Lion Dance

 This is a Cultural Event:

The Lion Dance Celebration is an event put on by the Weaverville Joss house State Historic Park and the Weaverville Joss House Association. Weaverville was a big “gold rush” town so many Chinese migrated to the area in the 1800’s. They in turn built a temple which still stands today. The dance was located on the grounds of the Joss house. The ceremony does not take much longer than an hour. The majority of those involved are from the local elementary school, may of which have been doing it for years.

The lion dance, called “exercising the lion” is done by two people- one person inside the head manipulating the eyes and the mouth, and the other inside the tail. After being in hibernation for many months, the lion rouses himself at the door of the temple amongst the forest beneath the clouds as the put it. He stirs and stretches slowly until he is ready to move and perfume his tasks of wishing all the people, families and businesses a happy and prosperous new years.

Lion dancing is a Chinese custom created for special occasions. Legend says that a Chinese emperor dreamed of a animal that was a combined serpent and dragon. He thought it was good luck so he created the lion head. The Chinese believe that the lion dancing and the accompanying burning of firecrackers and striking of drums and cymbals will chase away evil spirits. What we do to give back to the Association and the dancers is place a red envelope with money inside, the lions take this away and it goes to their general fund.

This is a fun event, the craftsmanship and history behind the dance make it that much better.