Being a chicken mama, I thought it only fitting to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Rooster. I was excited to find that there was a large celebration in Dallas. I have never attended such an event, so I was looking forward to a new adventure.
The festival attracted a wide variety of people both young and old. There were plenty of events for the children and many food trucks — food is always important. They had a stage with a variety of presentations, from a lion dance to a fashion show to a Tai chi and Kung Fu demonstration. I thought these were interesting, but what excited me most were the interactive classes.
I attended a Tai chi session. I do Tai chi, but this was a different style, so all the movements were new to me. I also went to a Kung Fu class. There were mostly children in the class, but that did not dissuade me. The last interactive class was a class on Qigong (pronounced chee-gong). We mostly focused on breathing. All were interesting.
I couldn’t resist getting a face painting of a rooster. I liked it so much that I kept it on for an extra day, much to my husband’s chagrin. I was reminded that, according to the Chinese zodiac, I am married to a man born in the year of the rat. Maybe this explains his attitude…
One of the best things of the day was the chance to meet some roosters rescued from cockfighting. They all seemed so sweet. I went back to the roosters more than once. As I petted them and looked into their eyes, I just felt as if I could feel their pain. I hate to think about what those poor roosters endured. I am glad that they were rescued from such a life.
I feel bad for roosters in general since they seem to be far less wanted than hens. If I was in a different situation, I do feel like would want a rooster. They fascinate me, and they can be so beautiful.
Overall, I enjoyed the festival. It was a different experience for me. The only thing that may have made it better was if I had been able to go with somebody.
I am excited that it is the Year of the Rooster!
