This afternoon, an energetic pair of lions danced their way throughout SFU Vancouver’s Harbour Centre. A musical entourage followed the duo, demanding attention with drums and cymbals.

Starting at Harbour Centre’s Upper Mall entrance, the group made its way through the Main Concourse, around the second floor balconies, and back down into the Mall area.

While there, the lions surprised SFU Bookstore staff with a private show. After “chewing” heads of lettuce, the lions showered the Bookstore and surrounding businesses with pieces of the vegetable, a practice meant to bring them prosperity (see photo).

The troupe drew a large crowd, with onlookers vying for looks and photographs. Amidst the commotion, several individuals got a chance to feed the lions with red envelopes. These typically hold money, a traditional practice for the occasion. The envelopes, as well as the parade, are meant to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.

The annual Lion Dance marks this year’s Chinese New Year, and more specifically, the beginning of the Year of the Dragon. SFU Vancouver wishes its students, faculty, and staff, much happiness and good fortune this coming year.

- L.H.