Plurabelles officially woke up Anna II and Livia II – our second generation of boats – on Saturday, 30th June. Anna Livia is the name given to the personification of the river Liffey and James Joyce named his heroine in Finnegans Wake, ‘Anna Livia Plurabelle’.
Waking the Dragon is an ancient Chinese tradition and the MC – our own Tara Byrne – explained the rich symbolism behind the custom.
During the ceremony, the tips of the dragon head horns were painted to bless the world with peace and harmony. The tongue was painted to bless the crews with winning spirit and, having uncovered the eyes, they were painted to awaken the dragon.
Offerings were also made representing five elements & compass points. Joss sticks represented wood and the East. Flowers represented metal and the West. Candles represented Fire and the South. Water represented its elemental self and the North. Finally, fruit represented the earth and the Centre. See photos of the day (which culminated in food back at the clubhouse!)
