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