Brief introduction of Guangdong lion

Lion Dance belongs to the Southern Lion among the lion dances in China. It is an authentic Guangdong Han folk dance and a treasure in Guangdong Dance Garden. Historically, it was born out of the court lion dance in the Tang Dynasty. After the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, with the migration from the Central Plains to the south, lion dance culture was introduced into Lingnan area. In the Ming Dynasty, lion dance appeared in Guangdong, which originated in Nanhai County. Now it is spread among overseas Chinese in Guangdong, Guangxi and Southeast Asian countries. Mainly distributed in Foshan, Suixi, Guangzhou and other counties and cities in Guangdong. Guangdong lions are regarded as auspicious things to ward off evil spirits and avoid harm. Every festival or major event, there will be a lion dance, which will last forever and be passed down from generation to generation. The following is what I arranged for you: a brief introduction of Guangdong lions.

Brief introduction of Guangdong lion

Lion dance is a cultural activity integrating martial arts, dance and music. During the performance, gongs and drums were loud, and the lion dancer first made a southern fist, which was called "opening the pile". Then, two people play the role of a lion, and the other "Big Head Buddha" with a smile and a sunflower fan attracts the lion to the stage. Most of the lion dancers' movements are "southern boxing" and "horse stance", and the lion dances include "opening eyes", "washing beard", "licking body" and "shaking hair". The main routines are "picking green", "drinking water from high platform", "lion spitting ball" and "stepping on plum blossom piles". Among them, Caiqing is the essence of Wake Up the Lion, which has the process of starting, inheriting, turning and combining, and is dramatic and story-telling. Cai Qing has undergone changes, and a variety of routines have been derived and widely circulated. The lion dance performance in Suixi has gradually developed from the traditional ground lion to the stool lion, from the stool lion to the high platform lion and the high pole lion, and from the high pole lion to the pile lion. The difficulty of piling lions is also increasing, such as walking a tightrope and jumping in the air. The highest pile is close to 3 meters, and the maximum span is 3.7 meters, which fully embodies the characteristics of "new, high, difficult and dangerous" and is known as "a unique skill in China". The props of Guangzhou Shakeng Lion Dance are characterized by high and narrow lion head, large and rotatable eyes, wide mouth with a pen, wide back, flat nose, full cheeks and exposed teeth. There are three kinds of performances: penny lion, lion dance and little lion. The lion's eight states of joy, anger, sadness, joy, movement, quietness, surprise and doubt are interpreted on the ground or on the pile array through such difficult movements as jumping, moving, flashing, flapping, spinning and jumping, which shows the ferocity and strength of the lion.

Since 1980s, almost every township has its own lion dance team. Throughout the year, the opening ceremony is always full of gongs and drums. On holidays, the lions take to the streets to pick green and perform on tour. The popularity of mass lion art in towns and villages is unprecedented. Guangdong lion has become a well-known brand of folk dance unique to Guangdong. Lion dance activities are also widely spread in overseas Chinese communities, becoming a cultural bridge for overseas compatriots to recognize their ancestors and return to their ancestors, which has far-reaching cultural value and significance.

The historical origin of lions in Guangdong.

Lion dance in China is divided into "North Lion" (North Lion) and "South Lion" (South Lion). The "Northern Lion" is bulky in appearance, while the "Southern Lion" is similar in spirit. This is recognized by most experts, scholars, dancers, martial artists and the general public. According to the book "Lion Dance in the South China Sea" written by Nanhai County, Guangdong Province, "There is no doubt that the lion dance in China was born out of the yellow lion in the north." When did' Southern Lion' actually begin? Historical materials have been checked, but there is no record so far, and its exact age has been impossible to verify. But what is generally certain is that it was spread from the Central Plains to Lingnan after the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms. "The author thinks this formulation is reasonable: before Qin Shihuang unified China, Lingnan was still a backward primitive tribal society. Qin Shihuang's unification of China brought farming, textile and other technologies to Lingnan area, as well as Central Plains culture. Later, in the tenth year of the Sui Dynasty, Nanhai County was established, covering Guangzhou, Foshan, Sanshui and parts of Shunde.

