Chinese Lion and Chinese Dragon Dance Thailand - Chinese New Year ((Thailand Local Custom))

Thailand Celebrates the Chinese New Year (Thailand Local Custom)

                     Chinese New Year brings one of the most exhilarating celebrations to favourite location of Thailand at Nakhon Sawan, Phuket, Suphanburi, Chiang Mai and Yaowaraj (Chinatown of Bangkok)

The Chinese Lion in action  
     The tradition observed by all Chinese on Chinese New Year is to pay respect to their Gods. They will also visit their senior relatives to seek their blessing. Smiling faces, sweet words and forgiveness are seen throughout that day.
      The smell of joss sticks and the candle smoke billows in the air. The bands play noisily along the roads, wishing all the houses wealth and good luck in the coming New Year. The familiar Chinese lion performance consists of 7 members: the first performer leading at the head carries a tray of red paper tokens, followed by 4 musicians playing gongs, a cymbal and a drum respectively. They are brought up by 2 men who control the movements of the lion : one holds the lion head, while the other holds its tail. All performers must be neat and clean. They wrap bands called "Ka Giew" around their legs covering their ankles to their knees. And also bands wrap around their waists. Before the show begins, the performers will pay respects to their teacher, just as Thai classical dancers do, with a big fluffy dough cake as an offering. The bigger the better. It will be eaten afterwards to give them courage when they perform





The Dragon Parade
     In 1963, which was the Year of the Great Snake, the organizing committee for the Pak Nam Bho's God and Goddess Festival wanted to create something even more interesting. They agreed to introduce a dragon parade as the main theme. One of the members was assigned to search for an expert who could teach them how to perform the show, as well as a skilled dragon maker.
   The show has been developed with an innovative creation and new styles of dancing, such as having the dragon play with a glass ball and fire. The dragon's body is made of a bamboo frame, covered by cloth and plastic sheeting, enabling it to twist and turn gracefully. The dragon can slither like a snake, hop like a rabbit, jump like a tiger and glide like an eagle. It is no surprise that the show is now well-known throughout Thailand and Asia.
   The Pak Nam Bho Golden Dragon Show claimed to be the first in Thailand. It is the proud symbol of Nakhon Sawan Province and the people are happy to invite everyone to see its greatness during the Chinese New Year festival.