Dancing Dragons ECR
Dancing Dragons
In fairy tales, dragons are ferocious creatures. However, in Chinese culture, dragons are not fire-breathing enemies. They are kind creatures that drive away bad luck and bring good fortune. Every year at the Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, the dragons are dancers! 2 In ancient China, people performed the dragon dance to bring more rain. Now, the dance is performed to ensure a good new year. During the Spring Festival, there is a parade that features the dragon dance. This dance is performed by an enormous dragon that is held up by several strong dancers using poles. 3 A dragon is created with joints that allow it to bend easily. The body of the dragon is made of thin bamboo strips. They are woven into cylinders, or large tubes. Then, the dragon is covered in a giant cloth. It is decorated with scales. Most dragons are red. Red symbolizes happiness in Chinese culture. Dragons can be hundreds of feet long!
4 During the parade, one person holds a stick with a large ball that holds the dragon’s head. They lead the dragon through the city’s streets. Behind the head, there are people holding poles to support sections of the dragon. The people wear clothing the same color as the dragon. This makes their legs look like the legs of the dragon. As the head dips and dives, so does the dragon. It looks like the dragon is dancing! People along the parade route watch and cheer as the dragon weaves back and forth. Its long body ripples like a ribbon. 5 There is also a fire dragon that dances at night. Inside fire dragons are candles or lamps. The skin of the dragon is thin cloth or paper. The light can be seen through the skin. When this dragon dances at night, it looks like it is filled with fire. 6 For centuries, Chinese communities across the globe have gathered in this way to celebrate spring. With the dragon’s help, they hope to bring happiness in the year ahead.
Question 1
Read the article “Dancing Dragons.” Based on the information in the article, write a response to the following:
Explain why the dragon dance is important to Chinese Culture.
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