Source: New York Times
http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/02/13/celebrating-the-chinese-lion-dance/?module=BlogPost-Title&version=Blog%20Main&contentCollection=Multimedia&action=Click&pg®ion=Body#
http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/02/13/celebrating-the-chinese-lion-dance/?module=BlogPost-Title&version=Blog%20Main&contentCollection=Multimedia&action=Click&pg®ion=Body#
The photos are taken by Andrew Boryga which shows the cultural and traditional event of Chinese Lion Dance. It tells people why the Chinese Lion dance and Dragon dance are existed and when can you watch the performance.
The Chinese Lion dancing comes from an ancient tale for repelling the beast. Afterwards, the ritual is repeated with the firecracker bursts, cymbals and drums. Also, the Chinese Lion dance and Dragon dance are usually stereotyped that it just appeared in Chinese New Year. However, from the photos, we can notice that the Chinese Lion dance is not only perform during the Lunar New Year, but also in the anniversaries, birthdays, store opening, wedding and parades for celebrations. Therefore, this photo essay is aiming at showcasing the Chinese Lion and Chinese Dragon dance are the heritage of Chinese cultural and traditional events and it represents a good fortune.
In the photos, the Chinese Dragons, Chinese Lions, as well as the members of performer are the main figure. The photos are demonstrating the practices, preparation works, performances, as well as the activity after the performances of Chinese Dragon and Chinese Lion dance. Also, the Chinese Dragons and Lions are mostly in red and golden color as they are existed for celebrations and the colors in red and golden can represent an auspicious feeling. For the practices of Lion Dance, the members are practicing jumping between poles in one of the photos. Also, for the preparation work of Chinese Lion dance and Chinese Dragon, we can see that one of the members is carrying the dragon head for the performances. Then, we can watch the performances in different occasions. After a performance, the members of performer are eating together in Chinese family style.
Some different actions of Chinese Lion dance in different celebrating occasions and the backgrounds draw my attention. For example, a banner reads “Gung Hay fat Choy” is presented during the Chinese Lion dance performance and it is a common saying during Chinese New Year celebrations which means “Best wishes and may fortune come your way.” Besides, the scattered lettuce leaves are spread out from the Lion mouth while the Chinese Lion performed at the wedding. Scattered lettuce symbolizes a fresh start and the spreading of good luck.
Source:
Boryga, A. (2015). Celebrating the Chinese Lion Dance, Retrieved February 7, 2015 from http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/02/13/celebrating-the-chinese-lion-dance/?module=BlogPost-Title&version=Blog%20Main&contentCollection=Multimedia&action=Click&pg®ion=Body