Lunar New Year Houston

In 1930, there were fewer than 30 Chinese in Houston.  By then, Houston’s Chinatown had moved from its original location at 600 Texas Avenue to the southeastern outskirts of town on Chartres Street at Rusk Avenue.

The On Leong Chinese Merchants’ building in Houston’s then-new Chinatown became the venue for the City’s first community Lion Dance celebrations for Lunar New Year.  Endless strings of Lucky Red Firecrackers were suspended atop the green tiled roof.   The three-story building housed the community’s elaborate Ancestors Altar, civic meeting & banquet space, as well as the ‘old bachelors’ living quarters. By 1950, there were just an estimated 1,000 Chinese Houstonians.

Download the full story

WHAT: Houston’s First Qilin Awakening Ceremony

WHEN Saturday, October 15, 2011 @ 11:00 am

WHERE Texas Teo Chew Temple 10599 Turtlewood Court, Houston 77072

WHO Texas Teo Chew Association Dragon & Lion Dance Team with the Austin Thien Hau – Linh Son Lion Dance Team

For what is believed to be a first for Houston, Texas Teo Chew Temple will “Awaken the Qilin” in a sacred ceremony to bring the Chinese Unicorn “to life” to bless the temple and bring good omens of protection and serenity to all.

Download the full Media Release