five episodes of the Lion dance - story:
- The spirit of the ancestors send two young lions to look for their happiness
- The young lions set out for the adventurous journey around
- At certain moment the two lions get tired, they rest looking for happiness
- After their rest they decide to return to the palace, they return with great excitement and feel gradually the joy in their hearts
- The lions go up to the altars of the palace – house of their father and finally find happiness.
NB: The two lion dance 'kit' is now available at the UPS (Salesian University) in Rome for those who are in need!
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