Historically, there have been many wars in the Central Plains, and the people of the Central Plains have migrated three times. Lingnan is one of its main destinations. It is natural that the people of the Central Plains will move south, which will inevitably bring the Central Plains culture and the lion dance that the people love. The chapter of China Folk Dance Integration (Guangdong Volume) says: "It is said that Foshan is the birthplace of lion dance." (Note: Foshan was originally under the jurisdiction of Nanhai County) We can get the answer from the material basis of Nanhai County and the process of making lions at that time. Nanhai county has been a land of plenty since ancient times, with fertile land and rich sericulture, fish and sugar cane. Silk weaving, ceramic utensils, hardware and bamboo production, paper binding technology and so on are very prosperous. In the Song Dynasty, Shiwan, Nanhai County was famous for its ceramic craft, and was known as "Shiwan tile is the best in the world". During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Foshan Town in Nanhai County, Hanyang Town in Hubei Province, Jingdezhen Town in Jiangxi Province and Zhuxian Town in Henan Province were also called "Four Famous Towns in China". "Foshan Zhong Yi Township Records" contains: "In the thirty-third year of Guangxu, Wudou Company reported to the industry and commerce that the products of' Lion Head Store' were excellent, and all provinces and foreign countries came to order, mostly in Shilu Store." This clearly shows that the lion production technology in Nanhai County was the highest in all places at that time.

?

Basic characteristics of lions in Guangdong.

The production of lion awakening: bamboo and paper are the main materials. First tie the bamboo into the shape of a lion's head, and put paper on the eyes, ears, mouth and other places to move. They are all bonded with pig beans, horse hair, or plant fibers. After drying, they are painted in various colors and then fixed with varnish. The biggest feature of lion dance is that it has an extra horn on its head. It is said that it was created to avoid the taboos of the yellow lion dance that the emperor especially appreciated, which made the government unable to grasp the handle. The heaviest lion's head weighs 6.5 Jin, and the lightest one weighs 3.5 Jin. * * * is divided into four categories. The traditional length of lion tail quilt is 4 meters. In order to dance flexibly, it is now changed to 2.6-3 meters.

Types of lion awakening: "There are many kinds of lion awakening. One is the Golden Lion, also called Tai Lion, which is used for welcoming guests or grand communication etiquette, and it is generally not easy to go out. Once out, other lions will knock him on his knees three times. When golden lions meet, they must make eye contact with each other. Then the golden lions bowed to each other, exchanged invitations with their mouths, and began to dance again. In addition to the golden lion, there are black lions, red lions and colorful lions. It is said that they represent Zhang Fei, Guan Gong and Liu Bei respectively, reflecting different personalities, such as the black lion is mighty and fierce, the red lion is majestic, and the colorful lion is tame. " In addition, due to different shapes, people in different places have different names for lion awakening, such as the lion with a big head in the South China Sea, the duck-billed lion in Heshan County, the rooster lion in Qingyuan and Yingde, and the parrot lion in Leizhou Peninsula.

Lion Dance Music: "Drum" is the main musical instrument for lion dance. Plus the money for gongs and drums, gongs and drums are overwhelming. The strength, speed, rapidity and softness of drums are set according to different routines and movements of lion dancing. The technique, posture and gestures of drumming are very particular. There are three kinds of drum music: three-star drum, five-star drum and seven-star drum. "As long as according to the different routines and movements of lion dance to see China. The technique, posture and gestures of drumming are very particular. Drums are divided into three types: three stars, five stars and seven stars. " It is a high artistic enjoyment to watch the performance of China Lion Dance and Drum Band. "This is the evaluation of the media when Nanhai Lion Dance participated in the international lion dance competition in Malaysia in July. 1990.

The movements and routines of lion dance: According to the introduction of the old artists, the footwork of lion dance completely adopts Siping Horse, Meridian Horse, Kirin Step, Jumping Step, Sitting on the plate (that is, wrapping the old tree), turning over, tumbling and so on. These movements are difficult to bridge and mount. They are strong, firm and rooted. Anyone who learns to dance and wake up the lion must first learn Nanquan to lay the foundation. The performance procedures of lion dance are: going out of the hole, going down the mountain, crossing the bridge, drinking water, picking green, getting drunk, waking up, going up the mountain, playing ball, and playing lion with the big head Buddha. Picking green is the climax. Green picking can be divided into "high green picking" and "ground green picking". "Picking the ground green" also includes water green, crab green, bridge bottom green, broken word green and so on. The routines are colorful, skillful and difficult. In addition, there are the lion lantern, the lion spits the ball, the big-headed Buddha attracts the lion, the high-skilled lion, the plum blossom lion and the lion walking a tightrope.

