Green
Lion
The
green-faced lion with lanced-shaped brows lion
represents a ferocious, cruel and almost undefeatable variety of the lion
species. It signifies the Manchu Government during the Ching Dynasty. Fighting
the lion meant combating the Manchus. The patriotic Chinese of the Ming Dynasty
who were determined to overthrow the Manchu rule devised the idea. The green-faced lion, as the term applies has a green face coupled with projecting teeth, projecting
a dreadful appearance.
This
illuminates the tyrannical of the Manchu regime. The Manchu soldiers massacre
thousands of Chinese without any cause until their blood literally reddened the
rivers. The Chinese, to release their heart-felt hatred, thus invented the green-faced lion dance. Hence, by overwhelming the
green lions in the dance means overthrowing the Manchus.
The
distinct features of the lion are its lance-shaped brows, made of twin steel
swords each measuring 1 foot 6 inches in length. Its "beard" is short
and black, the mouth closed showing only projecting teeth, and a body length of
18 feet, to conceal weapons and men. The tail end of the lion must coordinate
with the lion head during the dance. Thus only men with high dexterity and
skill are able to perform the dance well.
Above: Green-faced white browed lion (senior lion)
The
green-faced white browed lion represents an
elderly lion with white eyebrows, long beard and open mouth. This lion is used
in for house-to-house visit in villages during the festive seasons this lion
dance is believed to bring luck and prosperity, to drive off devils and
spirits, and to bring peace and good harvests to the people.
The
green-faced white lanced-shaped brow lion is known as the Fighting Lion because
of its fierce and dangerous appearance.
Green-faced white lanced-shaped brow lion (fighting lion) Young Lion (Song Kiang Lion)
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Lion
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Lion