Harmony Day with a Chinese Lion
March 28, 2017
Chinese-Australian Celebration
To celebrate Harmony Day, local Girl Guides attended a Lion Team training session with the Chinese Australian Cultural Society.
The Guides were given the opportunity to:
- learn some of the dances
- wear the lion costumes
- play the drum
- learn some rolls
- and watch the dancers in action
The Lion Dance has great cultural significance with the Chinese people and has been a part of their history for centuries. Movements are based on ancient martial art principles. The team practices routines that have been passed down from one generation to the next, also passing on the traditions and stories behind the dance.
The team perform the traditional Chinese lion dances at special events around Ballarat, including leading the Begonia Festival Parade.
The Ballarat Begonia Junior Girl Guides incorporated this activity into the challenges for their Australia badge. They discussed Australia’s multiculturalism, and in particular the contribution the Chinese community has made to Ballarat, commencing with the goldrush era.
The Guides had a fantastic evening and are very grateful for the Lion Team for such a wonderful opportunity.
