Happy Year of the Rooster

[Don Ellis]

Every year on Chinese New Year's Day in our village (February 9th this year), a dragon and his musical entourage go to the gates of the houses and do their dance for luck and prosperity in the coming year. It is traditional to leave a red packet of new money tied together with some lettuce leaves as thanks for the dragon's visit.

Here they are marching up the hill to our home. In the background are a few cars and just beyond them, out of frame, is the banana grove that I've photographed over the years. Behind him is a man on cymbals and another beating the gong suspended on a pole carried by two men...

http://www.kleptography.com/dl/cny2005_1.jpg

After doing quite a dance, he's spotted the red packet...

http://www.kleptography.com/dl/cny2005_2.jpg

The moment when he chomps it...

http://www.kleptography.com/dl/cny2005_3.jpg

He's chewing it up in a fog of firecracker smoke...

http://www.kleptography.com/dl/cny2005_4.jpg

And after another long dance (his companions were urging him away because he spent so much time in front of our home -- I think because we're one of the few with an offering), he's off...

http://www.kleptography.com/dl/cny2005_5.jpg

Have a happy Year of the Rooster and may all your dragons be auspicious ones.

Cheers,

Don

[marie]

Happy ~ New Year of the Rooster ~ to all

thanks Don

http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_lol.gif
if those dragons only knew they were here in the lovely photographs I think they would be thrilled and have a great firey giggle


I especially love the second shot where the fellow in the red china Tshirt also spotted the money bag , the quick swerve of his headhttp://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_lol.gif http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_eek.gif (and legs) ***
I remember the photos you took last year.
can hardly believe it's another year since.


the celebrations are on in the city here too and there is talk of having a whole new chinatown in Dublin
it may take five years before it is completed


great to see the pictures and story

and a chance to send greetings to all who are celebrating

http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_eek.gif
later edit
*** I don't think he did spot the money in the leaf
now that I look again
sorry, must have been something else he was looking at

he he

[GeneMan88]

Happy New Year to you too!!! And thanks for sharing the great photos.

[stoneylonesome]

Happy New Year Don. Great photo's

[tim]

Nice photos! Better than mine. Yours inspired me to put a few of mine up though, here (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=408460). There's a link on that page to the fireworks photos too.

[Andy_T]

Thank you for sharing, Don!

It is a pity there are not many such spectacles in Continental Europe.

Best regards,
Andy

PS: I'm a rooster as well in my Chinese Zodiac sign ... Guess I've gotten older again :rolleyes:

[Don Ellis]

Thanks to everyone for replying... I'd say that with individual messages, but I'm off to bed when I finish this note. I will offer some technical advice -- I shot these on P mode because it was showing 1/160th second shutter speed. Next year, I'll sacrifice a little depth of field (which probably won't even show with the G-series) and shoot at least 1/250th. Those dragons are faster than they look and a few of the shots were fuzzy.

Andy... you reminded me that most people, especially the girls, don't reveal what sign they are because people will be able to guess what age they are.. Well, plus or minus 12 years, anyway, which is usually dead easy.

Take care, everyone.

Don

[marie]

Thanks to everyone for replying... I'd say that with individual messages, but I'm off to bed when I finish this note. I will offer some technical advice -- I shot these on P mode because it was showing 1/160th second shutter speed. Next year, I'll sacrifice a little depth of field (which probably won't even show with the G-series) and shoot at least 1/250th. Those dragons are faster than they look and a few of the shots were fuzzy.

Andy... you reminded me that most people, especially the girls, don't reveal what sign they are because people will be able to guess what age they are.. Well, plus or minus 12 years, anyway, which is usually dead easy.

Take care, everyone.

Don

http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif
Happy Birthday Year of the Rooster to you Donhttp://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_lol.gif
http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_confused.gif

I think I know which O you are this year
and wish you the very best
sincere congratulations


we will discuss my year in privatehttp://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_lol.gif http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_lol.gif http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_lol.gif http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_lol.gif

'for thine ears only'http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_lol.gif



let's all know the day and month of your big birthday this year
will you ?

I know what age...we just need a day.

cock -a - doodle- doo:lol:

a right ole nag arn't I

http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_lol.gif http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_lol.gif http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_lol.gif



many thanks for the advice above re the photographs
much appreciated:cool:

[Don Ellis]

Ooo, Marie... I'm not a rooster at all...

http://kleptography.com/images-fauna/crw_4435.jpg (http://kleptography.com/images-fauna/crw_4435.jpg)

Don the Dog

[marie]

Ooo, Marie... I'm not a rooster at all...

http://kleptography.com/images-fauna/crw_4435.jpg (http://kleptography.com/images-fauna/crw_4435.jpg)

Don the Dog


ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

gggggggrrrreat photograph



I got it wrong:cry: :cry:
it's next year the big O :shock:


oh well

looks like you are an ok guy anyway:lol: :lol: :lol:
http://www.new-year.co.uk/chinese/calendar/dog.htm

woof ! woof !

thanks

no cock a doodle doo to you so

:lol: and no more nagging from me;)

[Ballen Photo]

Very colorful shots Don. I have to say though, my vote goes to the Dog(s). :lol:

Best wishes, Bruce