In the early 1960s, Chinese New Year in Manhattan’s Chinatown was a vibrant explosion of culture and community, standing in stark contrast to the gray, towering skyscrapers of the surrounding city. During this era, Chinatown was a smaller, more tight-knit neighborhood, and the Lunar New Year was the most anticipated event of the year, drawing both residents and curious onlookers to its narrow, winding streets.
The atmosphere was electric. The air was thick with the scent of incense from local temples and the smoky aroma of thousands of firecrackers, which were still legal and used abundantly to ward off evil spirits. Mott and Canal Streets were decorated with bright red lanterns and golden banners, symbolizing luck and prosperity for the coming year.
The highlight of the celebration was the traditional Lion Dance. Performers in elaborate, colorful costumes maneuvered through the crowds to the rhythmic beat of heavy drums and clashing cymbals. Merchants would hang heads of lettuce and “red envelopes” (hongbao) high above their shop doors, challenging the lions to reach them in exchange for a blessing of good fortune.
It was a time when the old traditions of the East were preserved with fierce pride in the heart of the New West. Found by Guy Clinch, these vintage photographs offer a rare glimpse into the Lunar New Year celebrations on the streets of New York City, dated February 5, 1962.
0 comments:
Post a Comment