A Surprise Lion Dance

So, here I am blogging again about the lion dance.  Please know that I had no intention whatsoever of writing ANOTHER blog about lion dance, but this is a story I have to record.  So, bear with me...

The boys and I were on our way to the grocery store to pick up a few things and then we were going to go back home for lunch and Tuck's nap.  As we were walking through the "mall" area where the grocery storie is located, Coop grabbed my arm and said, "Mom! Look! The lettuce!" I had no idea at first what he was talking about, but then I saw what he was pointing at.  The stores all had greens and red envelopes hanging from their doorways.  There was going to be a lion dance!  We were so excited! We decided to ditch our plans and hang around to watch.  We ended up waiting for quite some time, but our patience paid off as the lion began his dance.  There were two lions as usual.  Their first stop was the inside of an office building. We could see the dance through the window and then we saw something that not many people get to see-- the lions and their "entourage" coming down the escalator!!!  Now that was a sight! 

These particular lions were different than the others we have seen lately.  I am not sure why or what it means, but there has to be some explanation!  These lions had many colours and intricate designs on their bodies.  There were also some characters written on their backs.

The lions went from store to store.  One of the lions went in the store to dance and the other stayed outside to get the greens. The lion who went in the store (or anywhere else) always exited backwards.  I imagine this has something to do with keeping the good in or keeping bad luck out.  Not sure, but I am on it!  After the dance was finished, the lions posed with the store owners for a photo.

Look how beautiful and intricate the decorations are on this lion's back..

and on its face

The musicians work really hard 

Leaving backwards

Posing with the store owners

 We followed the dancers and musicians for a bit. At one point one of the lions got really close to Tucker's face and he freaked out!  This is a photo of how he looked as we walked home.  He would NOT uncover his eyes and kept saying, "No lion dance. No, lion dance."  It was so sad.

 As we walked home, we turned around to get one last look- from afar for Tucker's sake. This time, the greens were hanging so high up that the lion had to climb a pole to get them!  We thought seeing the lions on the escalator was cool, but then we saw the lion go up the pole costume and all and the escalator was nothing! Here he is on the pole getting the greens.

Dancing on the pole

Almost got them!

Crunch!

Look how high he is!!!

One last look

I won't promise that I will not share anymore lion tales or photos with you all as we still have the Korean New Year's celebration this Saturday to check out and Sunday is the famous "Twilight Parade" which is sure to feature lions and DRAGONS! There may be more lions, but hopefully a lot more as well!