The lion dance during Chinese New Years

Many people have seen the lion dance during Chinese New Year and might be quite confused about what it really represents for the Chinese culture. It is basically two people dancing to the beat of the drum; one person is controlling the head of the Lion while the other person is controlling the tail of the lion. The instruments that are used for the dance are the drum, gong, and cymbals. It originated in Cantonese culture and became popular all around China and across the world. In Chinese Culture, the Lion dance actually represents happiness for all people. The lion dance also gives prosperous Chinese New years to everyone as it states “I was told that the lion dance is supposed to bring good luck and chase away evil, but I couldn’t go any further to explain the tradition and culture” (Kim Hong, 18 April 2011).” In New York City there is always a Lion dance that happens once every year for Chinese New Year. Each year they will perform and there will be a huge audience that either gives them red envelopes or lettuce for the lion to eat. The red envelope will mostly have money inside and it symbolizes good luck for the people. The Lions also go to restaurants and when the owner gives them lettuce they break it into pieces and throw it to the people or the owner to give them a blessing of wealth and prosperity. As we know not everyone celebrates Chinese New Year in New York City so there will be a separate day for the parade compared to in China where they celebrate it the day of New Years.