Dragons occupies a very important position in Chinese mythology. They appear in Chinese arts, literature, poetry, architecture and songs. The origin of Chinese dragons is unknown, but certainly pre-dates the written history. The dragon also plays an important part in Chinese Festivals.
The Golden Dragon Parade began in downtown LA in 1898. Since 1956 the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles has sponsored the annual event that celebrates the beginning of the Chinese New Year. More than 50,000 spectators come to North Broadway in LA's Chinatown's each year to marvel at marching bands, elaborate floats, community groups, celebrity grand marshals and, of course, painted dragons The long, dancing dragons, operated by as many as 20 participants, are said to scare off evil spirits so the new year can start with a clean slate.
