As we all know, the Spring Festival is the most important traditional in China. During the period, not only Han people celebrate it, some other ethnic groups such as Zhuang people, Buyi people, Dong people, Chaoxian people and Yao people and so on. If the overseas students have study in Chinese school in China for a period of time, they must have witnessed that all kinds of the recreational activities are held during the period. In the following parts, the Lion Dance will be introduced.
The lion dance is a kind of folk dance that take the artificial lion as the main stage property. Except for Chinese dragon, lion is also important in Chinese culture. In Chinese people’s mind, lion is the symbol of being bold and powerful has the function of expelling the evil spirit. As a matter of fact, the lion dance appeared as early as in Han Dynasty and became very popular in Tang Dynasty. It is still an essential part of the festival.
When performing lion dance, one or two people act as a lion and dance according to the one who leads the lion and wave the colorful ball. At the same time, the gong and drum are plated to strengthen the lively atmosphere. Actually, there are two types of lion dances. One emphasizes the performances of grabbing the ball, playing the ball and rolling on the ground and so on. The other type attaches much importance to the techniques need high skills and perfect cooperation.
Generally speaking, the lion dance is mainly popular in areas that Han people live. But other ethnic people also hold various activities during the festival. For example, Zhuang people have the habit of singing songs by gathering together, calling Ge Wei carries the meaning of the people are as many as in the markets. If you come to study in Chinese leaning programs in Yunnan, teachers will tell you that this custom originated from the activities that people sang songs to pray good weather for the crops and prosperous development of their people.
This kind of activity is often held in Spring Festival, Tomb-sweeping Day and Mid-autumn Festival. Besides, the place is usually the slope area of mountain. During the activity period, all people gather together to sing songs freely. One thing you should know is that some young people often express their love to the one they love.