Eye Dotting and Boat Naming Ceremony

Merimbula Water Dragons dragon boat club is holding a special event in recognition of the funding received for new paddles (NSW Office of Sport) and a replacement boat (Bendigo Community Bank, Pambula and Bega Branches).

The event will be held at Merimbula’s Top Lake jetty on Saturday, 5 October 2024, 9.30am – 10.30pm.

The club has two boats which need to be formally named and will perform an eye dotting ceremony on three boats. This is a traditional Chinese dragon boat ceremony where the eyes of the dragon head on the boat are dotted with red paint. According to Chinese culture, the ritual is to empower dragon to fulfil its duty of bringing about protection, good luck, health and prosperity to those present.

The ceremony offers opportunities for photos and video as hell money is burnt and incense lit and the eyes and tongues of the dragon heads are dotted. 

The event will be attended by Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland and Executive Officer at the Bendigo Community Bank, Pambula and Bega Branches, Graham Stubbs.