Historical Purposes
Next, let's move on to the historical purposes of lion dance. You'll be able to learn all about the different ways that lion dance comes into play, including the traditional, religious, political and social aspects!
TRADITIONAL PURPOSES
The lion dance is a pugilistic performance where during auspicious occasions, such as the launch of new businesses and shops, it is believed to bring good fortune and wealth.
The lion dance is commonly performed during the annual Chinese New Year (CNY) because of its association with the legends of Nian, a bestial creature that was frightened off by villagers loudly banging on drums on the eve of Chinese New Year.
In Singapore, Lion Dance performances were commonly performed not only during the Chinese New Year but also during the Chingay Parade and the National Day Parade.
Lion Dance performances are known to be very iconic as it can be heard outside from the comfort of many Singaporean homes and it is known to be a dance that symbolises the Chinese culture in Singapore
RELIGIOUS PURPOSES
The Chinese Southern Lion was more symbolic and is known to be more religious because it was performed by all classes of people in a ceremony, it scared evil spirits away and summoned good luck and fortune.
The symbolic lion dance which brings wisdom, good fortune and protection from evil is often performed at the weddings, store openings, and other celebrations and it is a common practice in Singapore.
In addition, the lion dance is not only present during joyous occasions; it is also present during funeral ceremonies to underscore the grieving process of friends and families of the deceased.
SOCIAL PURPOSES
In Singapore, the Lion Dance culture is slowly declining as many lion dance troupes are facing shortage of manpower and lack of interest from the younger generation. While many of them believe that their purpose is to carry on the tradition of lion dance and ensure that it still has a relevance in Singapore’s society, one group believes that lion dance is not just about the tradition and dance itself.
They believe that lion dance brings patriotism and they strive to bring this patriotic spirit to the next generation of lion dancers. This group is known as Kong Chow Wui Koon, one of Singapore’s oldest Chinese clan associations. Unlike other lion dance troupes who are highly commercialised, they perform under the banner of the clan where they focus highly on conserving the tradition of lion dance and most of the income that they get during festive performances were used to fund their overseas activities.
The lion dance circle in Singapore is very connected and troupes have strong networks with each other. They usually help each other out when there are manpower shortages and would combine with another lion dance troupe to complement each other.
POLITICAL PURPOSES
When the Japanese surrendered in 1945 (ending their notorious occupation), Singapore celebrated with a street parade. The street parade involved the Hok San Association Lion Dance Troupe, where it was invited after resuming its activities and its loud lion dance performance imposed melodic drum tempos and cymbals which ushered the joy of the return of peace and freedom of Singapore.
The Hok San Association Lion Dance Troupe has witnessed and was also part of several historical and political events in Singapore. From participating in the victory parade at the end of the WWII, to welcoming the British royal visit during the ‘50s, and performing at national day parades after Singapore’s independence in 1965. While society continues to move forward, the association remains committed to passing on a part of Singapore’s unique rich heritage to the next generation in the form of its traditional lion dance, drumming and also martial arts.
The hok san association
The Hok San Association was established in 1920 by early immigrants from the province of Heshan （鹤山）in Guangdong, China.
It is the oldest lion dance troupe in Singapore and was set up to share its distinct Heshan-styled lion dance at a time when there were few healthy and affordable recreation options. The troupe was headed by Mr See Chun Weng, a highly dedicated and effective leader. The instructor for lion dance was Mr. Lü Xinyao(吕新尧), the disciple of Li Yisheng who was taught the art of lion dance by the grandmaster, Feng Gengzhang （冯庚长）, himself. Lu Xinyao mastered the Cai （蔡家）school of martial art and was a well known martial art master of his time in Singapore.
One of its many iconic performances was when a street parade was held after the Japanese surrendered in 1945. The Hok San Association Lion Dance Troupe was invited to perform after resuming its activities and its loud lion dance performance was enjoyed by the audience due to its powerful yet melodic drum tempos which usher the joy and excitement of the return of peace and freedom in Singapore.
They were involved in many other historical events and political events in Singapore where they welcomed the British Royal visit during the 50’s and also performed at National Day Parades after Singapore’s independence in 1965.
The association continues to commit in passing on a part of Singapore’s unique rich heritage to the next generation in the form of its traditional lion dance, drumming and also martial arts.