Aitsu Shrine Shishi-mai (Lion Dance)
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Category Name:Lion Dance / Tiger Dance / Bull Dance (Lion Dance)
This Lion Dance is more than 150 years old and is performed at the annual festival of Aitsu Shrine. Both a lion and lioness are present with two children who swing the ceremonial gong balls. The lions frolic ahead and playfully bite the heads of spectators to ward off illness. The dance is majestic and lively, and shows the two lions intertwining with each other, as well as a child rather skillfully handling the implements they wield! The rhythmic music of the dance is played on large and small taiko drums, gongs, and the like.
Municipality
Kami-Amakusa City
Category
Lion Dance / Tiger Dance / Bull Dance (Lion Dance)
Specific Location
Aitsu, Matsushima-machi
Cultural Property Designation
Kami-Amakusa City Intangible Folk Cultural Property (Matsushima Town Intangible Folk Cultural Property) March 1983
Performance Date(s)
the 3rd Sunday of October
Performance Location
Aitsu Shrine
Preservation Society
Aitsu Shrine Lion Dance Preservation Society