CLASSES

LION DANCE

Definition of Lion Dance

Lion Dance originated in China close to a thousand years ago. It is featured in Buddhist lore and is an essential part of Chinese festivals and holidays.

According to one of the legends, a monster called Nian appeared annually terrorizing a small village; eating the livestock, crops and villagers. While traveling, a Buddhist monk visited the village and witnessed this terrible event. To rid the villagers of this menace, he taught the villagers how to build a ‘monster’ of their own. In addition to this, he instructed the villagers to fill bamboo shoots with gunpowder and to cover the village in red decorations. The following year upon Nian’s return, the village’s best martial artists ran out with their ‘monster’. The rest of the villagers rushed out waving red banners, banging on pots and pans and throwing their homemade firecrackers. Seeing this, Nian fled the village scared for its life. Since this time, the Lion Dance is performed to ward off bad-spirits and to bring good fortune, happiness and prosperity. It is part of many important functions including weddings, births and business openings, in addition to traditional celebrations.

Our lion dance team is available to perform at your next event, please contact the school for more information.