LION & DRAGON DANCE
Lion Dance: The Art of "Cai Qing” (采青)
The art of “Cai Qing” (采青), which translates to “Plucking the Green,” cleverly utilized wordplay: “Qing” (青), meaning “Green” or “Lettuce” in Mandarin,
echoing the name of the ruling Qing Dynasty (清).
Thus, the ritual of “Plucking the Green” symbolizing the Cai Qing Lion Dance performance as a form of protest against the Qing Government served as a metaphorical call to overthrow the imperial regime.
Beyond its artistic spectacle, the Lion Dance holds profound historical significance. In the late 19th century, during the Qing Dynasty (1644 to 1912), the performance became a covert symbol of resistance.
Lion Dance performance by NUS in 2022
Following the collapse of the Qing dynasty in 1911, the symbolism of Cai Qing evolved. Shedding its revolutionary undertones, the tradition transformed into a celebration of prosperity, good fortune, and communal joy.
Today, the act of retrieving lettuce — often hung with red envelopes containing money—during Lion Dance performances symbolizes the harvesting of blessings and abundance, cementing its role in festive occasions like Lunar New Year and cultural festivals.
According to Legend
In chinese villages, there is a mythical figure called Nian, is terrorizing the villagers. In response, the villagers dress up as lion costume to scare the mythical creature off the village and celebrated in victory against the Nian. The villages continue the cultural performance known as Lion Dance as we know it today.
Origins
Lion Dance may have originated in Persia due to the Silk Road trade from Persian (Modern day Iran) and central asia from Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE) where the lion perform by adverseies send from those countries to perform for the Chinese Emperor.
Fast forward to the 19th century during the British Colonial era of Singapore, Chinese immigrants from China had brought many Chinese cultural practices including the Traditional Arts & Culture of the Lion & Dragon Dance.
Traditional Styles
The Chinese Lion Dance is a vibrant cultural performance that harmoniously blends elements of Traditional Chinese Wushu (martial arts) with rhythmic music. Rooted in centuries of tradition, the dance features elaborate lion costumes operated by skilled performers. Notably, the Hok Shen Lion style draws direct inspiration from feline movements, emulating the agility and grace of a cat in its choreography.
In Singapore context, our lion dance adopted the Southern Cantonese lion dance as the Chinese immigrants of comes from Southern China notably Guangdong where the 3 style of lion dance originated (Fo Shan, Zhou Jia & Hok Shen) during British Colonial era.
This dynamic interplay of history and renewal underscores the Lion Dance’s enduring legacy, bridging its origins as a political statement with its modern incarnation as a cherished emblem of Chinese heritage and unity.
Lion Dance Instruments
The Main Drum, leading music for the Lion Dance, the starter for the whole performance
The cymbals usually seen played up to 2 or more people are the secondary lead music provider which follows the drum tempo
The Gong, played by one person accompanying the drummer as they both share the same drum stand, it provides a support following drum tempo with basic beats making the overall Lion Dance music complete
Dragon Dance: Descendants of the Dragon
The Dragon Dance epitomizes Chinese cultural identity, reflecting the ancient belief in being Descendants of the Dragon—a symbol of Power, Wisdom, and Good fortune. Originating as rituals to honor the Dragon’s control over water and harvests, it evolved into a festive art form.
In Singapore, its vibrant music draws from Beijing opera, blending percussive energy with playful melodies that mimic the dragon chasing a “Pearl of Wisdom.” Performed during Lunar New Year and festivals, the dance symbolizes prosperity, with synchronized movements embodying the dragon’s celestial grace.
This tradition bridges myth and modernity, celebrating heritage while inviting Luck and Unity.
Music Demonstration
Traditional Dragon Dance Music performed by Brandon, Kelvin & Myself (In Respective Order)
Dragon Dance Instruments
Large Opera Gong, a Lead instrument. Its purpose is to express consistent loud sound following the Drum beats and tempo
The Main Drum, leading music for the Dragon Dance, the starter for the whole performance
Large Opera Cymbals, A Secondary Lead instrument that correlates with the Large Opera Gong. As both Large Opera Cymbals & Gong are so well coheres with each other, it was given a nickname "二和一" meaning "2 in 1"
Small Opera Gong, background music of the performance. It usually stands out during the Dragon's "playfulness" nature
Small Opera Cymbal, the overall background music of the performance & are played in metronome