(Clearwisdom.net) On November 21, 2004, Falun Gong practitioners from Christchurch and surrounding cities participated in the annual grand Christmas parade in Christchurch. It was reported that about 106,000 people watched the parade.
Three female practitioners dressed in celestial maiden costumes with signs reading "Truth Compassion Forbearance" in their hands led the Falun Dafa procession. Behind them, three female practitioners in lotus costumes carried baskets filled with paper lotus flowers, which they distributed to the children along the streets. Many people, including Chinese parents, asked for lotus flowers for their children. The Tang Dynasty Dance Troupe followed behind. They performed dances successively and the spectators gave them warm applause. Next came the Falun Dafa float. Practitioners dressed in golden yellow exercise suits demonstrated the exercises. Two practitioners on the float threw colorful flower petals to the spectators. Young practitioners also joined in to toss flower petals that made the children watching the parade jump with joy. After the float came the waist drum team.
  Falun Gong procession |
  Practitioners demonstrate exercises and toss colorful flower petals to the crowd |
There was a large "Falun Dafa" banner in front of and behind the procession. Along the route, spectators waved to practitioners, smiling and wishing them Merry Christmas. Among the spectators there were many Chinese families. Some of them looked surprised and others smiled and waved to the practitioners. Some took out cameras and took photos of the Falun Gong procession. When the procession passed the stage, the host said, "This is Falun Gong! Truth Compassion Forbearance! Welcome to Christchurch! Falun Gong is being persecuted in China."
