Moray gears up for Chinese New Year with a dancing lion in Elgin town centre

Published: 17:20, 27 January 2025

A dancing lion graced the Elgin Plainstones today ahead of the start of the Chinese New Year.

Shoppers and schoolchildren alike witnessed a lively performance in the town centre by the Scottish Highlands and Moray Chinese Association (SHIMCA).

SHIMCA Lion dance performance for the Chinese New year - Year of the Snake - celebration on the Plainstones in Elgin. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.

The troupe will be also be performing in Buckie, Lossiemouth, Forres and Hopeman before this coming Wednesday, which will mark the beginning of the Year of the Snake.

Because they shed their skins and grow a new one, snakes are viewed in China as welcome symbols of rejuvenation.

Monica Lee–Macpherson MBE, SHIMCA’s chairperson, said: “This is what we do to share our happiness.

“The Year of the Snake should be good for regeneration and business.”

The Chinese zodiac is based on the idea that each year is represented by an animal, and that people born in that year have similar traits to the animal.

Snake (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025): Intelligent, wise, and enigmatic.

Horse (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014): Energetic, active, and outspoken.

Goat (1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015): Calm, gentle, and sympathetic.

Monkey (1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016): Sharp, smart, and curious.

Rooster (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017): Observant, hardworking, and courageous.

Dog (1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018): Loyal, honest, and prudent.

Pig (1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019): Compassionate, generous, and diligent.

Rat (1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020) : Quick-witted, adaptable, and resourceful.

Ox (1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021) : Strong, dependable, and determined.

Tiger (1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022) : Courageous, confident, and competitive.

Rabbit (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023) : Kind, elegant, and responsible.

Dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024) : Confident, intelligent, and enthusiastic.

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Divert me Human Interest Latest News Alistair Whitfield