(Clearwisdom.net) On October 28, South Dakota State University held its annual Hobo Day Parade. This tradition dates back to 1912 when students were trying to rescue the sagging school spirit, caused to some degree when State lost its first two football games of the season. Besides "Hobo", "Prairie" is also included as the theme of this celebration to recognize the university's 125th anniversary and the fact that 125 years ago the campus was just a prairie.
Falun Gong practitioners procession |
Among cowboys and other traditional prairie customs, the Falun Gong practitioners' float was exceptionally eye-catching. Though unique, the practitioners decorated the float to match the Prairie theme, using blue as the background color to symbolize a pond of pure water in the prairie and lotus flowers to highlight the serenity and beauty of the prairie. Several practitioners demonstrated the five sets of Falun Gong exercises on the float while the peaceful "Pudu" music was playing. Their relaxing and gentle movements and bright yellow suits created a warm and touching scene in the parade.
Children who were collecting Halloween candy were also happy to receive "Falun Dafa is Good" bookmarks. A woman student followed the float for a while to watch the practitioners' exercise demonstration. In the end, she asked whether or not she could get onto the float to learn the second exercise.
Practitioners from adjacent states participated in the parade, and they were pleased to see so many people get a chance to experience the beauty of Falun Dafa.