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GREEN
LION
GREEN
LION
The Green Lion (Qing Shi) is one of the three Lion Dances that can be found in Singapore. The Green Lion originated from the Qing Dynasty with relation to the anti-Manchu movement (反清复明) after the fall of the Ming Dynasty. The Green Lion represents the Qing Dynasty as the pronunciation of "青, qing" of the Green Lion sounds similar to the "清, qing" of the Qing Dynasty. Hence, the Green Lion was used to represent the fight against and the movements to overthrow the Qing Dynasty. This form of the lion dance is similar to the Southern and Northern Lion Dance. However, noticeable differences between them include the colors and features of the lion and the practice of martial arts.
DISTINCTIVE FEATURES
OVERVIEW
The Green lion is mainly green in color, and over the years, it went through minimal physical changes. They retained its distinct round and flat mask that represents a shield, and paintings of the features remained the same as well. Thre are two distinct Green Lions;
GREEN FACE SWORD LION WITH BLACK EYEBROWS
GREEN LION
WITH WHITE EYEBROWS
The Green Lion with White Eyebrow symbolizes an old lion, known to be gentle with less aggressive characteristics. The features are similar to the Green Face Sword Lion, with the noticeable difference seen in the color and the paintings, which unlike the previous green lion, is white and does not have the Tai Chi Symbol.
Additionally, 中华武术会馆, the association that we visited, the Green lion utilizes LED lights to provide better visualization and to attract the attention of the audience.
The appearance and characteristics of the two lions may differ slightly, but both maintain the aggressive and fierce energy of the Green Lion which was also intended to administrate fear. Another significant point is that the Green Lion has a body that is slightly longer, at the length of 一尺八丈 (about 2.75 meters). The purpose of the extended body was to hide both the weapons and the people. Something interesting to note about the Green Lion is that the tail represents the mythical creature Qilin.
Video: Introduction to the Green Lion
TYPE OF MARTIAL ARTS
The martial arts background of the Green Lion focuses on Wu Zu Quan (五祖拳), a set of Chinese martial arts from Wu Zu Men (五祖门), or otherwise known as Fujian Yong Chun Wu Zu Men (福建永春五祖门) as this set of martial arts originated from Fujian (福建). This set of martial arts comprised of 白鹤拳 (Bai He Quan), 猴拳 (Huo Quan), 罗汉拳 (Luo Han Quan), 达尊拳 (Da Zun Quan) and 太祖拳 (Tai Zu Quan), whereby five different sects of Chinese martial arts come together to form the Wu Zu Quan. Martial arts are fundamentally essential when practicing the Green Lion dance, and it is compulsory to establish the foundation of the Wu Zu Quan before one is allowed to practice with the Green Lion. Learning these martial arts can strengthen the body and it is known to teach excellent morals and values.
LION DANCE PERFORMANCE
The Green Lion Performance comprises several sets of performance.
CHINESE MARTIAL ARTS PERFORMANCE
As mentioned above, martial art is a significant basis of the Green Lion; thus, the sets of performance will comprise the performing of the Wu Zu Quan. Weapons are also a part of the performance; thus, the 十八般兵器 (18 types of main weaponry for Chinese Martial Arts) are often used when performing as well.
BEATING THE GREEN LION
打青狮 or the beating of the Green Lion is a combination of martial arts and lion dance. This set of performances reflects the historical significance of the Anti-Manchu movement. The Green Lion Dance represents the political resistance against the Qing. As mentioned previously, the Green Lion represents the Manchurian of the Qing Army, and the performance is usually a physical manifestation of fighting the aggression of the Qing Army. In other words, this set of performance symbolizes the Anti-Machu movement (反清复明). During the performance, the Green Lion is the moving target, and someone that will represent the resistance movement will use different types of weapons to attack the Lion as it evades. It involves a combination of three sets of war (三战) with three different types of weapons, 刀 (BroadSword), 枪 (Spear) and 剑 (Sword).
Video: Origins and Practice Performance
CUSTOMS
Traditionally, when the Green Lion is sent out to perform, a full lion dance troupe would consist of 108 people to follow along. However, it was hard to accommodate such a large troop while traveling. This tradition relates to the 梁山一百零八个好汉 (108 Generals of Liang Shan).
The Green Lion is the most formidable lion amongst all the types of Lion Dances. They are said to be more aggressive and hold a higher emphasis on spiritual values. Thus, they are considered the Lion King (狮王), the top of the Lion Dance hierarchy, so the other Lion Dance troupes will have to pay their respects when their paths crossed. The Green Lion performs with only one Lion which coincides and emphasizes the idea of the Green Lion being the Lion King, as there can only be one King.
In addition, according to tradition, only males are allowed to perform with the lion. This lion is known to have an "aggressive and strong," spiritual energy that may be too intense for some people. In addition, this intense spiritual energy of the Green Lion is used to help ward off evil spirits. It is understandable that not everyone could perform the Green Lion. The troupes also hold a certain level of discipline and are strict about mastering the basics of the martial arts. Moreover, the Green Lion head weighs more compared to the other types of Lions as well. Thus, strong stamina and physical strength are necessary for a person to hold and perform with the Green Lion.
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