The Lion dance is a traditional
folk art, which has been practised for centuries, its wide spread
popularity, has extended far beyond the borders of China to all parts of
the world.
There are many stories about its
origin, one of the most popular states that many centuries ago the land
was plagued by famine.
One night the emperor dreamt of a
strange beast that had the power to bring good luck and chase away evil
from the land.
Next morning he ordered the
servants to make replicas of the beast and go out into the country to
rid the land of evil spirits, this they did and order and prosperity was
returned.
Another story states that in a
certain part of China, a beast would appear at the same time each year
and rob the farmers of their crops. While the beast never harmed the
farmers physically the taking of food was a very serious matter.
One year the village elder had an
idea on how they could scare the beast away, everyone in the village set
about making replicas of the beast and at the appointed time everyone
went out into the fields with the replicas and pots, pans and musical
instruments.
When the beast arrived they danced
with the replicas and beat the pots and pans making much noise scaring
the beast away.
So every year since around the
time of the spring festival the lion dancers can still be seen bringing
good luck and scaring away evil influences.
Its performance can add much
colour and festivity to any important occasion. This is most vividly
seen around the Chinese New Year, when the lion is used to drive away
evil spirits and bring good luck for the coming year.
Those who practise the lion dance
are mostly kung fu practitioners, the reason being that in performing
the dance a high degree of agility, strength and stamina is required.
The footwork and various movements such as leaps and jumps are also
found in kung fu styles.
Great emphasis is placed on
depicting the strength, vigour and forcefulness of the lion.
