On the eve of Chinese New Year, two lions from the Asian Lion Dance Team thrilled more than 100 tiny keiki at Queen Emma Preschool.

The little ones, ages 2 to 5, waved lisee (red envelopes of money) for the lions to consume, and reached anxiously to pet them.

There were squeals of delight and occasionally of fear. But Daniel Ho, who led the dance team, tried to reassure frightened keiki by showing them that inside the lion costumes were real people. "Don't be afraid!" said Ho.

Many of the preschoolers were dressed in red, the Chinese color for good luck, and some popped bubble wrap as the lion dances began.

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