The Lion Dance in Chinese Culture and Chinese Martial Arts

The Lion Dance, known as Wu Shi (舞獅), is an important part of Chinese culture. Its origins date back to the Wei Dynasty (386–535 AD). During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) the Lion Dance was performed only at the Royal Court as part of entertainment for the elite. Over the centuries the Lion Dance penetrated all aspects of Chinese society and is now imbedded in Chinese martial arts schools, especially in South China.

In general, there are two distinctive types of Lions: The Northern Lion and the Southern Lion. The Northern Lion originated in Hebei Province and spread to other neighboring provinces north of the Yangtze River, which is a traditional demarcation line between north and south China. The Northern Lion has a smaller head than its southern counterpart and the body is covered by a lion cape which drapes the entire silhouette of the dancers, leaving only the feet exposed. The Northern Lion is agile and playful and performs many jumping and tumbling movements to the rhythm of drums, cymbals, and gongs. The lions are summoned by the leader who holds a colorful ball. Usually, Northern Lion dancers perform in pairs but are sometimes joined by a smaller lion.

The Southern Lion was popularized in Guangdong Province and spread throughout south China. The Southern Lion has a much larger head than the Northern Lion. Where the Northern Lion is more playful, the Southern Lion possesses a fierce demeanor and often incorporates complex martial arts techniques in the dance. A performer wearing a monk’s costume and a large smiling Buddha head wields a large sunflower fan and gestures the lion to advance. The lion dances to the rhythm of drums, cymbals, and gongs. There are additional aspects to the Southern Lion Dance, especially when the lion performs on stage; these will be explored in a future post.

All Southern Gong Fu schools feature a Lion Dance as it is regarded as an integral part of their heritage. For many schools, practicing with the lions is just as important as training martial arts skills. In Southeast China there is fierce competition among the various schools to determine which one can perform the best Lion Dance. The Northern Lion, although a feature of some martial arts schools, is more often practiced by special cultural troupes who dedicate considerable time to honing the required skills.

Today, the Southern Lion can be seen throughout Southeast Asia, the Americas, and Europe. The Lion Dance is performed at weddings, during Chinese New Year celebrations, at temple fairs, during folk festivals, and for other special ceremonies to dispel evil and bring good fortune.

Lion statues are often placed in pairs at the entrance of temples, palaces, and other important buildings as guards to ward off evil spirits.