The traditional lion dance symbolizes scaring off evil spirits, and is often performed at celebrations. I remember watching a lion dance at a Chinese family association Chinese New Year celebration when I was a little girl. The lion was viciously kicking around a cabbage, and combined with the scary face on the lion costume and the sharp, almost brash dance moves, it was a bit of a frightening experience for me back then. I saw this performance in front of a restaurant on Mott St., on my way through Chinatown tonight.
