The origin of dragon dance lantern

According to legend, ancient people called dragons, phoenixes, unicorns and turtles the four spirits, which are the embodiment of good luck and the sustenance of good wishes. Legend has it that the Dragon King urges clouds and rain to make the world blessed.

As a god, the dragon has been a national symbol worshipped by the people of China since ancient times, and it is the product of artistic creation. It is a combination of lion's head, snake's body, fish's tail and chicken's feet. It is brave, flexible, friendly and noble. It combines people's ideals, wishes, wisdom and strength, symbolizing good luck and happiness. It is said that as early as the Han Dynasty, dragon lanterns were very common.

Folk people use dragon dancing to pray for the dragon's blessing, in order to have a good weather and a good harvest. By the Tang and Song Dynasties, the dragon dance had flourished among the people, and the form and performance skills of dragon lanterns were perfect.

There is also a beautiful legend about dragon lanterns: One year, there was a drought in Jinyang, and the Jade Emperor asked the Dragon King of Jinjiao to sprinkle rain in Jinyang and the Dragon King of Jinjiao to sprinkle rain in the south, drowning many people. When the Jade Emperor learned the news, he reprimanded the Dragon King of Jinjiao. In order to atone, the old dragon king visits people in the world every Spring Festival, promising good weather, abundant crops and happiness in the coming year.

Extended data

Dragon dance is a very old traditional folk activity. Dragon dancers are usually placed in the local Longwang Temple. On the day of dragon dance, with banners, gongs and drums and horns as the guide, the dragon body was invited out of the temple, connected to the dragon tail and held a closing ceremony.

The dragon body is tied into a dragon shape with bamboo, one by one. Covered with a huge red cloth painted by Longlin. Every five or six feet, one person holds the pole, and the head and tail are separated by about ten feet. In front of the dragon, one person holds the pole, and a huge ball is erected at the top of the pole as a guide. When dancing, the giant ball swings back and forth, and the faucet catches the ball, making the dragon body swim and fly.

Dragon dance is a grand festival. No matter where you dance, you will get entertainment. Sometimes the Dragon Dance Team can have five or six banquets a day, which is called "Dragon for Wine". After the dragon dance, the head and tail will be burned and the dragon body will be sent back to the temple.

The dragon naturally became the rain god of crops. Dragons are more important than their ancestors-Emperor Shun, Qi and Hou Ji.