Lion Dance, 舞狮,
is a traditional art form that incorporates physical training commonly
associated with martial arts and ascetic expressions.
During a lion dance performance, 2
performers co operate to “become” a lion. The Lion’s body consists of a lion
head with movable ears, eye lids and mouth and a highly decorated body. The performers
wear a t-shirt
with the lion dance association’s logo and a special pair of pants designed to
look like lion’s feet and in matching color and design with the lion’s body.
One of the performers takes the front
position and assumes the front body of the lion. He controls the lion’s eye lids,
ears
and the mouth while his legs moves represent the front legs of a lion. The
second performer arches forward to form the back of the lion, controls its tail and his legs
represents the hind legs of the lion.
Lion dance performances are often
accompanied by drum and gong players so that whenever there is a lion dance
performances, the drum and gongs help to “inform” everyone around the area
drawing crowds. The lion dance can occur with one or a group of lions and
sometimes together with a Dragon Dance.
At the end of each performance, the
Lion may leave a display of orange petals for audience to decipher the lucky
numbers from the formation. Pastries such as
prosperity cakes 发糕are also used as props because of its
auspicious symbolism.
Although it is called a lion dance,
the lion is definitely not the physical lion in the zoo but a stylized cultural
lion with a variety of colors and designs. The lions are generally categorized
into northern and southern lions and within each category, there are variations reflecting regional influences in China. One of the most
distinguished types of Southern Lion is the Green Lion青狮thought to have its origins in the
Ming loyalist’s anti Qing movement.
Lion dance performances are usually
associated with joyous or auspicious occasions. The following is a list of
social and festival occasions that a lion dance performance can be seen
Chinese New Year
During the
Chinese New
Year, groups of lions perform from door to door at residences or
offices. The lion performance the “Picking the greens” 菜青to
usher an auspicious new year. The lion during such performances are also
associated with Nian 年,
the mythical creature who is frightened away with firecrackers and red color
during the Chinese New year.
The Lions are often invited to
welcome a VIP or guest of honor at a function or meeting. When the drum or gongs
start playing, it signals the approach of the VIP. The lion dance performance
begins when the VIP alights from his car or appears at the front gate. The lions
accompany the VIP from the arrival point to the VIP table or the stage. Such
welcome ceremonies are used in both traditional occasions as well as by
corporations to give foreign visitors an interesting and unique experience.
Ground
breaking ceremony / Opening ceremony
Lion dance performances are also
found at ground breaking ceremonies of buildings and institutions. The
performances create a joyous mood for an important and significant occasion.
In this function, lion dances witness
and usher many important occasions and events of a society.
Festive
/ religious events
During major religious events, lion
dance performances are arranged for ritual purposes and also to create a festive
and joyous mood. These events quickly attract people around the area especially
tourists and children to enjoy the performance.
Public
performances
Lion dance groups are also invited to
performance at tourist destinations or night markets. Lion dance performances
are very effective in drawing crowds and in creating a festive or joyous mood
since performances are often associated with happy events.
In Singapore, lion dance performances
are commissioned by Chinese customers and also by expatriate community. Lion
dance association also attracted students from other ethnic groups so that it is
common to see Lion Dance performance with Malay and Indian performers.
The next time you have an event
consider a lion dance performance to create a joyous mood or to mark the start
of an auspicious event. When you commission a lion dance performance, you also
contribute toward sustaining a traditional art form in a modern society.
