What is the story behind the lion dance?
Lion dancing originated during the Tang dynasty (618-906 AD). Since the strange animal saved the emperor in his dream, the lion quickly became a symbol of good luck throughout China. It was believed that a dancing lion chased away evil spirits.
What are the two main types of the lion dance?
Lion dance has two different styles: Northern Lion and Southern Lion.
Who dances the lion dance?
The Lion Roams Beginning in Japan as early as the 8th-century, lion dancing spread throughout Asia, to Vietnam, Indonesia, Korea, Tibet and beyond. Today, there are many regional variations in China.
Which place dance is lion dance?
Hong Kong boasts the world record for the largest lion and dragon dance display, with a performance of 1,111 creatures in 2011. Lion dancing is such a recognised cultural tradition in the city that troupes are booked to perform at luxury boutique and car showroom openings.
What does the Green mean in the lion dance?
Respect will be paid to all temple and its deities located en route. The dramatic climax of the Lion Dance is the “Cai Qing” or ‘Picking the Green’. The green here refers to vegetable leaves which are tied to a piece of string which also has a red packet attached containing money.
Where did the southern lion dance come from?
The Southern Lion Dance The southern lion dance originated in Guangdong, and it is the style popular in Hong Kong, Macau, and the hometowns of overseas Chinese. The southern lion dance is a performance based on the study of a lion’s behavior, with an emphasis on actions like scratching, shaking of the body, and licking of fur.
Why do they do the lion dance at Chinese New Years?
During Chinese New Years and festivals. The “lion” will dance and approach the “green” and “red envelope” like a curious cat, to “eat the green” and “spit” it out but keep the “red envelope” which is the reward for the lion troupe. The lion dance is believed to bring good luck and fortune to the business.
Where to see the lion dance in Hong Kong?
Performances are vivid and entertaining, even comical. There are also skillful performances, such as playing with a ball, which includes swallowing it. The best place to see a southern Chinese lion dance is the Hong Kong Chinese New Year Performance Night. The northern lion dance has close relations to kungfu — Chinese martial arts.