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Saturday, August 14, 2010

Dragonboat Races & Cultural Events August 14 & 15, 2010







Did you know, the Dragon Dance itself originated during the Han Dynasty and was started by the Chinese who had shown great belief and respect towards the dragon. It is believed to have begun as part of the farming and harvest culture, also with origins as a method of healing and preventing sickness. It was already a popular event during the Song Dynasty where it had become a folk activity and like the lion dance, was most often seen in festive celebrations.

From its origins in combining stylized depictions of natural animals, the Chinese dragon evolved to become a mythical creature revered in Chinese culture. Its physical form is a combination of many animals, including the horns of a stag, ears of a bull, eyes of a rabbit, claws of a tiger and the scales of a fish, all on a long serpent's body. With these traits, it was believed that dragons were amphibious with the ability to move on land, fly through the air and swim in the sea, bestowing them roles as governors of cloud and rain in weather.

As the dragon gives people a feeling of great respect, it is often called the Sacred Dragon. The emperors of ancient China considered themselves as the dragon. The Dragon is also the emblem of Imperial Authority. It symbolizes supernatural power, goodness, fertility, vigilance and dignity.

The dragon dance was started by the Chinese who had shown great belief and respect towards the dragon. It is an important item of the Chinese Culture and tradition. Dragon Dance has spread throughout China and to the whole world. It becomes a special performance of arts in the Chinese physical activities. It symbolizes the bringing of good luck and prosperity in the year to come for all the human beings on earth. According to ancient history, during the period of Chun Chiu, the learning of Chinese Martial Arts was very popular and in the spare time, dragon dance was also being taught to students to provide more encouragement.

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Thursday, August 5, 2010

Grizzly Love Affair


Grizzly bears are a wonder of nature.

We encounter them from time to time whether it be in the backcountry, or seeing them from the road-side in our National Parks.

Well, there is a new grizzly in town. Her name is Nikita and she is displayed on the front lawn of the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies. This beautiful bear is made of Serpentine Marble and the artist is Cathy Jenkins.

To view more of her works be sure to visit the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies and see the Grizzly Exhibition which is a feature of the museum this summer.

For more information on Cathy Jenkins work, her website is www.jenkinssculptor.com

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Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Banff Culture Weekend August 6-8, 2010

Discover Banff this weekend.

Banff Culture Walk is taking place this weekend and it is an opportunity to see the area's most interesting historical homes and cultural attractions.

Friday, August 6th from dusk till approximately 10:00 pm enjoy "Cinema Under the Stars" in Central Park. Admission is free and this year's movie will feature a action and adventure movie filmed in and around the Bow Valley.

On Saturday, August 7th there are many, many activities to participate in. The head quarters for all events and information will be at the Bison Courtyard located at 211Bear Street.

For a full list of participating venues visit: http://www.banfflakelouise.com/banff-heritage-tourism/banff-culture-weekend

On Sunday, August 8th, one day only, "Doors Open Banff" invites residents and visitors explore some of Banff's oldest heritage homes and buildings.

Some of the participating properties are:

Bison Courtyard

Old Crag Cabin

Cascade Masonic Lodge

Whyte Residence

Moore Residence

Windy Warden Cabin

St. Paul's Presbyterian Church

Holmes/McGinn Residence

Beaver Lodge

Banff Fire Hall

Luxton Historic Home

Charlie McAulay House/Woodside Cottage

Tarry-A-While

Painter Residence

The Crandle/Peak Cabin

St. Georges in the Pines

Harmon's Building/Harmony Lane

Parks Canada Administration Building/Cascades of Time Garden

Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum

The Fairmont Banff Springs Rundle Memorial United Church The history of these homes and businesses are impressive!

Be sure to visit this weekend.

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