Chinese Lion Nian Rings In The Year Of The Pig: Photos

It's almost Chinese New Year 2019 and Nian, the Chinese lion, is already in town. He visited Macy's at Herald Square this afternoon to ring in the preparations for the new year parades and celebrations on February 5th.

And although Nian looks like a cute toy, he is according to Chinese mythology everything else but friendly. He comes down from the mountains on new years to feed on humans, especially men and children! The only way to protect yourself is to wear red clothes and make loud noise with drums and firecrackers.

But today, Nian is a gentle, lovable creature happy to engage with visitors at Macy's.

Take a look below through Daniela's Lens to see all the best moments of the celebration:

1:01 p.m.
There he is! Hello, Nian!

1:04 p.m.
He dances the traditional lions dance.

1:06 p.m.
Nian is operated by two dancers who are often trained in martial arts. The lion dance uses many moves derived from Tai Chi and other traditional Chinese fighting styles.

1:07 p.m.
Nian has the groove!

1:08 p.m.
The Chinese drum players are turning Macy's into an early new year's parade!

1:11 p.m.
He is super cute!

1:12 p.m.
Happy Lunar New Year to you, too!

1:13 p.m.
And then it's time for some photos. Everybody wants to hug Nian!

1:14 p.m.
Hey, there!

1:15 p.m.
Is somebody in there?

1:16 p.m.
Be careful on new year's eve, Nian likes eating boys!

1:17 p.m.
Awwww!

1:21 p.m.
Don't forget to get some red clothes and firecrackers for new year's eve!

Daniela Kirsch is an entertainment photographer and founder of NameFace— an event photo agency based in New York City. Through her creative expertise and unique visual style, Kirsch not only knows more than a thing or two about photographing A-list events, but is forever changing the way we interact with the entertainment industry. In June 2018, Kirsch teamed up with Patch to launch the photo series Daniela's Lens, offering weekly features from local events to red carpet magic.

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