Lunar New Year Assembly
The BHS community learned all about Lunar New Year at a special assembly featuring a lion dance and presentation by the Immortals Lion Dance group. Students learned about history behind the Chinese "Lions," and which animals gave the inspiration behind each part of the lion. They enjoyed a lion dance, a kung fu and a knife-fighting demonstration. Lastly, students were asked to "feed" the lions lettuce (a symbol of wealth and good fortune), which the lions then chewed up and spat back at the crowd - blessing them with wealth and good fortune.
The presentation also taught students about the "Heavenly Gate" story, a legend that explains the order and meaning of the animals associated with the Lunar Calendar. According to the story, the Jade Emperor wanted to select 12 animals to be his guards. He sent an immortal being into man's world to spread the message that the earlier the animals went through the Heavenly Gate, the higher the rank they would have. The animals raced to the gates, and the rat, known for being quick-witted, caught a ride in the ox's ear. When they arrived at the gates, the rat jumped down and ran ahead of the ox, claiming first place.
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The presentation also taught students about the "Heavenly Gate" story, a legend that explains the order and meaning of the animals associated with the Lunar Calendar. According to the story, the Jade Emperor wanted to select 12 animals to be his guards. He sent an immortal being into man's world to spread the message that the earlier the animals went through the Heavenly Gate, the higher the rank they would have. The animals raced to the gates, and the rat, known for being quick-witted, caught a ride in the ox's ear. When they arrived at the gates, the rat jumped down and ran ahead of the ox, claiming first place.
Located in Los Angeles, CA, Berkeley Hall School is a private, coeducational school for students in preschool through grade 8. Rigorous academics in a supportive atmosphere and grounded character development allow students to become fearless scholars and conscientious citizens - gain a love of learning, leadership with social responsibility, creativity with moral integrity, and self-esteem with compassion for others and the environment.