Eye Dotting Ceremony- An Article by Russell Suthern Chief Instructor WCMA
Most of you will know that we recently purchased a new Lion Dance costume for our performances. Before we can use the Lion Head, it must go through the “Eye Dotting Ritual”. Eye Dotting is an ancient Buddhist ceremony that breeds life into the Lion and awakens it.
This is achieved by “dotting” the Lion by using cinnabar. First the ears, then the nose, then the mouth, then the horn and finally the eyes are all dotted using a brush. With each dotting the Lion slowly awakens. The Lion then springs up and performs its first dance. This ceremony is very important as it is unlucky to use the Lion Dance costume without awakening it first.
The Eye Dotting Ceremony will be on the 15th September at the Heene Church Rooms, on Heene Road in Worthing from 3-5 pm.
The event will start with a Martial Arts performance from the Lion Dance Team, showcasing a variety of Kung Fu, Tai Chi and Weapons patterns. The Eye Dotting will follow and then the Lion Dance performance.
This will be a great opportunity to see our higher level forms as well as a live Lion Dance. These events are also a great opportunity to meet students from other branches of White Crane. This event is open to all White Crane students plus their friends and family. Entrance is free of charge. You will be invited to give a donation to the running of the club if so you wish.
Hope to see you all there.
Mr Russell Suthern
Chief Instructor WCMA