Happy Chinese New Year. This happens to be the Year of the Dragon. The dragon is associated with qualities including good luck, power, strength and wisdom. And because it happens only once every 12 years, it seems like a pretty good reason to celebrate.

One of the places where the special occasion was celebrated was The Grass Room, a cool event space in a sketchy part of downtown, where you hope the characteristic of the dragon that’s in play is the good luck aspect, as in you’re crossing your fingers that your car isn’t stolen while you’re drinking a boba tea. 

The big night was sponsored by Knorr. You know Knorr, at least you’d recognize their iconic label if you saw it on the supermarket shelf. They’ve been making dried soups for over 150 years. The company claims their products are enjoyed by 320 million people every day. I’ll take their word for it. 

Authentic Chinese dishes were served, highlighted by vegetable dumplings, egg rolls, noodles and other delicious samplings. Amid the ubiquitous red-and-gold decor, local Chinese-American celebrities took to the mic to share inspiring messages while wine was sipped by gala attendees, many in traditional attire (one with a trio of samurai swords at his side, sheathed, thank goodness.) 

But the pinnacle of the evening was the Lion Dance (important to really hit the second syllable of that first word when you’re in conversation, or it sounds like you’re talking about a Country and Western shindig). The lion and the dragon rose and fell like crashing, ocean waves; they swerved and snaked like a winding river. At times, the two men in each of the vividly colored, festively decorated costumes were visible beneath, displaying feats of strength and stamina (lots of stamina, the dance lasted about 10 to 15 minutes), as one young buck stood atop his counterpart and performed daring stunts that brought each creature vibrantly to life.

The only sound to be heard was a ritualistic gong, which sounded rhythmically and continually throughout the dance, dictating the pace and the intensity of the animals’ movements, and perhaps an occasional escaped breath of awe as the gathered crowd marveled at the unreal sight. 

The Year of the Dragon lived up to its name on that chilly winter evening, in terms of good fortune anyway, as the valet delivered my vehicle, and intact. I take it as a good sign that the rest of the year, too, will bring other successes. Let’s hope so, after all, it’s an election year and we could probably use some good luck. And more wine. Happy new year.