WELCOME TO CHINESE CULTURE

Chinese Lion Dance

The Chinese Lion Dance is often confused with the Chinese Dragon Dance. They are both an important part of traditional Chinese festivities, specially Chinese New Year, and both are thought to bring good luck and scare away the evil spirits. The main difference between the two is that the Dragon Dance is performed by a team of a dozen or so dancers, whereas the Lion performance is acted out by only two dancers.

The Lion Dancers need to be very agile and fit as they perform a lot of acrobatic moves. One holds the head and the other the body of the Lion. 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.

Chinese Opera

Chinese Opera is recognized as one of the three oldest dramatic art forms in the world. It is a combination of music, art and literature and is characterized by the unique facial make-up, excellent acrobatics and has many different regional variations.

What appeals to foreigners most might be the different styles of facial make-up, which is one of the highlights and requires distinctive techniques of painting. Exaggerated designs are painted on each performer's face to symbolize a character's personality, role, and fate.

Kun opera, which originated around Jiangsu Province, is a typical ancient opera style and features gentleness and clearness. Qinqiang opera from Shaanxi, known for its loudness and wildness. Beijing Opera , the best-known Chinese opera style, was formed from the mingling of these regional styles.

Chinese Red Envelopes

The Chinese New Year Red Envelope is one of the favorite Chinese traditions for children since on New Year's Day, they are given the shiny things with money inside! Instead of Santa Claus or presents under the tree, you get your glossy red envelope. Kids of all ages quickly learn the words for red envelope: "hong pao" in mandarin.

The color red for the Chinese represents good fortune, it is the lucky color. Traditionally the envelopes have been adorned with gold letters and messages of prosperity or Chinese lucky symbols like the Chinese dragon, the phoenix, Chinese Lions, the Chinese Wise Men of wealth, etc.