Dating back thousands of years, the Lion and Dragon Performances are believed to bring good luck and fortune to people. Both dances can be found being performed during traditional Chinese celebrations, such as the Chinese New Year or special events.
Each performance by themselves is a memorable experience. But when combined, audiences become immersed in one of the most spectacular cultural demonstrations performed today.
Although they may appear similar, each has unique historical origins with different movements, gestures, and show characteristics. Learning these differences will give you a unique perspective the next time you enjoy a traditional Asian festival.
The Lion DanceÂ
The first dance originated at a time when lions were not found in China. It is thought the animal existed only in myth as only a few lions had ever been seen east of India.
Performed with acrobatic playfulness, the lion is the more curious of the two beasts. Not to be feared, the lion is less ferocious than he is mischievous.
Two performers are used inside a fur covered lion costume. Each pair of the performers’ legs represent those of the lion. With large blinking eyes, the lion will open his mouth to receive gifts, while revelers hope to receive good luck.
The Dragon Dance
Dragons were associated with rain in ancient China and may have been used in performances during times of drought. And when not used to bring water to a parched region, dragons were a popular of entertainment for variety shows.
Segmented and serpentine in shape, performance dragons typically stretch to more than 50 feet in length. This requires a coordinated team of more than a dozen skilled performers. Choreographed movements bring the dragon alive with wave-like patterns achieved through successive swinging of each section of the dragon.
Drums, gongs, and cymbals accompany the performance which sometimes ends with firecrackers. The colors of the dragon themselves also add special significance where green represents a great harvest, gold and silver symbolize prosperity, and yellow embodies the empire. The color red signifies the excitement and good fortune of the festivities.
And the longer the dragon, it is said, the more luck it will bring!