(Clearwisdom.net) On the afternoon of August 13, 2008, on the main road to Swietokrzyska in the middle of Warsaw, a colorful procession drew the attention of pedestrians. This parade was the centerpiece of Poland's 2008 Multicultural Day.
In the parade, a float displaying the words "Falun Gong Is Good" was especially eye-catching. On both sides of the float were Falun Gong practitioners wearing yellow outfits and demonstrating the five graceful Falun Gong exercises. In front of and behind the float were a dance team and a troupe of drummers. To the sides of the float were practitioners wearing Tang Dynasty-style Chinese attire handing out flyers to onlookers. Stack after stack of leaflets were taken and the splendid performance attracted the enthusiastic applause of the crowd.
Falun Gong practitioners in the grand parade on Multicultural Day
Practitioners' performances draw people's attention
Practitioners demonstrate Falun Gong exercises
Paper lotus flower folding attracts many people
Poland's first annual Multicultural Day was in 2007. The theme of this year's event was "Boundless Borders of Warsaw," and over fifty groups took part in the activities.
The Polish Falun Gong Association took part in 2007 and one part of their exhibition was folding paper lotus flowers, which drew in crowds of people to learn and was reported on a local television station. This year, Falun Gong practitioners once again took part in the activity, and received the organizers' enthusiastic support; they were provided with two places at the end of the parade to introduce Falun Dafa, along with 7 different stages for performances.
When the dance troupe and waist-drum troupe began their circuit of performances, everywhere they went they received a hearty welcome from the Polish people. The lotus flower dance and the waist-drum dance displayed the elegant demeanor of Chinese people. The president of the Polish Falun Gong Association, Mr. Tomek Kowalski, explained the particulars about Falun Gong and its history of development. Over 10,000 Polish people watched the exercise demonstration. From the beginning of the day to the end, there were requests for group photos with the "Falun Gong boat," the dance troupe, the waist-drum troupe, and practitioners wearing exercise outfits and Tang dynasty costumes. Media from all over Warsaw also interviewed Falun Gong practitioners.
After the seven dance performances, in response to the onlookers' requests, Falun Gong practitioners demonstrated the exercises many times. A Polish man watched the performances from beginning to end and even when it was getting dark he didn't want to leave. He said, "Every day if it is not painful in one part of my body it is painful in another part, whilst not having a single day of comfort. After hearing your performance, I don't feel even a bit of pain. I haven't felt free of illness for a long time, but today I have. It really is so comfortable, thank you all, thank you." He bowed several times in thanks to the practitioners.
The Falun Gong exhibition table was situated in the bustling street and around the table were many different display boards. The practitioners wanted to bring the good tidings of this peaceful cultivation practice to the people, and also tell the people about the persecution of Falun Gong by the Communist Party in China. Many Polish people signed the petition to end the persecution, expressing their support for Falun Gong.
The paper lotus flower folding table was meant for children, but these lotus flowers, which signify purity and nobility, drew in not only the great interest of children, but also intrigued their parents and grandparents. By the time it was dark, all the materials had been used up, and there were still many people who wanted a lotus flower, so the practitioners gave some amulets with "Falun Gong is good" printed on them to those people who were still waiting at the booth, sincerely wishing them a bright future.
Source:http://clearharmony.net/articles/200809/46290.html
