The Lion Dancers need to be very agile and fit as they perform a lot of acrobatic moves. It is typical for the Lion Troupes to be part of martial art schools. chinese lion dancer
The Chinese Lion performances during the new year celebrations start on New Year's Day and continue through the end of the festivities. They play out during street celebrations to the sound of drums, gongs and cymbals. T
he parading Lions run along the streets to bring goodwill and luck to everyone they meet. They visit stores, restaurants and businesses. The Lion Troupes are usually accompanied by their "laughing Buddha" buddy. He wears a mask and a robe and teases the lion with a fan to make him jump, roll around, lie down, etc. As they wind down the streets and locales, people along the way will "feed "hong paos" with money inside to the Lion by handing the red envelopes through its mouth. This is supposed to bring good luck and fortune and is considered a donation for the martial arts school setting up the performance. Chinese lion with banner
Businesses, likewise, will hang from the ceiling a head of lettuce or some greens with the red envelope inside. The team will have to reach to "pick" the greens. Usually the dancer in the body position is required to lift and support the head dancer so they together can reach the head of lettuce. They "eat" the money and spit out the greens, scattering the fresh leaves around to "spread" out the good luck and also to symbolize a "fresh start" for the new year. The Lion Dance ends with a scroll and message of good luck that unfolds from the Lion's mouth and a burst of firecrackers to scare away the evil beings!
