'Cap Go Meh' celebrations hope for blessings

'Cap Go Meh' celebrations hope for blessings

Colorful parade withs liong (dragon dances) and barongsay (lion
dances) as well as traditional performances on the street marked
Cap Go Meh celebrations in the capital.

Thousands of Chinese-Indonesians lined up along the streets on
Feb. 7 to enjoy the Cap Go Meh parade, enthusiastically greeting
the toapekong (effigies of gods).

Starting from Fatahillah Museum, the parade moved toward
Hayamwuruk, Gajah Mada and ended at Petak Sembilan, Pancoran in
Glodok, West Jakarta.

Held on the 15th day of the first month of the Lunar Calendar,
Cap Go Meh celebrations are believed to be the day when the gods
come out of the heavens to grant wishes and spread good luck.

-- JP