The Dragon Dance of China

Dragons are revered in Chinese culture and traditions as beings that bring forth good luck, and further symbolize authority, wisdom, and fertility. The Dragon Dance in China traces its origins to the Han Dynasty. It was initially performed to appease one’s ancestors, to ask for rain for crops, and to stave off hunger and sickness. Since those days, the Dragon Dance has become a staple in Chinese culture and is often performed over a myriad of festivals.

Dancing dragons often vary in length, but even the smallest ones are roughly 100m long. Since Chinese culture considers dragons as beings that bring luck, the longer the dragon is the more luck it is considered to bring forth.

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The movement of the dragon is conducted through the rhythm of the gong, the big drum, and the cymbals. It is moved by a dance team of performers who raise and lower the dragon – made of fabric – by its poles. The lead dancer controls the movement of the dragon’s head in animated and mesmerizing ways that give it a life of its own. There is also another performer who carries a sphere on a pole, symbolizing the “Pearl of Wisdom” that the dragon chases in its hunt for wisdom and truth. The beauty of the dance lies in the coordinated efforts of this team that ensures that the dragon’s movement – guided by the drums – is seamless and fluid.

The beauty of the dragon dance – for both Chinese festival-goers and outsiders – further lies in just how the puppet dragon is brought to life. There are distinct patterns, from “Cloud Cave” to “threading the money” which adds a layer of diversity, but also one of fun to the longstanding cultural activity. Performing the dragon dance is no easy feat, for it requires immense skill and practice, but this is precisely why the finished product is popular not only domestically, but also globally!