Year of the Pig

Or the Boar, if you're insulted by the word pig for some reason. Very intelligent creatures, you know.

Anyway, the first day of the new year begins February 18. This coincides with the new moon (actually begins on Feb. 17, 8:14 pm). A lot of families will go out for a meal or get together at home for dinner on Saturday or Sunday. If you go into Chinatown you may hear drums and cymbals inside some of the restaurants as lion dancers perform.

If you go to a restaurant in mid-February you may get to see a lion dance performance. The lion(s) will weave through the tables all around the restaurant. Some restaurant owners have the lions go through in a prearranged pattern, sometimes this is for luck, sometimes it's to keep from breaking stuff. Anyway, often the lion will approach tables and act all cute. Feel free to say hello and maybe gently pat the lion's nose (it's fake fur & papier mache so definitely be gentle). If customers at a table hold out a red envelope the lion will definitely go over there. The envelope has money inside. (Of course, if you don't have an envelope and feel like giving a small tip, cash is absolutely fine. And you also don't have to tip at all. But if you do, hold it out and the lion will "eat" it.)

How to get your picture taken with the lions

During Boston's official CNY celebration on Feb. 25, several lion teams will be out in the streets going from store to store.

Lion teams are approachable between performances, but when they're doing the actual dancing, stand back out of the way. The guys inside the lion can't see very well and may run into you. They're also surrounded by handlers in public places, who guide the performers around.

When the performance is finished, tap one of the handlers on the shoulder and ask if you or your kids can pose with the lion. The request is rarely refused but, if the lion is being rushed to the next store you may be asked to wait for a minute. It's worth it because then the handler can arrange for the lion to pose and you will get some great photos.

BTW there is no need to tip the performers for photos.