Washington DC: Practitioners Participate in the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade (Photos)

By Falun Gong practitioners in Washington DC

(Clearwisdom.net) The 93^rd National Cherry Blossom Parade began on the morning of April 9, 2005 and proceeded along Constitution Avenue in Washington DC. More than a hundred Falun Gong practitioners from Washington DC, New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia took part in this parade for the seventh time to display Chinese traditional culture.

Falun Dafa banner

Performing the exercises on the float

After experiencing several days' cloudy weather, the capital of the USA was bathed in bright sunshine, and the sky was clean and clear. The spirit of springtime permeated everywhere. Cherry blossoms attracted a stream of visitors. As estimated by the sponsor of the Cherry Blossom Festival Culture Activity, about one million visitors from around the world came to appreciate the Cherry blossoms. Most eye-catching was the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, which attracted several hundred thousand viewers. In addition to the audience on the spot, the Washington DC ABC TV Station's live broadcast enabled many residents in Washington DC and nearby Maryland and Virginia to feast their eyes on the grand spectacle of the parade.

"Celestial maidens" at both sides of the float

Performing the exercises on the float

Falun Gong practitioners' contingent was 99^th in the procession. Three women practitioners in Chinese traditional cheong-sam walked in front, each holding a board bearing three Chinese characters respectively "Zhen-Shan-Ren" that mean "Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance." Behind them was the huge banner reading "Falun Dafa." Eight "celestial maidens" danced gracefully with long colored ribbons on both sides of the float. On the float, practitioners demonstrated the gentle, smooth and peaceful Falun Gong exercises. Behind the float was the large group of waist drummers who performed in grand vigor and majesty.

Waist drum troupe

The practitioners' harmonious and beautiful contingent not only displayed Falun Gong to the audience, but also introduced Chinese traditional culture to the mainstream community in the US. The audience expressed their appreciation through rounds of applause and cheers. Some western audience members shouted to the Falun Gong practitioners on the float, "Falun Gong," "Falun Dafa." Some spectators followed the practitioners to do the exercises. Many Chinese spectators smiled at Falun Gong practitioners. It was indeed an honor to be able to display Chinese traditional culture and the practice which has become popular in over 60 countries in this parade of the western mainstream community.

A group photo with all participating practitioners

In 1912, in order to advance the friendship between the Japanese people and people in the USA, Tokyo's mayor presented 3,000 cherry trees to Washington DC, and 3,800 cherry trees again in 1965. To commemorate these gifts and the friendship they represent between the Japanese people and the American people, a two-week period at the end of March and early April each year is designated as the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

On this occasion of the Cherry Blossom Festival, which symbolizes peace and friendship, we hope the truth of Falun Dafa can bring health and good fortune to kind people everywhere.

Chinese version available at http://minghui.ca/mh/articles/2005/4/12/99432.html

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