Learn More about The Seven Star Lion Dance

Calligraphy writing performanceShenzhen Museum

What is lion dance and when is it performed?

Lion dance is very common in  traditional Chinese culture and other eastern Asian countries. It's usually performed during the Lunar New Year and other cultural, religious or community events to bring good luck and fortune to people. 

It's commonly performed by two dancers, one manipulates the lion's head and the other the rear end. Performers mimic a lion's movements in a lion costume and follow the drum beats. Many movements of Chinese martial arts can also be found in the lion dance. 

Lion danceShenzhen Museum

The seven star lion dance

The seven star lion dance from Songgang is a folk dance full of the characteristics of this region. This folk dance has been developed alongside the local memories of Wen Tianxiang, a famous patriotic general from the Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279).

The annual performance of the seven star lion dance is always held in front of Wen's ancestral shrine, to show respect and reverence for Wen Tianxiang's coverage and patriotic spirit.

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