The past Behind The Chinese Traditions

By Pauline Go

Besides its rich history, China is world prominent for it's philosophy, especially the Chinese ancient Dragon dance and also the lion dance. The traditions of the east have over the years become a rage in the west; several of us get pleasure from watching these dances, knowing very little or nothing regarding their origin and importance. The Dragon it's a belief in China that the individuals of China are the forbearers of dragon. Dragon is of course a mythical creature, believed to have had options of alternative animals like fish, deer, lion, horse, snake and vulture.

The Legendary Dragon Dance:- The dragon dance is a crucial festive tradition in China. Originally this dance was performed to please the God of water and for rain throughout the drought years. Gradually it took a type of leisure and shaped a important part of all festive occasions, especially throughout the spring pageant and Lantern Festival.

Dragons are normally contrived out of bamboo, wood, cloth and paper sometimes it's a huge creation generally even ranging more than 100 meters. Poles are hooked up to the belly of the dragon and during the show; performers hold these poles and lift the dragon, beginning the grand dance with the beats of roaring drums. The dragon mask and body used for the dance is colored green, gold and red. If this dance is performed at the hours of darkness, then it's preceded by carrying bunch of burning torches to calm down the show.

The Lion Dance:- Chinese think about the lion to be a symbol of power, pride, dignity and bravery, capable of fighting off evil spirits. In Chinese tradition, lion is the ninth son of the dragon and was considered because the prime protector; still it is seen in front of royal palaces and huge houses.

Besides the dragon dance, the lion dance additionally incorporates a long history in the Chinese tradition, it was originally used for worship and to pray for rain, the lion dance is usually performed with the dragon dance on auspicious occasions. A good performance is believed to convey luck and happiness.

The fascinating lion dance can be enjoyed at the time of the Chinese New Year or on any ancient festival. The lion dance is performed by Wushu - Kung Fu experts. There are typically 2 performers who bring life to the lion - the one managing the lion's head leads the dance and depicts the lion's emotions. The other plays the body and tail. They hide themselves below a cloth fur attached with the head. There's also a 3rd person - a person who allures the lion, and carries a silk flower ball or wears a mask of the happy Buddha with a banana-leaf fan in one hand. He further magnifies the amount of merriment of the Lion Dance by dodging from left to right, jumping all around to make a lively entertainment, driving lion crazy.

The centuries previous traditions of the Chinese remains alive and surprisingly gaining popularity by the day. But, it's for us to keep alive the history of those age old traditions, cultures and practices. - 31497

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