LUNG NG
The Dragon Dance, known as "龍舞" (Lung Ng), in Cantonese, is a vibrant and ancient tradition deeply rooted in Chinese culture. Its origins can be traced back over a thousand years, making it a significant part of the country's rich history. This mesmerizing dance is performed during various festive occasions, including Chinese New Year celebrations, grand openings, and other significant events.
Historically, the Dragon Dance has its roots in the Han Dynasty, where it was believed to bring good fortune and scare away evil spirits. Over the centuries, the dance evolved, becoming an integral part of Chinese folklore and traditional celebrations. The dragon is a symbol of power, wisdom, and prosperity in Chinese culture, making the dance an essential component of auspicious ceremonies.
The dragon itself is a long, serpentine figure, often made of silk, paper, and other lightweight materials. It is typically manned by a team of skilled performers who intricately manipulate the dragon's movements, creating a dynamic and awe-inspiring spectacle. The dance requires coordination, agility, and teamwork, reflecting not only the cultural significance but also the discipline and unity of the community.
One of the key factors contributing to the Dragon Dance's popularity is its ability to foster a sense of community and joy. As the dragon winds its way through the streets, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums and cymbals, onlookers are captivated by the vibrant display. The dance symbolizes the collective spirit of the community, promoting harmony and positive energy.
In modern times, the Dragon Dance has transcended its cultural roots and gained international recognition. It continues to be a highlight of various festivals and events around the world, bringing people together and spreading the joyous spirit of Chinese tradition. The dance's enduring appeal lies in its ability to seamlessly blend history, artistry, and cultural significance into a dynamic and captivating performance that transcends borders.
The dragon dance is closely associated with the Chinese tradition of worshipping dragons. The dragon is considered to be one of the most auspicious creatures in Chinese culture, along with the phoenix, kylin (a mythical creature in Chinese folklore that has horns on jts head and scales on its body) and tortoise. Chinese dragons are believed to have control over water, rain, hurricanes and floods. They also represent power, strength and good luck. The Chinese believe that performing the dragon dance during festivals and celebrations drives away evil spirits and ushers in good luck and blessings for the community.
The dragon prop used for the dance varies in length, and typically ranges between 14 m to 54 m. It comprises three main segments: the head, body and tail. The dragon’s body is usually divided into sections of odd numbers of 9, 11 and 13, but can go up to as many as 29. By connecting these sections, the body of the dragon becomes flexible enough to twist and turn during a performance. The dragon head is commonly depicted with glaring eyes, an open jaw with a long, red pointed tongue, horns on its head and a white beard along the fringe of its chin. In Singapore, a dragon 136.8 m in length and consisting of 49 sections was created by the Singapore Dragon and Lion Athletics Association in 1988. It entered the Guinness World Records as the world’s longest dragon prop.
The dragon prop can be made from different types of materials and is named according to the main material used in its construction. It can be made from cloth, paper or bamboo, and referred to as a bulong (布龙), zhilong (纸龙) or zhulong (竹龙) respectively. If the dragon prop can be lit up from the inside like a lantern, it is known as a longdeng (龙灯), or “dragon lantern”. Materials used in constructing the dragon prop have changed with technological advancements. The longdeng is now coated with fluorescent paint and lit up with light bulbs instead of candles for a more striking look.
