The Art & History of Lion Dance

Saw this small exhibition at Leisure Mall and wanted to share with you all as some of you may or may not know about this history.

The History

According to ancient legends, the Lion is one of the guardians of the city gate, an auspicious being that protects the people from evil forces. There are many legends about the origin of the Lion Dance. The following are four folklores that have been passed down from generation to generation.

- Legend has it that there were continual famines in ancient China. One day, a single horned monster appeared. Since then, the famine never came again. The villagers named the monster nian. Using bamboos and papers, they recreated the monster. They filled bamboo shoots with gunpowder and covered the village in red decorations. Every year they celebrated te harvest or festivals by performing the Lion Dance and setting off firecrakers to commemorate the day and to ward off evil spirits.

- The emperor Tang Ming Huang dreamed of a commoner performing a dnace that resembled the movement of a lion. The costume was colorful and the dance was accompanied by eight drums. Fascianted by what he saw in his dream, the emperor woke up. He then ordered the costume to be made and the dance to be performed. SInce then, the lion dance is also caleed Xing Shi or the Awakening Lion.

- According to historical record, the lion dance took shape during the Han Dynasty when a foreign ambassador came to pay respect to Emperor Han Wu Di. The Emperor gave him a warm reception. To entertain the special guest, the imperial performers dressed up in animal costumes of every sort and danced in the court. After watching the performance for some time, the ambassador pointed out that he did not notice a lion in the group, and was told by the emperor that such animal did not exist in his kingdom. Upon returning to his own country, the ambassador ordered a lion to be presented as a royal gift to the Emperor. The lion was transported from the West to China throught the Silk Road. The story was then enacted and passed down in the form of lion dance.

- It is believed that, once upon a time, the Cang province was a beautiful place with lush greenery and abundant wealth. However, a pack of wolves came to terrorize the city, killing livestock and the people. One day, at dusk, as the wolves were menacing the city, a bolt of lightning stuck across the sky and out cae a beast with long golden mane. It roared like a thunder and its cold, blinding rays beamed down on the wolves. A pride of lions then emerged from the clouds and changed towards the wolves, killing all of them.

The incident was witnessed by a group of young men. It gave them an idea on how to rid the city of his menace. Together, they made lion costumes and imitated the movements of the beast. As the wolves came to attack the city again, the lion dance troops paraded across the streets while others rushed out hitting their drums to scare off the wolves. Seeing this, the wolves fled the city. From this day, the Chinese perform the lion dance not only to celebrate thier victory over calamity, but also to ward off bad spirits. Today, the lion dance has evolved into a popular performing art that never ceases to amaze the spectators.

1. Drum

In ancient times, the drum was regarded as a tool to communicate with the deities in heavens. It is used during sacrificial ceremony. The history of the Chinese drum can be traced back as far as 3000 years. It was also used as a weapon to attract the enemy, scare off wild animals, tell time and alarm people. With the advancement of civilisations, the use of drum expanded to folk music, opera, orchestra, festive celebration and sports.

2. Cymbal

The cymbal is a percussion instrument consisting of a brass plate that makes a lound clashing sound when hit with a drumstick or two cymbals are hit against each other. There are many types of cymbals and they are categorised according to sizes - small, medium and bit. It is normally used with durms in performance. The cymbal has a long history and its ability to produce loud sound makes it a popular instrument in folk music, opera and orchestra, especially during cultural performance and festive celebration.

3. Big Head Buddha

Teasing the Lion is the main function of the Big Head Buddha. Wearing the big mask of a smiling Buddha and the clothes of a monk, the performer dances to the fhythm of the music, showing all sorts of antics, teasing the lion with a big fan. The performance is usually enacted during the Cai Qing ceremony. In fact, the Big Head Buddha has another hidden role to play. He helps the dancers to overcome problems or any obstacle that may arises during the Cai Qing ceremony.

4. Dragon Dance

The Dragon Dance is another form of Chinese traditional performing art. It is usually performed during the celeration of Chinese New Year. The Dragon is a mystical creature revered by ancient Chinese for tis power to bestow good luck and its supernatural ability to govern the cloud and rain. Among the 4 mystical creatures in the Chinese cultural (Dragon, Phoenix, Kirin and Tortoise), the Dragon is regarded as the most auspicious Ancient Chinese worshipped the Dragon. Today, it is an auspicious symbol. The Dragon Dance is peformed to bring good luck, peach and prosperity in the year to come.

5. Dragon Fish

Dubbed as Dragon Fish, Arowana has a majestic and beautiful appearance that resembles the legendary Dragon. Hence, it is treated as a symbol of luck and prosperity, making it a pet highly prized in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.

6. Qilin

The Qilin is a mystical beast in Chinese culture. Together with the Draon, Phoenix and Tortoise, it is revered as the Four Auspicious Creatures. Qilin is also known as the King of Sacred Beasts. Ancient Chinese believed that the presence of Qilin marked the birth of a son in a family.

7. Northern Lion

There are obvious distinction between Southern and Nothern Lion Dance. The Northern Lion looks more realitic. It has golden fur and the make-up of the head is simpler. The Northern Lions normally appear in pairs. The male has a red bow on its head, the female a green bow. The dance required 3 performers - one operates the head, the other forms the back and the third plays the warrior, leading the dance. Northern Lion Dance style is entertaining. The Lion is agile, smart and jolly. There are times it behaves like a mature old man, steady and composed, but it can be mischievous and playful as a child the next moment.

8. Hokkien Lion

The 3 types of Hokkien Lion

Green Lion with White Eyebrows

He is the older lion. He has long white eyebrows and his mouth opens. In the Hokkien Province, he is always used in religious ceremonies. Those in Kung Fu use it a practice and at demonstrations. Besides at religious ceremonies, the Green lion with white eyebrows is often seen at national celebrations and at parade performances.

Lion Cap

Its distinct feature is its big head and long body, and his charateristics is similar to that the Southern Lion. Often seen at general entertainment, fun gatherings and athletics at fitness training.

Green lion with Black Eyebrows

This type is fierce and cruel, has a long tooth and ferocious look. Its silence reflects the Man Qing dynasty soldier. The sound "Qing Shi" (Green Lion) also means to beat the Man Qing Dynasty soldier in a playful manner, as an encouragement for the Ming Dynasty patriot to revolt.

9. Southern Lion

The Southern Lion is also known as the Awakening Lion. It exhibits powerful moves and strength in stance. its lifelike, forceful dance required great performin skills of the dancers. The pair of dancers forms the head and back of the beast. The Lion is accompanied by musicians playing a large drum, gong and cymbals while a Big Head Buddha teases it with a fan. Cai Qing or "picking the green" is a popular part of the performance. The act symbolises aglity and prosperity.