Did you know that lions in Guangdong Province’s traditional lion dance embody heroic roles with distinctive characteristics? This vibrant folk art draws inspiration from Cantonese Opera, where lions are assigned the roles of the king and his valiant generals.
The color combinations of the lion heads are influenced by the facial makeup of Liu Bei and his five valiant generals from the Chinese classic, The Three Kingdoms. Each heroic figure imparts a unique allure and personal trait to the lion dance.
The five valiant characters symbolize:
Guan Yu – Righteousness
Zhang Fei – Ferocity
Zhao Yun – Wisdom
Ma Chao – Majesty
Huang Zhong – Valor
Recognized as an intangible cultural heritage, this folk art serves as a vivid cultural symbol of Guangdong Province, connecting performers and audiences to the rich history and legends of China.