The Artistic Style of Guangdong Lions

There are many kinds of lion dances. To sum up, there are? Nanpai? And then what? Northern school? They have different styles and characteristics. Popular folk saying:? Northern lion? Originated in the Northern Wei Dynasty. Lion dance is popular in? Ren Hu? In the northern Wei dynasty, the king of Wu of Wei called it? Northern Wei Ruishi? Besides being an entertainment place in the palace, it is also the homesickness of the conference semifinals. What was it called in the Southern Song Dynasty? Northern lion? .

? Southern lion? , popular in South China and Guangdong. It is said that there is a monster that eats the harvest of rural farmers everywhere, but it does not harm people and animals, and it often sends out? Year after year? Sound, people call it? Nian beast? Nian beast has big eyes, tentacles and good personality. Rural farmers regard it as a sacred animal and dare not kill it. Later, the villagers were scared away by the sound of firecrackers? Nian beast? The people are calm. The villagers congratulated each other on their relatives and friends and set this day as? New year? , symbolizing a new beginning. Since then, every year during the Spring Festival, people imitate bamboo? Nian beast? Burn firecrackers and send red stamps. Secondly, there are strict differences in modeling between the South Lion Head and the North Lion Head, and the North Lion Head is mainly realistic. The Southern School is based on the spirit likeness, and its artistic image is to create an exaggerated and romantic lion.

Guangdong lion is the most representative of the southern lion dance. After lions spread to different places, according to local customs (especially in Malaysia and Singapore), their grip, dance and appearance are different. However, the appearance of the lion's head shows its character through color. For example, the image of Zhang Fei with a red lion's Guan Gong face, a black-and-white face, a green nose and an iron horn, and a toothbrush beard shows its bold and rough momentum.

Guangdong traditional lion dance pays attention to skills and martial arts, and generally consists of two or three people. Among them, a lion dance head, a lion dance tail, a big head Buddha, led by sunflower fans, followed by gongs and drums. Lions dance in various postures with the fast, slow and light rhythm of drums. There are more than 20 basic movements commonly used in lion dance, such as licking hair, scratching, exploring the road, playing in water and drawing green. Emotionally, they are mainly happy, angry, sad, happy, greedy, suspicious, taboo, worrying, hungry, sleeping and waking up. The gait steps are four horses, meridian horse, opening and closing horse, riding dragon steps and so on. Skilled masters can not only dance the lion's mentality, but also show a set of story lines from the difficult lion dancing skills. Only in this way can we truly achieve the perfection of Nanshi Kung Fu. Lions can beat drums, gongs and cymbals during performances. Drummer is the core and soul of lion dance.

With the continuous development of the times, great changes have taken place in the lion art, whether it is acting or lion head and equipment. There are certain restrictions on the length, short, high and low of equipment in the world. The competition time is set at 10 to 15 minutes, and the number of participants is limited to 6-8, thus making the traditional art of lion awakening from popular to competitive, standardized and scientific.

Cultural Connotation of Guangdong Lions

Foshan, one of the famous ancient towns in China, has a unique cultural tradition. It has been continuously passed down and gradually evolved into a cultural feature rich in both cultural traditions and the spirit of the times. Lion awakening is one of them?

Nanhai County, Guangdong Province, China is the authentic birthplace of lion dance. As early as the early Ming Dynasty, Foshan Town, Nanhai County, known as the four famous towns in China, already had skilled craftsmen who specialized in making lion heads, lion quilts, gongs, drums and cymbals. In addition, lion dance has always been a traditional folk sport in markets and villages near Foshan Town. Whenever there is a Chinese New Year holiday, or there are major festive activities (such as villagers' celebration and the completion of a new ancestral temple), lion dances will definitely be dispatched to add to the fun. Since then, this traditional folk activity has gradually spread throughout South Guangdong and Guangxi.

Nanshi looks like a lion, but it has a long horn on its head. It looks like a lion but it is different. The horn tip of the Southern Lion bends slightly forward, not backward, which neither damages the mighty image of the lion, but also has its unique artistic style. It is not difficult to see that the characteristics between lions and unicorns are integrated into a new type of lion with unique style. As we all know, the feudal dynasty in China did not ignore the abuse of the emperor's special costumes and rituals by the people? Make a mistake? . The charges range from losing everything to killing nine families. Since the Tang Dynasty, the Five Dynasties, the Song Dynasty, the Yuan Dynasty and the Ming Dynasty have taken the yellow lion for granted, because it was once a special dance exclusively enjoyed by Emperor Li Tang? Taboo? No one dares to disrespect the world. But lion dance is created by working people after all, and it is a traditional entertainment combining artistry and sports. People like it, so they came up with a good strategy to avoid related taboos. The image of lion awakening is a lion, but how long is it? In the case of official pursuit, it is called? Unicorn dance? , let the rulers can't catch the handle. The yellow lion dance in the court was instigated by people with red strokes; And lion dancing is disguised as an adult? Big head Buddha? Take a sunflower fan to move, and don't stick to anything? Five colors? 、? Five parties? This method has its own percussion music and techniques, which originated from the yellow lion and is different from the yellow lion. It has become an important activity of traditional folk sports and entertainment in Lingnan area, showing great vitality, being a new creation of the people and deeply loved by the people.

