Nan'Ao Straw Dragon Dance
The straw dragon dance is the culmination of Nan Ao fishermen’s long years of work and life at
sea. The dance, also known as the flaming dragon dance, is evocative of the history, customs, art and culture of the Tanka subgroup of southern China, serving as entertainment for the people and their deities alike.
The dance was common during the Qing dynasty, its popularity prevailing to this day. It is now performed annually on the second day of the Lunar New Year. The daylong event consists of three stages: construction, dancing, and the send-off.
Construction begins in the morning. Grass is cut from nearby mountains, and brought back to the village to dry. In the afternoon, the dried straw is gathered into bunches, then laced together to create a 8-10 meter long dragon. It is further reinforced with tree branches which transpierce the dragon. The frame of the dragon’s head is a wicker basket, and flashlights are used for its eyes, and a small mirror is hung on its forehead. A triple-forked tail—also made of straw— is attached to the end of its long body. In front of the dragon is a dancer holding the dragon ball on a pole. At last, fragrant incense sticks are inserted throughout the dragon, and it is decorated with assorted festive red and green accessories.
At night, the prepared dragon is carried to the square before the Tinhau Temple, marking the beginning of the celebrations. Fishermen light the dragon’s incense, creating a flaming dragon. To the beat of drums and gongs, they offer one prayer to Tianhau Temple, then three to the south of China. Shortly after, the dance begins, and the flaming dragon charges towards the fishing village, chasing the dragon ball. As the dragon weaves through the village, the villagers erupt into festivity, lighting fireworks and paper firecrackers, and serving candy, fruit and wine.
Finally, the dance troupe arrives at the coast and begins the sendoff ritual. The dragon is hoisted up, facing northwest, to offer one prayer in that direction. Then, the dragon’s head is raised up so that it is directly above the tail, with the dragon’s body standing up vertically. Candles are then lit, joss-paper is offered to the heavens, and the flaming dragon is used to light up bamboo fireworks. Gathered all around are the people of the village, who, all at once, release handfuls of colored beads into the sea. With the flames lighting up the sky and accompanied by the sound of firecrackers, drums, and gong, it is truly a magnificent sight.
The fruit of their rich marine heritage, the grass dragon dance is unique to the Tanka people. A time-honored festivity and a sacred ceremony, the proceedings of which all happen in one day, this event is truly a valuable piece of southern Chinese heritage.
This piece is a translated work, translated from Chinese to English as part of the Shenzhen Nonmaterial Heritage Project of Shenzhen Polytechnic University and Shenzhen Museum.
