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Have A Roaring (Chinese) New Year

We are a few weeks into the Chinese New Year which officially was rung in on in festival form on February 14, 2010. As one of the most important days on the Chinese calendar, this event is punctuated by regional customs and traditions that include sweeping away bad fortune and buying presents and clothing for a new start. Many of the Chinese costumes worn during these festivities include cheongsams, a one piece dress that skims the body with high leg-revealing slits, qipaos (similar to cheongsams), mandarin blouses, and jackets and pants.

 During the actual Chinese New Year parades, the Dragon Dance is often the highlight. The dragon is a prominent figure in Chinese mythology, considered a symbol of good fortune, intelligence, courage, fertility and other desirable qualities (that’s why you always see it embroidered over Chinese clothing). The Dragon Dance always features a spectacular dragon costume that consists of a dragon head mask, carried by the head dancer, and a long slithering body that is supported on poles carried by the other dancers. Sometimes this Chinese New Year costume even features an animated mouth and tongue that spews out a fiery breath.

In 2010, tiger costumes will be big in Far East celebrations because it is the “Year of the Tiger”.  The Tiger is the third sign in the cycle of the Chinese Zodiac and represents courage as a fearless fighter to ward off the three most feared household disasters, fire, thieves and ghosts. The tiger also represents power, passion and royalty in the Chinese culture. This year in China, you’ll be able to buy literally everything from umbrellas to underwear imprinted with beautiful images of the tiger. Tiger costumes will also be popular at many times through out the New Year, from adorable, cozy little tiger suits for toddlers and children to elaborate, ornate tiger costumes suitable for the stage. Faces painted up with orange and black makeup, in the image of this glorious creature, will also make a roaring impression at any Year of the Tiger event.  Check out Costume Machine to see what you can get your "paws" on!