What does lion dance mean?

The moral of lion dance is that lion dance symbolizes courage and good luck. In the traditional customs of China, it is believed that lion dancing has the function of exorcising evil spirits, and it is hoped that lion dancing can be used to suppress it and show its strength. Lion dance is a very traditional folk performing art. Performers dress up as lions against the backdrop of gongs and drums, and then make various lion movements. Lion dance has placed people's good wishes for the new year's life.

The ancients regarded it as a symbol of courage and strength, and thought it could ward off evil spirits and keep people and animals safe. Therefore, people have gradually formed the custom of dancing lions at major events such as the Spring Festival, hoping that life will be auspicious and everything will be safe.

Historical source

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 northern lion dance looks like a real lion. The performer dressed up as a lion and made various movements of the lion under the music of gongs and drums. Lion dancers should show southern martial arts with various moves when performing, which is very masculine.

Lion dance is divided into literature and martial arts according to the key points of performance. Shi Wen focuses on the lifestyle of lions. The main performance is turning, rolling, falling and other actions. Lion dance, also known as "playing lion" and "lion lantern", is generally performed by two people wearing cloth lion skins, which has been enduring in Spring Festival performances all over the country.