The Lion Dance

While at World Lunch we saw The Lion Dance. What a great tie to our China/Olympic unit! Seeing it in person was much better than trying to duplicate something. Here is what we learned.

"The Lion Dance originated in China close to a thousand years ago. The lion is traditionally regarded as a guardian creature. Chinese lion dances can be broadly categorized into tow styles, Northern and Southern. Northern dance was used as entertainment where as the Southern dance is more symbolic. It is usually performed as a ceremony to exorcise evil spirits and to summon luck and fortune. During the Chinese New Year, lion dancers from martial art school will visit the store front of businesses to "choi chang" (lit. picking the greens). The business would tie a red envelope filled with money to a head of lettuce and hang it high above the front door. The lion will approach the lettuce like a curious cat, consume the lettuce and spit our the leaves but not the money. The lion dance is supposed to bring good luck and fortune to the business and the dancers receive the money as a reward. The tradition becomes a mutual transaction. The dance is also performed at other important occasions including Chinese festivals, business opening, ceremonies and traditional weddings."**

**as quoted from Choy Lay Fut

Pictures copyright 2008 Wicked Pickles-The Homefront Lines