Lion dancing represents a symbolic and important tradition of the Chinese Culture. The Lion Dance is most commonly seen during festivities such as Chinese New Year, Weddings, and opening of new businesses. The significance of the lion dance is that it is believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and happiness to communities. The lighting of firecrackers is also commonly seen during the ceremony with the belief that it will scare away any evil spirits.

The history of lion dancing dates back close to 2000 years ago. It began as a result of the cultural interaction between China and West Asia, during the bilateral trading between Persia and China through the famous Silk Road. During this era, the ambassador from Persia sent animals to China, the lion being one of them. At the time there were no lions in China, but as relations improved with Western Asia and India, an increasing number of lions were sent to China.

Over time the ancient people of China admired the animal and adopted the lion into their culture as a prominent symbol of bravery and peace. Many believed that by displaying lion statues outside their buildings that they could prevent any evil occurrences from happening. Therefore with the lion dance they hoped that by imitating the characteristics of the lion, they could chase away the evil spirits.

The art of Lion Dance was actually introduced by India to China during the Han Dynasty over 1,000 years ago. It was originally used to perform for the Emperor's court.

The lion dance combines art, history and martial art moves. Normally the performers are Kung Fu practitioners, as lion dancing requires suppleness, flexibility, fitness, strength and good balance. Every kind of move has a specific musical rhythm and the music follows the moves of the lion, that is the drum follow the lion and the cymbals and gong follow the drum player. This means that the lion and the musicians have total form, the right feel for the rhythm and also the story of the play.

There are generally two types of Chinese lions, namely, the Northern and Southern lion. The differences lie mainly in the movements of the lions but still the most apparent to the eye is their looks. The Northern lion has a yellow furry coat and a less movable mouth, whereas, the Southern lion has a multi-coloured body (no long hair) and a more movable mouth.

Through the years, the lion dance has undergone many changes and developments. Today, lion dance plays an important part of traditional Chinese culture. This is simply because the Chinese would like to maintain the tradition created by their forefathers. After over a thousand years of creative thinking and practice, the lion dance is no longer for entertainment; it has become a spiritual form of fulfilment for the Chinese, expressing the optimism, unity and bravery of people.

Written by Charles Nee