Our local Scout Troop tonight had a great visit from the Northern Dragons Martial Arts Academy, a Chinese Martial Arts clubs based in Accrington, to celebrate the Chinese New Year! As well as teaching martial arts, the group trains and participates in the traditional Lion Dancing synonymous with this time of year.
Chris talked to the troop about the reason for the difference in the Chinese and the Western New Years – the Chinese base their year on the lunar cycle which means that the New Year moves around in comparison to the Western New Year each year. They also have cycles of 12 years, each one named after an animal. Tomorrow will start the Year of the Tiger.
He also talked about the symbolism and the traditions of the Chinese around this celebration. The Scouts learned that red is a lucky colour, green represents health, and gold means wealth. In Chinese traditions the lion represents power, wisdom and superiority, and the lion dance is believed to bring good fortune and chase away evil spirits.
The first part of the demonstration was to Wake the Lion…
A good Lion Dance will entertain the people watching, and will involve them in the routine. The performers are energetic and athletic and will carry out rolls, jumps, and other acrobatic feats. Remembering that this is performed as a duo, while only one can see out of the front, and both are encumbered with the lion costume, any feats like this are incredibly physical and skillful.
As well as the large golden lion, they brought along two smaller costumes. These would become young lions, playing among the crowd and performing cheeky acts to entertain in a playful manner. The Scouts were able to take turns at becoming the lions in pairs, and were giving guidance on how to do this effectively.
The music is very important too. Loud powerful music will chase away the evil spirits more effectively. The large drum maintains the beat, and Chris shows our Scouts a few different ways that they can play it before they have a go for themselves. They also brought along cymbals and a gong and soon we had a hall full of dancing lions and energetic music!
Our lot had a wonderful time with the Northern Dragons. They entertained from the start, and allowed the Scouts to have a go with both the lion costumes and the instruments, and they gave us lots of information on the Chinese New Year. If you want more information about the Northern Dragons Martial Arts Academy, visit their Facebook page.
ItÃs nearly impossible to find educated people for this subject, but you sound like you know what youÃre talking about! Thanks