Lion Dance and Traditional Festivals in China

Lion dance, also known as "playing the lion" and "lion dance", is a traditional dance form in China, a popular folk sports activity and a celebration of the Spring Festival, just like dragon dance. Lion dance began in the Southern and Northern Dynasties. In China, there are various forms of lion dance, which can be roughly divided into two types: northern lion dance and southern lion dance. The shape of the northern lion dance is very similar to that of a real lion, and the whole body is covered with lion skin. Lion dancer (usually two people dance together to form a big lion)? Oh, show your feet, but you can't see anyone. There are lionesses and lions in the north, as well as Wen lions, Wu lions, adult lions and young lions.

Southern lion is mainly popular in Guangdong. This kind of lion dance consists of one person dancing the lion head and one person dancing the lion tail. Lions are different from lions in the north in shape, style and color. Lion dancers wear knickerbockers and Tang-style lantern sleeves or tightly buttoned vests. Lion dancers should try their best. According to legend, in ancient times, the earth was sunny, the springs were tinkling, the mountains were full of flowers, Ganoderma lucidum was everywhere, and fruits were numerous, just like a fairyland, where all animals lived in harmony and colorful Fengxiang gathered. They are free to eat fruit and drink spring water. One day, a golden lion suddenly descended from the sky, dominating the earth and hurting all beings. Birds and beasts are hungry, dying, flowers wither, fruits wither, and the happy earth suddenly falls into silence.

Seeing this, the Buddha in the Western Heaven was merciful and sent Friar Sand down to earth to display his magical powers to surrender the Golden Lion, and ordered him to convert to Buddhism for the benefit of all beings. The golden lion is a friend of the monkey according to law, and comes on the eve of the Spring Festival every year. It is a custom to drive away disasters for all beings, so everyone is happy.