Traditional lion and dragon dances are important part of Chinese cultural celebrations, especially in the Spring Festival. The dances may also be performed at business openings, weddings, or other special (occasion).
In the lion dance, dancers wear masks and costumes, (perform) a dance that imitate (模仿) the movements of a lion. There are (usual) two dancers. One acts the head and the other the body. There are no native lions in China, so the (appear) of the lions is based on that of the lions which (bring) to China during the Han Dynasty. Many lion dances may include lions playing with a large ball, may imitate a fight between lions.
In the dragon dance teams dancers carry a long dragon on poles. By moving the poles, the dancers can make the dragon move forward slowly. The (long) the dragon, the more luck it will bring to the community. As a result, communities try to have very long dragons dancing during the Spring Festival. Chinese dragons may appear frightening, but have a kind, helpful character, and symbolize good luck. That makes (they) very popular during the Spring Festival.
