Tea has been a part of the Chinese culture for thousands of years. Whether consumed with daily meals or prepared for a special occasion, tea has an important facet of Chinese culture and life. At a young age, many were taught to offer and pour tea for their elders as a sign of respect. During tea ceremonies for a traditional Chinese wedding, the ritual symbolizes the coming together of two families. In modern times, tea has come to also represent hospitality, all of which is echoed in the philosophies of Southwest Airlines.
The Tea Time ox is a colorful dreamscape. Three golden teapots are seen pouring tea, each representing respect, family, and hospitality. The scale of the teapots symbolizes the traditions passed down from generation to generation with the largest pot representing the ancestors and the smallest representing the youngest generation. The Chinese-stylized clouds symbolize good fortune and happiness, while the pink plum blossoms represent purity and perseverance. Its use of bold red and gold colors honors and celebrates this cultural tradition.
Southwest Airlines has been supporting San Francisco’s Chinatown community for over 30 years. This year, they continue to do so and have selected the Community Youth Center of San Francisco to be the recipient of the proceeds of this Ox.
Artist Bio: Stephanie Mufson
Steph Mufson graduated with a BFA in Fine Arts in 2003 from the Maryland Institute College of Art. She has spent more than 15 years in the arts and entertainment industries as an Artist, Designer, Fabricator, Float Builder, and occasional Entertainer working in California’s beautiful Bay Area.
Specializing in bringing big ideas to life with attention to the smallest details, Steph loves to work in a variety of mediums and lead teams of skilled artisans to add high impact visual elements to parades, events, and high profile spaces for corporate and private clients throughout northern California and beyond.
Learn more about the Ox on Parade and don’t forget to enter our photo contest. From February 3 – March 14, snap a picture of you and the Ox, tag us @chineseparade, and use the hashtag #oxonparade. It’s that simple! See official rules here.