LION DANCE PERFORMANCES FOR THE CHINESE NEW YEAR
Enjoy the colour, energy and sounds of a traditional Chinese Lion and Dragon dance troupe performance during Parnell’s Chinese New Year celebrations. Hear the beating drums and clashing cymbals as the Lion Dancers imitate the lion’s movements.
Lion dances are an ancient Chinese folk dance, with several styles developing in the different regions of China. It is believed that the lion is an auspicious animal, with the Lion dance performance symbolising a fresh start for the new year and the spreading of good luck. There are usually two dancers, one acting as the head and the other the body. On the head of the lion is a mirror so that evil spirits will be frightened away by their own reflections.
You will be entertained by the gymnastic skills of the performers’ agility and strength as the Lion twists, jumps, rolls and leaps around in this Southern Chinese style performance.
Experience two live performances on Saturday 13 February in Heard Park, Parnell at 12.30pm and 2.30pm.
This is a free event for all to enjoy in Parnell.
Join us in Parnell’s celebration of the Year of the Monkey.
Origin of the Lion Dance
In traditional Chinese culture the lion, like the Chinese dragon, was only an animal that existed in myth, and there were no actual lions in China. After lions reached the western area of ancient China, due to Silk Road trade, people mimicked the appearance and actions in a performance, which developed into the lion dance in the Three Kingdoms Period (220–280) and then became popular with the rise of Buddhism in the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420–589). In the Tang Dynasty (618–907), the lion dance became one of the court dances.
After the Tang Dynasty lion dances continued to become a popular performance among the people, to pray for good luck during the Spring Festival or during other celebrations.
The Chinese Southern Lion dance originated from Guangdong.
Different colors are used to signify the age and character of the lions. The lion with white fur is considered to be the oldest of the lions, while the lion with golden yellow fur is the middle child. The black lion is considered the youngest lion, and the movement of this lion should be fast like a young child or a headstrong teenager. The colors may also represent the character of the lion: the golden lion represents liveliness, the red lion courage, and the green lion friendship.
And do join us too for the Lantern Festival. This yearly not-to-be-missed event will be held at the Domain this year, with celebrations extending into Parnell.
