THE world’s oldest Imperial dragon Loong has awoken for the last time.
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The Bendigo Chinese Association performed a traditional Wong Loong ceremony to awaken the 120-year-old iconic dragon this week.
“It was a closed-door event which was only open for invited people,” Golden Dragon Museum’s Eugene Law said.
“Before we bring out these big dragons, the Chinese do this traditional ceremony.
“It included the Lion dancers, incense, joss paper burning, blessing the alter and asking the god Kuan Gong for the dragon to come out.
“It is a really traditional ceremony that has been happening for over 120 years.”
Loong had been in an 11-year slumber and last performed to mark the 10th anniversary of the Golden Dragon Museum.
He has awoken for the last time to mark Chinese New Year and the year of the dragon.Loong and night dragon Yar Loong will parade through Bendigo in the city’s lunar new year celebrations this weekend.
Mr Law said he was pleased with the blessing ceremonies.
“We always do it before Easter for Sun Loong and (on Monday) we blessed Yar Loong and Loong. The carriers came along and watched the ceremony and were fitted for their uniforms.
“To participate in the blessing ceremony is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the carriers.”
People have paid for the honour of carrying Loong, who retired in 1970.
It takes 22 people to make Loong move, with up to 40 people required to help him parade.
The carrying money will go to the Bendigo Health Foundation and the celebration’s organisers hope to raise $40,000.
“A lot of them (the carriers) have grown up with Loong,” Mr Law said.
“They have a connection to this dragon more than Sun Loong.
“Now they have the honour to carry him in public for the last time.
“That is really exciting.”
