The lion dance is an ancient Chinese performance art that has been perfected over a thousand years. Lion dancers are well-known because they frequently appear at Chinese cultural events in China and abroad, particularly during lunar new year parades. Because lions are considered lucky animals in Chinese culture, this ancient tradition is said to bring luck and good fortune.
One or two performers in a lion dance wear a costume designed to resemble a lion, though the resemblance is often only superficial, as lion dancers wore multicolored fur and heavy masks with gold and other color details. The dancers move around briskly, performing a wide range of tricks, including acrobatics like jumping up onto each other’s shoulders, and the dance follows a rough narrative, with the lion emerging slowly at first, then becoming bolder and capering through the streets.
Many lion dance troupes are affiliated with martial arts organizations because lion dancing necessitates physical abilities. Many of the best lion dancers come from kung fu schools, and lion dancing has long been associated with kung fu. These dancers’ martial arts skills enable them to perform the strenuous agility demonstrations required for lion dancing.
Whether the performers are from the Northern or Southern school, the lion dance performance varies. The dance is more ritualistic and symbolic in the South, whereas Northern dancers perform lion dances for entertainment and good luck. The lion dancers in both cases engage in a practice known as choi cheng, in which they chew lettuce and other greens before spitting them out on the audience.
Choi cheng is a Chinese New Year ritual that is meant to bring prosperity and good fortune to the performer. The dancers often receive traditional red envelopes filled with money or treats in exchange for their performance, thus returning the good fortune to the lions.
Many troupes hold regular demonstrations or allow spectators to observe rehearsals if you are interested in seeing a lion dance. If one is held in your area, you can also attend a lunar new year parade. Many cities around the world host lavish Chinese New Year parades that include lion dance troupes and other traditional Chinese arts displays.