There are no lions in China (tigers yes, lions no). In ancient times in China the lion was considered to be a mythical animal. The Lion Dance was (and still is!) performed for the purpose of driving out Evil Spirits. Although the lion is not native to China, it is used to symbolize courage, energy, and wisdom. Unlike, the fierce tiger, the lion is traditionally viewed as a peaceful creature that displays such virtues as goodness and strength. The costuming of the southern lion is a composite of many magical and mythical elements. Its five colors: black, red, green, white, and yellow represent the lions control over the five directions, north, south, east, west, and center. Its curved horn is from the phoenix; the ears and tail are from the unicorn; its protruding forehead, adorned with a mirror to dispel evil, and its long beard are from the dragon. Throughout the performance, the lion walks in a zigzag path in order to confuse evil spirits, which are only able to walk in straight lines. All these elements are meant to dispel evil, provide blessing, and guard against misfortune. Basically, it brings Good Luck. Typically, it is done for grand openings, festivals or other important events like Kung Fu tournaments or the Chinese New Year. Three elements of the "dance" drive away evil spirits: the firecrackers, the music and of course the lion itself.

A big part of the "dance" is for the lion to get his food or prize. This is because it may bring bad luck not to reward the lion for his efforts. The prize is usually money in a red envelope, and the basic idea is this: I'll give the lion some money, I'll get even more in return from the good luck lion brings. Symbolically, a head of lettuce or sometimes a hollow coconut represents the food. The food is usually hung by twine from an overhang, a roof or a tall pole.

Chinese lion dancing has two traditions: the northern lion and the older southern lion. The dance is an extension of Chinese martial arts and is always performed by students of kung fu. In Chinese, kung fu means hard work and the dance is a display of the strength, coordination, and agility, that come from the hard work put into practice by members of a troupe. Kung fu was devised by Shaolin monks who patterned fighting systems after the movements of animals, real or imaginary. There are styles based upon the movements of the tiger, crane, snake, eagle, praying mantis, and dragon.

A Lion consists of the lion costume and two guys, one working the large wicker "head" of the costume, the other working the long, colorful blanket which is the body or the "tail". Most often a lion is accompanied by music, consisting of: (most important) the Lion Drum, the large and small cymbals, and the gong. Often, a "Buddha" accompanies the lions, pretending to be their "handler". Last, but not least, is the Igniter of Firecrackers.

The lion team(s) and the "Buddha" perform physically demanding work, combining kung fu and acrobatic movements. The drummer sets the pace for everybody. The music makes everything better.

The lion moves vigorously and energetically. Yes, he'll jump and he'll stomp and he'll drive them bad spirits away! There are many "canned" stylized movements that can be done with the head and with the tail to make the lion look like a lion. It is very important for the lion to stay "in character" throughout the entire performance, whether it be dancing, sleeping, eating, doing tricks or even fighting with another lion. That wicker head may be quite light when you pick it up, but by the end of the dance it is a struggle to move it with energy.

Written By Sze Wei Chuen