Lunar New Year is here again. Happy Year of the Dog!
Museum Bento was given a large collection of masks not too long ago for a traveling mask show, including a giant lion head worn by lion dance performers during Chinese New Year. This mask is handmade from paper mache and prpbably not as elaborate as other lion masks you may have seen during Lunar New Year festivities.
The lion dance originated in China and later spread to Taiwan, Korea, Japan and Asian communities around the world. Performed during festivals, funerals and the launch of a new business, it's also one of the most popular traditions during Lunar New Year. The lions, representative of good luck, dance their ways through parades, weaving and zigzagging to the rhythmic beats of drums, gongs and cymbals.
Two dancers control a lion and have special strings to open and close its mouth and eyes. During the dance, the lions will gobble up lucky money and lettuce, both symbols of good fortune, from the crowd of spectators. The popping of firecrackers and the loud music are meant to scare away evil spirits and usher in good fortune for the upcoming year. A dragon, another auspicious symbol, will often follow the lions, welcoming everyone to a prosperous new year.
