Legend & Significance of Lion Dance

The lion is traditionally considered the soul of a Kung Fu School. It demonstrates the skill and prowess of its school. The lion is also believed to be a good omen, as it scares away evil spirits and assures good fortune thus Chinese communities around the world begin their festivities with a traditional Lion Dance accompanied by musicians playing the drum, gongs, and cymbals.

Although the lion is not indigenous to China, murals and engravings depicting the Lion Dance have been found dating back to the Han dynasty (206 B.C.E. - 221 A.D.). Around that time lions were probably brought as gifts for the emperor by the Persians via the Silk Road. Chinese legend has it that the lion was able to drive off a monster that was raiding the Chinese villages, thus creating the mythic associations of protection and good fortune that the lion connotes today. Artisans created lions out of paper and bamboo and over the years the colors and decorative traits have become elaborate and culturally symbolic in themselves. There are Northern and Southern variations. The Northern Lions are made of long-haired skins usually gold or red that cover the performers completely. The Southern Lions accentuate the features on the Lion head and have long colorful trails that drape over the performers to form the body of the lion.

There are three colors of lion heads which historically denote three generals from the Three Kingdoms period (222-265 A.D.). A lion is meant to exhibit the personality traits of the general it represents. The Yellow Lion is known as the "auspicious lion", like Liu Pei. It is said to possess a sincere nature and has a revered status in the Lion hierarchy. The Red lion is known as the "awakening lion," and is dignified in manner, like Kwan Yu who was master of both sword and pen. The Black Lion is known as the "daring lion," like Chang Fei who had a brave heart and passion for battle.

Behind the Mask

Under the elaborate and colorful lion’s head and trail are two Kung Fu performers who move with coordination, artistry and skill using specific Kung Fu techniques to bring the powerful animal to life. The lion awakens to the loud and rhythmic beat of the Kung Fu drum, gongs and cymbals and it moves accordingly. Depending on the skills and experience of the performers the Lion can be seen scratching, stretching, eating, running, jumping, tumbling, playing ball, and climbing high to get at the red “lucky-money” envelopes that are the traditional offerings of the Chinese New Year.

Soul of the Kung Fu School

All students of the Tai Kung Ha Kung Fu and Tai Chi Academy are encouraged to participate in Lion Dance practice and performances which primarily take place during the Chinese New Year festivities (Jan or Feb according to the Lunar Calendar). These performances allow the students to demonstrate their flexibility and stamina while they learn the importance of teamwork, coordination and leadership.

Over the years the students of the Tai Kung Ha Kung Fu and Tai Chi Academy have performed for several communities and area businesses in and around Denver, Colorado. They have also been invited to perform at community functions most recently by the City of Parker Cultural Center, by the University of Denver at the Festival of Nations and by Regis University. What has made this school’s performances unique is that Sifu Ha and his students not only perform the Traditional Lion Dance but also demonstrate Kung Fu, Sparring, Tai Chi, Qi Gong and Weapons forms.