Year of the Pig: The Lantern Festival

            The Pacific Symphony is holding their 4th annual Lantern Festival at the Segerstrom Center of the Arts , in celebration of Year of the Pig. The pig is the 12th animal  of all the Chinese zodiac signs. According to one myth the pig was late because a wolf destroyed his home and he had to rebuild it before he could set off, forcing him to be last. In Chinese culture the Pig is associated with  fortune. 
              To celebrate the end of the Lunar New Year live music was held, dancing, art making, riddles and food from across Asia! I learned a lot about chinese culture while at the festival. The women were all dressed in beautiful vibrant colored silk sarees, and the men wore wide sleeves with  silky loose flowing fabrics as well. Despite the rainy atmosphere, the little boys and girls were still nicely dressed in their prideful traditional clothing. I had a lot of fun, decorating my very own lantern and enjoying the live music. 
              The Lantern Festival can be traced back 2,000 years, which takes place on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year and marks the return of spring, representing the reunion of family. 

A little bit about pigs: 


Pigs are social, playful animals that protect each other and like to relax in the sun or cool off in the mud. They’re known to recognize 

their own names and show empathy for other pigs. Some love to cuddle while others prefer their own space. 

Reporter: Claudia Arce