The Jiazi lion dance has a long history. It is a cultural and sports activity that the Jiazi people have always loved. It has been included in the second batch of intangible cultural heritage list of Shanwei City. The Jiazi lion dance is commonly known as the big lion dance. It is said that when Emperor Tianzhu ascended the Jiazi Gate on the ninth day of the first lunar month in the late Song Dynasty (1277 AD), Zheng Fuweng, a fisherman in Jiazi, led the people to kill dozens of Yuan soldiers and celebrated the victory. The lion dance was used to inspire the people and encourage morale to fight against the invaders. Since then, the big lion dance has been passed down from generation to generation and has evolved into a folk activity that combines culture and sports. After the Ming Dynasty, the big lion dance gradually became a custom, usually organized by Jiazi City. Because the city is divided into four communities, there must be four or eight lions each time. Jiazi big lions are divided into blue lions and red lions. Generally, blue lions are based on blue color, larger, and male. The head, forehead and chest are painted with the word "king". The red lion is female, with red as the basic color, slightly smaller body and pearl on the chest. A pack of "flower needles" should be hung on the forehead of the big lion. After the lion is out (beating the male), the gongs and drums are struck, and under the guidance of the masked "lion messenger Mingzhu", it goes out of the east gate and goes straight to the port in the south of the town for the first performance. It is intended to purify the "impurity" of the fishing port and eliminate all kinds of evil spirits to ensure the safety of fishing boats and a good harvest. After the founding of New China, whenever a large-scale mass entertainment event is held in Jiazi, the lion dance is naturally the first item, and it also serves as the pioneer of all items. The Jiazi people regard the big lion as a mascot that can drive away evil and control evil spirits. Therefore, every traditional festival, the completion of a new building, the opening of a road and bridge, etc., the big lion is invited to dance. People always hope that the "divine lion" can wash away the bad luck. Especially during the Spring Festival, the lion dance is the most popular in Jiazi. No matter men, women, old or young, they will stand in front of the gate and wait respectfully when they hear the gongs and drums of the lion dance. Firecrackers are set off to welcome the lion dance as soon as it arrives. At this time, women will compete to pluck a few lion hairs from the lion and take them home, and hang them on the incense burner of their own Si Ming Di Jun devoutly, in order to protect the house and ensure safety. Whenever someone plucks lion hairs, the lion dancers will shout loudly to stop them, but still turn a blind eye and let them pluck them, and immediately stick more "lion hairs" on them, ready for people to pluck. The Jiazi lion dance usually consists of eight lions, four red lions (female) and four blue lions (male), and two lions form a group. The Jiazi lion dance has simple dance movements, relying entirely on strength and steady steps and coordinated dancing. Although the lion is made of bamboo and paper, it is very heavy, and is about four meters long and high, so each lion must be equipped with eight lion-holding strong men to perform in turn. A total of sixty-four people are needed for eight lions. When dancing lions, every two lions are accompanied by a pair of gongs and drums and a masked "lion master Mingzhu". When the lions are out (beating the male), firecrackers and gongs and drums are deafening. The male lion is the leader, rushing out of the east gate and rushing straight to the seaside pier for the first performance, and then begins to parade around the town. In the procession, the lion dancers need to dance and stride forward in rhythm with the gongs and drums, following the arrangement of two lions and one group of gongs and drums. Every time there is a wide land, eight lions dance together, which is more colorful, majestic and magnificent. At 12:00 in the evening, under the illumination of torches, the lions dance in groups, which is another kind of fun. The Jiazi lion dance has its main characteristics. The lion holder dances the lion with strength, imitates the lion's step with martial arts bow and horse steps, and ensures that the head and tail echo each other and the coordination is tight; the lion holder's clothing is unified and standardized; the gongs and drums are coordinated with the lion dance. When the lions meet, the movements are realistic and diverse, showing the "intimate" atmosphere between the lions. The Jiazi lion dance has its important value. It aims to promote traditional culture, exorcise evil spirits and uphold justice, and is a symbol of joy and happiness. Through lion dancing, people can exercise, strengthen their physique, improve the health of the people, and strengthen their confidence in overcoming natural disasters. Because the lion is majestic and powerful, wherever it goes, the streets are deserted. Source: "Lufeng Intangible Cultural Heritage"