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Video: With a pop and pow, Seattle welcomes Lunar New Year with lions

So after my son and I watched the opening performance of the Lunar New Year festival in Seattle, we met up with my wife.

The three of us headed over to Hing Loon, a Cantonese Chinese restaurant which is one of our favorites in Seattle.

During last year’s Lunar New Year celebration, my parents were visiting us – and the five of us made our way to the scrumptious restaurant where the waitresses remember you and are friendly.

On Saturday, we ducked inside because our bellies were giving us signs that it was time to fill up – and our choice for the day were noodles.

Then, moments after we sat down – just as what happened when my parents joined us last year – we spotted Seattle martial arts master Mak Fai and his crew of lion dancers make their way to the popular restaurant.

Good stuff. And we knew it.

My son looked out the window as the loud rhythm of the drums and cymbals grew louder.

I popped out one battery from our digital camera and inserted one with more power. Then, I made my way toward the entrance, knowing that the lions would come to eat the cabbage and fetch a “hong bao” – or lucky red envelope that is prevalent during Lunar New Year.

My wife held our son, who clutched her in anticipation of the colorful lions to tell the not-so-nice spirits it was time to leave.

With the video option of our digital camera turned on, I stood at the doorway with the lions in clear view.

Then, after I spotted Mak Fai unfurl a row of small red items, I knew what was next – the bang, boom, pop, pow and crackle of firecrackers.

Good times.

Just like when I was a kid and visited San Francisco and Oakland Chinatowns during Lunar New Year.

I finally realized that by ducking down and shooting video through the lower portion of the glass door would give me a clear, protected shot of Mak Fai and his lion dance team.

They impressed the crowd and welcomed the Year of the Tiger for Hing Loon’s owner and staff.

And it worked.

As you can see in the video and as Mak Fai points out on his Web site, the footwork and waist movements of the lion dancers are important to making the lions come to life.

The person wearing the Buddha mask also does a great job with footwork and using the fan and physical gestures to entertain the crowd.

After the firecrackers blew, the two lions entered the packed restaurant, bowed before an altar and made their way through the kitchen. One lion walked through the dining area, as customers held their cameras up to capture the moment.

One aspect of lion dancing that I’ve always enjoyed is that it shows young Chinese men – among others who participate in this art form – demonstrating strength and athletic skills.

First, they’re continuing a long tradition of helping to give the boot to bad spirits and welcoming good health and prosperity to people.

Second, they are showing that people of all backgrounds – and especially young Asian or Chinese men – can be strong, active participants in life.

I think many Asian and Chinese men are aware of the geek, bookworm or weak perception that can be associated with us as a group.

This perception has often popped up in U.S. history.

This probably explains why I’ve always liked Chinese dragons – and their ability to be fierce. They’re also just cool.

In Chinese history, there’s been a long awareness of that country as a weak place compared to other nations.

That might be changing now, as the world watches China emerge on the world stage as a major economic and power player.

And in the United States and the world, we are aware of strong figures, such as martial arts star Bruce Lee, and Asian and Chinese men who are active, intelligent and community participants.

Speaking of Bruce Lee, who met his wife in Seattle and is buried in the Emerald City: His first martial arts studio was located in the basement of the red building in the video.

I’ve really come to appreciate Seattle’s history over the years I’ve lived in the area.

In fact, if you walk out of Hing Loon’s doors, turn right and go down a few doors, you’ll pass the former site of the tofu shop where John Maeda’s family worked.

Maeda is now the president of the Rhode Island School of Design.

Oh, yeah, Hing Loon has the food chops and serves up delicious stuffed bean curd and mouthwatering curry, among other Cantonese delights.

When my parents or other relatives visit the Seattle area, we always stop by to fill up.

It’s funny: I tried to keep these Lunar New Year posts pretty straightforward, as a way to just celebrate.

I think I did. But I suppose my reading of history and thoughts filtered through – which I think is fine.

And overall, Saturday’s events marked a wonderful way to welcome a New Year to the planet.

If you didn’t see my earlier note, my family and I wish you a Happy Year of the Tiger!