Chinese Culture Days

Today my school the Shaolin Lohan Pai was able to participate in the Chinese Culture Days on May 17th and 18th.  This event is held at the Missouri Botanical Gardens in St. Louis, MO each year during the middle of May.  It is a wonderful event that promotes and educates the public on many facets of Chinese culture.  They have performances from the Shanghai Acrobats and theatrical performances that portray traditional Chinese legends as well as musicians playing traditional instruments, tea ceremonies, and of course a heavy emphasis on various styles of Chinese martial arts.

We did several shows today with a few more tomorrow.  We performed lion dancing using as well as demonstrating some of our styles martial arts.  Our performances were small segments in a larger program that also featured the Shanghai Acrobats and the Citong Shaolin school.  It was enjoyable being part of such a varied program.  Unfortunately I was only able to drum for our performances since my back is still not fully recovered.  I am getting much better following my weekly visits to my doctor.  I receive cupping and massage on a regular basis with some herbs taken internally.  I also had acupuncture last week and it worked very well for treating my back so I hope that it will be a permanent addition to my treatment.

I always enjoy getting to spend time going to the various performances and looking at the wares being sold in various merchant’s booths.  Artwork and collectibles, nick nacks and calligraphy (Shu Fa 書法) are all available for purchase.  Other booths offer information on several local organizations to promote their focus such as the language schools that offer classes for Chinese children so that they may learn their language and culture, of Fo Guan Shan (佛光山) a local Buddhist temple with which I am affiliated and have many friends.  The focus of many of these booths this year has been on the tragedy that happened recently in China with the earthquake.  Many booths are donating a portion of their proceeds to the relief funds to help those who are in need after the earthquake.

The weather has cooperated very well and it has been gorgeous weather outside for this event.  If you are near the St. Louis area I do recommend coming to the Missouri Botanical Garden to enjoy the weather, the gardens and the Chinese culture.