The crashing of the cymbals and the beating of the drums break the silence. It is the beginning of the Chinese Lion Dance !!! The brightly colored lion bows and dances in the streets to the thundering roar of the firecrackers, while a playful Buddha leads the way, teasing and taunting the lion.

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This ancient Chinese tradition is performed to chase away the evil sprits, and bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year.  Whether it is your first or fiftieth Lion Dance, it is always an exciting and memorable experience.

The Occidental (Europe and the Western Hemisphere) and Chinese zodiacs are similar in that both are based on the number twelve.  But they differ in that the Occidental Zodiac has twelve signs,  each named after constellations, while the Chinese Zodiac has a different animal representing each of the twelve years in its cycle.

According to Chinese legend, Buddha called all the animals to his death bed.  Only twelve responded,  and in honor of these animals, Buddha dedicated a year to each of them for their loyalty so they would forever be remembered and revered. 

- But why was the lion chosen to ring in the new year?

Around 700 A.D.  during the Tang Dynasty, the Emperor had a dream in which he was saved by a strange and mysterious creature.  When he later recounted the dream to his advisors, he was told that the creature resembled the Western lion.  It was not long before the story reached the provinces, and the lion became a symbol of good luck and prosperity throughout China.

This symbol has been carried down throughout the centuries, and today, whenever a Chinese business has its grand opening or any other important event, a Lion Dance is performed. 

In the past, Lion Dance had a more significant role in Chinese culture.  It was the main form of financial support for many Mo Kwoon (kung fu schools). On New Year's Day, rival schools would perform their Lion Dances in the local town, each trying to out do the others.  On many occasions,  the different schools' lions would fight each other for the Hung Pao (literally translated "red envelope" and the greens (represented by a head of lettuce). As part of the tradition, the lion was fed the Hung Pao so that the lion would bestow upon you the gift of good luck and prosperity for the coming year by chasing away the evil spirits.  Since red is the color of good luck in Chinese culture, the money was put into red envelopes. Therefore, the lion that ate the Hung Pao and Greens would get the money contained within, as well as be held in the highest esteem.  The loser would face the possibility of having close his school because he could no longer afford to stay in business, or because he had "lost face" in the town. 

The Lion Dance itself consists of three parts.  It begins with the Lion bowing three times to the audience.  Next, the sleeping lion is awakened and cautiously looks about as he clears his eyes.  Once he is fully awake and alert, he begins his search for food.   After finding and carefully investigating his prey, he devours it.  Three bows once again concludes the dance.

The Southern Lion Dance is characterized by its strong stances and fast sharp movements.   A Kung Fu practitioner's prowess and experience are demonstrated and put to the test during a Lion Dance, since it is performed not only as a ritual but also as a training device.  The dance is used to develop and maintain intense concentration while under stress.  A Lion Dance has become a cross-cultural event.  Our Lion Dance is performed at weddings, Bar/ Bat mitzvahs, parades, restaurants, parties.  Interested in learning or scheduling a performance?? Call Sifu Michael at 516-796-1008 or use the form below.

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