Bellagio Chinese New Year

(Click on Picture for a Larger View of the Chinese Children

Today is the start of Lunar New Year 4711 or 4710 or 4650, depending on when the reign of the Yellow Emperor began (scholars disagree, wouldn’t you know). And, several years ago, particularly after Hong Kong reverted back to China and Chinese tourism rose, the large casinos in Las Vegas began celebrating the Chinese New Year.

I’d never visited the Bellagio during Chinese New Year, but got my chance to see the displays at the hotel’s Conservatory, one of my must-see places whenever I visit Las Vegas as the displays change seasonally.

This year is the Year of the Snake (Shé), the sixth animal of the 12-animal Chinese calendar. Last year was the Year of the Dragon; next year will be the Year of the Horse. And, just so you know, I was born in the Year of the Monkey.

The Conservatory’s botanic display focuses on Feng Shui, which brings harmony, balance, and positive life energy. Each of the three main gardens in the display includes water, positive energy flow, and three “friends of winter" – pine (perseverance), bamboo (integrity), and plum (modesty).

An 18-foot money tree with 384 gold coins and mounds of I-Ching coins signify the hope that the coming year will be one of good fortune and improved financial status for all.

For me, the most striking element in the Bellagio display is a 9-foot tall King Cobra snake with more than 5,000 luminescent scales; and no, I didn’t count them. Neither did I take a tape-measure to the 35-foot long, 38-foot high, 5,000-pound 15th Century Chinese junk boat that floats in a pond of 200 koi (carp).

I just took their word for all of that.

Here are a few of the pictures I took on my first day back to Las Vegas:

The Year of the Snake

 

'Fu' ... Blessing, Happiness, Good Fortune

 

Chinese Junk

 

Incense Offering

 

Money Tree

Tell you what … plan your next visit to Las Vegas during Super Bowl weekend. Then, you can not only place a wager on the game and watch it at one of the ubiquitous “Big Game” parties (many are free, except for food and drink), you can then take in the Chinese New Year display at the Bellagio Conservatory.

Sound like a plan? Good!