Lion Dance Troupe Performs at SF Library
The West Coast Lion Dance Troupe performed at the main branch of the San Francisco Public Library on Friday. The free performance was held in celebration of the Lunar New Year.
The lion dance tradition dates back to ancient China, with some records placing its origins in the Han Dynasty (205 BCE–220 CE). The performance became closely associated with the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE) after a legend spread about an emperor whose life was saved by a lion in a dream. A central purpose of the dance is to scare away evil spirits and bring good fortune for the new year. According to folklore, the loud, clanging music from cymbals, gongs, and drums frightens away a mythical beast called "Nian" that was said to terrorize villagers annually. The performance is rich with symbolism, as the lion itself represents power, wisdom, and good fortune in Chinese culture. The dance combines the artistry of expressive movements with the athleticism of Chinese martial arts, with two performers working in tandem to manipulate the lion's head and body. A key ritual within the dance is called "cai qing" or "plucking the greens." The lion eats lettuce, which in Cantonese sounds like the word for "wealth," and then "spits" the leaves back at the audience, symbolizing the spreading of prosperity and good luck to the community. The West Coast Lion Dance Troupe was founded in 1988 by Tony Shu. For decades, the troupe has been dedicated to preserving the cultural tradition and has been a consistent participant in San Francisco's annual Chinese New Year Parade since its founding. The San Francisco Public Library frequently serves as a venue for a wide range of cultural programming. Beyond literary events, its branches regularly host free concerts, art exhibitions, and performances that reflect the diverse communities of the city.