Wake Up the Lion by Xiqiao Mountain in the South China Sea was once a man of the hour in history. Xiqiao Mountain in the South China Sea is outstanding, and a generation of military commander Huang Feihong was born at the foot of Xiqiao Mountain. The Southern Lion Art advocated by Huang Feihong shows the integrity of the Chinese nation and embodies a pioneering, United and fearless national pride. The scene of Huang Feihong Lion King's hegemony is now reappeared in the memorial hall every day. A few vigorous young people pranced on the iron pile more than three meters high, showing the magic charm of the Southern Lion in their dexterous movements, as if they had seen the charm of Huang Feihong in those days. It has high ornamental value. Often the gongs and drums are loud and the lions come out. He walked briskly, looked around and shook his head, looking extremely alert. His four legs were banging on the ground, and he approached the iron pile with dazzling steps? Just as the spectators blinked, the lion suddenly jumped on the iron pile, and then a lion stood proudly in the sky, with scales shining in the sun. People exclaimed for a while, and then watched the lion turn around quickly, with all his feet on the pile, and walked deftly with the rhythmic drums. On the iron pile more than three meters high, he jumped into the air, just like stepping on the ground. While speaking, the drums suddenly stopped, and the lion suddenly jumped forward, with all his feet in the air. When the pile fell, the whole lion fell violently. Some people in the audience were blindfolded and couldn't bear to watch it again, and then watched the lion fall. The audience responded with a flood of applause.

Lion dance was not only elegant in those days, but also popular now. With the reform and opening up, Guangdong Lions Team has spread all over Guangdong, and the influence of lion dance is growing. It is ornamental, artistic and competitive. At the same time, it has a strong auspicious and festive color and the ability to render the atmosphere. Even overseas Chinese have set up lion dance teams to perform legends. As we get older, the spirit of lion awakening has become more and more popular, and lion awakening has gradually become a trend!

Gem of Guangdong Lion Dance Garden

Lion Dance belongs to the Southern Lion among the lion dances in China. It is an authentic Guangdong folk dance and a treasure in Guangdong Dance Garden. Historically, it was born out of the court lion dance in the Tang Dynasty. After the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, with the migration from the Central Plains to the south, lion dance culture was introduced into Lingnan area. In the Ming Dynasty, lion dance appeared in Guangdong, which originated in Nanhai County. Now it is spread among overseas Chinese in Guangdong, Guangxi and Southeast Asian countries. Mainly distributed in Foshan, Suixi, Guangzhou and other counties and cities in Guangdong. Guangdong lions are regarded as auspicious things to ward off evil spirits and avoid harm. Every festival or major event, there will be a lion dance, which will last forever and be passed down from generation to generation.

Inheritance of the Present Situation of Lions in Guangdong

Lion dance has a broad mass base among Guangdong people. Since the reform and opening up, the lion dance team has mushroomed as a traditional project. There are more than 1800 lion dance teams in 17 towns and counties in Nanhai. Dali town 1990 Lantern Festival held a "lettuce party", and more than 500 lion dance teams came to he qing; Every primary school in Feishui has a youth lion dance team; There are even some lion dance teams in the town of Nanhai County, so it is very common to join the lion dance. In addition, there are lionesses.

Guangdong lion dance is famous not only at home, but also overseas. Overseas Chinese have the custom of dancing to wake up lions. In recent years, many overseas Chinese and foreigners have come to the Lion Dance Hall in Nanhai to learn lion dance and martial arts. This fully shows the charm of China national art and the spirit of self-improvement. We should make every effort to carry forward the excellent cultural and artistic tradition of lion dance.

The state attaches great importance to the protection of intangible cultural heritage. On May 20th, 2006, Guangdong Lions were approved by the State Council to be included in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage list.