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Chinese Lion Dance Honors Panofsky on his Birthday
By Vickee Flynn
SLAC’s first director W.K.H. Pief Panofsky (DO) was honored on
his 86th birthday with a traditional Chinese celebration. According to
Ellie Lwin (DO), “You are given such a party in your honor when your
children are doing well, grandchildren are also thriving, and your
legacy is obvious and considerable. It says you have done your life’s
work very well indeed, and your beneficiaries offer their respect and
gratitude. And you have to be about 75 years old.”
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At Pief
Panofsky's birthday celebration, the blessing on the banner can
be translated as: May your luck be as broad as the East [China]
Sea and may your longevity be as high/tall as the South
Mountain.
Translated by Pisin Chen (ARDA)
(Photo by Diana Rogers) |
The fact that on relatively short
notice a large crowd gathered to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ led by Jamie
Davis, speaks volumes of Panofsky’s legacy. From one, many generations
have come and thrived. He built this world class lab for us, his
contributions to the national and international science policy and arms
control community are considerable and, very importantly, he is
respected as much for his character as for his work. His way of
leadership is collegial; he is kind, inclusive, the soul of politesse
and funny.
A Chinese ritual also speaks to
Panofsky’s many significant scientific and governmental affinities to
China. Lion dances and dragon dances are performed for important,
auspicious occasions as a way to confer our best wishes for the honoree.
Lions are considered peaceful and divine animals of nobility and
dignity. They symbolize strength, courage and wisdom. The calligraphy
banner was made for Panofsky just for this occasion, and the phrase is a
classical one reserved for honored characters. It’s full meaning is not
simply ‘happy birthday to you’ but appropriately represents much more.
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