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February 5, 2007
the etiquette of lion dancing
lion dancing is deeply embedded with nuances of meanings and intricate protocols. although the rules differ according to different schools/sects, the general principles are the same. for instance, all lions have to go through a birth ceremony before it can be used. this ceremony is called Hoi Gong (cantonese) which means The Opening of the Eye (direct translation would mean the opening of light). a poem is recited while the mirror, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, tongue, horn, body and tail is dotted with red (traditionally the blood of a rooster is used). then a red ribbon is tied around the horn to signify that the lion has been tamed. this ribbon also reminds the lion to do only good deeds.
when an old lion "dies" (so worn out that it cannot be used anymore), the head has to be burned. one cannot just put the lion aside to gather webs as the lion is "alive" (its spirits were awakened during the Hoi Gong ceremony), therefore a respectful burial ceremony is needed.
a younger lion should always hold their head lower than the older lions as a sign of respect. when two different clans meet, each lion should bow their heads low. it is extremely offensive for a lion to raise their head higher than one from another sect as it means to provoke, and this often results in clashes between clans. usually the sifu will be pushing the heads of the lions down as they walk pass the other clan.
back in the sixties, lion dancing was banned in hongkong because the clashes got too violent. performers concealed weapons to injure members from other clans. metal horns were used to gash the opponent's heads and special moves were created specifically to knock down their rivals. even today special permits are required in hong kong (as well as other countries) to perform lion dances.
it is taboo to lick or sniff the bottom of another lion. one must also never touch the sacred horn of the lion as this is their link to the heaven and your touch might sever the connection.
when a lion bow, it does so three times - center, left and right paying respect to Heaven, Earth and Man. however, when bowing to a deity, the lion bows center, right and left on a kneeling position.
the lion bows before entering and again when exiting. it should always leave tail first. before entering, the lion cleanses the entrance by licking the door from left to right. chinese customs follow the order of the sun - sunset to sunrise, east to west, left to right. even when entering the door, the proper way is to step with the left leg in first.
when a lion is busy performing, and another lion wants to cross its path, the proper way is to go around the lion and never between the lion and its drum as that "silences the lion's roar", or "cuts the lion's lifeline".
before a lion eats it tests the food for poison by smelling and tasting it first.
tomorrow - videos of lion dancing (techniques, stunts and tributes to fallen heroes)
posted by nyx at February 5, 2007 7:02 AM
Comments
:O Where did you get all this info from?
Were you a lionness?
Posted by: Resurrected at February 5, 2007 1:27 PM
i'm a tigress
ROAR
Posted by: nyx at February 5, 2007 1:46 PM
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