Lion Dance Barong Sai

Lion dance performance or the “Barong Sai”, which is increasingly rampant China, distinctive ethnic culture, can not be denied that the art of lion dance very much liked and be able to attract the attention of the audience. In the 1999 election campaign period new and many political parties use the Lion Dance as the attractiveness of the campaign.

This art definitely comes from the cities of China which was then taken to various corners of the globe by the immigrants Tionghoa, including the archipelago in the past. Unfortunately, information about the origins, meanings, and legends about the art of lion dance is very minimal, which raised the various interpretations or misunderstanding.

Talking about the art of lion dance certainly did not escape the word art that is part of the culture. But before you proceed further, it is important we understand the definition of culture itself. Culture is anything that is processed in the mind, manifested in the behavior of the resulting object.

So the lion dance is a reflection of the mindset embodied in the Sino Lion Dance performance art. But how exactly Chenxu mindset according to Wu, Licheng Guo and Ye Zhongguo Deming in his den Fengsu Xiguen (Taipei 1977) states that the nation is a nation that prioritizes Tionghoa togetherness, non-individualist.

A wise ancient China at the time said that if you want entertainment, so have fun but Try not to be alone, but together with other people. Playing Lion Dance is definitely a comfort, but can not be done alone. The game also performed together and need a good cooperation.

If there is a player who is less able to compensate for the movement will affect other people. So the lion dance combines togetherness between the players and also entertainment for all of China, and the descendants of people around the world. Lion Dance itself is derived from the word Barong and Sai.

In general, we might suspect that there is a relationship between words Barong of the island of Bali. Embodiment and both have similarities. The conclusion that the barong comes from the Indonesian language and words in the language of China, sai Fujian dialect (Hokkien) means lion.

It is clear that acculturation has occurred in the field of language is Indonesian and China, made in the Hokkien dialect of the tribe. This can be understood because the people who come to China, Indonesia around the 16th century is from the tribe of Hokkien. (Koentjanigrat, Manusia dan Kebudayaan di Indonesia, djambatan, Jakarta 1970). Meanwhile, since when, where, and how to use the word lion dance begins, still need to be examined by experts Cultural Anthropology.

In the language of the National Tionghoa or guoyu or mandarin, lion dance is called Shi Whu (Lion Dance). Performing any flow from the Lion Dance Dance chase scene always shows a red ball.

Appearance of a lion dance performance is usually done at the end of the closing of the Lunar new year, namely on 15 and 1 by the traditional lunar calendar moon Tionghoa “Candra Sangkala”. At the Pagoda temples and monasteries to visit his flock to pray and celebrate the festival, Cap Go Meh.

At this festival presented a variety of art and one of them shows a lion dance arts. The splendor of firecrackers also add festive atmosphere. Attractions Lion Dance in the middle atmosphere Cap Go Meh is very festive atmosphere than at the other. Attractions around the village of Lion Dance is usually accompanied with the skills of the players. In almost every door of the house, a lion dance came to salute and greet the host. Usually the host is often giving “ang pau” (red envelopes containing money) as a gesture of thanks for visiting.
Lion Dance is also believed to natural creatures that can provide prosperity and happiness. but as the times are so fast, attractions Barongsai much modified.

Keyword: Attractions Lion Dance in the middle atmosphere Cap Go Meh, distinctive ethnic culture, Lion Dance Barong Sai, Lion Dance in Jambi, the immigrants Tionghoa