chinese lion danceing
Many who see a Chinese Lion Dance performed, and even many of the performers, do not stop to reflect on the symbolism's being presented. However, by understanding them, a greater appreciation for this ancient ritual can be gained. Insights obtained from studying the meanings of the ritual and myths surrounding it will also be helpful in studying the origin and development of the Lion Dance. By listening and watching performances of the Lion Dance, I can explain some ways that lion dancing originated and the tools that are necessary to perform a lion dance. The traditional lion consists of a head that is usually made of bamboo and paper mache. It does not resemble any known lion on earth. It has a mystical look with a furry mustache, ears and eye lids, a horn like a unicorn on the top of its head, and a mirror on it's nose. It could be that travelers from Persia saw lions and described them to the creators of today's lion heads. Lion heads have aluminum and PVC pieces. This makes them lighter and more durable for the acrobatics in the modern patterns. The colors of the lions vary like the color of the rainbow. Each color has its own significance and meaning. Traditional kung fu schools still stick to these
After cleaning each part of his body, the lion shakes his head three times and rises. The traditional lion color scheme follows the characters from the famous Chinese novel; Three Kingdoms represented by yellow or gold face lions with white beards to show wisdom and stature. The obstacles can range from everyday items like benches and tables stacked together to the elaborate metal piles that go up to 15 ft high in the modern competitions. After showing respect for the thing to be blessed, the lion begins to play. Credit is given for strong, powerful movements, synchronization when there is more then one lion, acrobatic skills and death defying heights. When the troupes heard the drum beat, they would charge. Many of the Lion Dance performances are not put on by Kung Fu schools anymore, but are done by acrobatic troupes and Chinese cultural associations. The gong makes a high pitch sound, which would be used to signify a retreat. While many cultures independently created drums, no other culture ever used a gong. It would not be a lion dance with out one thing, firecrackers. Having been cleaned, the lion is now in a "pure" or holy state and is therefore able to bestow blessings. Like the compulsories of a figure skating routine there are stunts or actions that make up a complete show. The typical sleep sequence of the dance is broken up into three sections: sleep, waking up, and cleaning. The cymbals play a complimentary role and fills out the rest of the beat. The drum was first recorded in Chinese history when a famous general had a dream about leading his troupes into battle.
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Acceptance Essays
