ᱵᱤᱵᱚᱨᱚᱱᱤEarplugs are used during drumming for Dragon dance.jpg
English: photo by Nancy Wong The Chinese consider the Lion as an animal symbolizing power, wisdom and good fortune.The lion dance is mostly performed at store and restaurant openings or to bless a new house or baby.Firecrackers and movements of the lion are used to scare away evil spirits and to bring harmony and prosperity.Chung Ngai Dance Troupe members visit merchants in San Francisco's Chinatown during the second weekend of festivities celebrating the Lunar Year of the Monkey and receive "lai see," a red envelope with a payment enclosed.San Francisco-based Chung Ngai Dance Troupe was founded in 1966 to promote Chinese culture through the teaching of folk and classical dance, drumming and martial arts.
photo by Nancy Wong special to SFGateThe Chinese consider the Lion as an animal symbolizing power, wisdom and good fortune.The lion dance is mostly performed at store and restaurant openings or to bless a new house or baby.Firecrackers and movements of the lion are used to scare away evil spirits and to bring harmony and prosperity.Chung Ngai Dance Troupe members visit merchants in San Francisco's Chinatown during the second weekend of festivities celebrating the Lunar Year of the Monkey and receive "lai see," a red envelope with a payment enclosed.San Francisco-based Chung Ngai Dance Troupe was founded in 1966 to promote Chinese culture through the teaching of folk and classical dance, drumming and martial arts.