Bukcheong sajanoreum
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bukcheong sajanoreum (Korean: 북청사자놀음) is a traditional play in Korea which was selected as the 15th Important Intangible Cultural Properties of Korea, next to Hansan mosijjagi. It was performed in Pukchong, South Hamgyong Province in Korea every the 15th day of the New Year according to the lunar calendar, and involves dancing with a lion mask. Its origins are rooted in a folk belief that lions have the power to turn away the evil ghosts and bring peace.
It was played in every region in Bukcheong province, but was particularly famous in three towns: Bukcheong-eup, Gaheomyun, Gutangcheon. In this province, people in small towns decorated their own lion masks and would then compete with other lion masks in the region. Competitions started in 1930, though poor and/or small teams have since disappeared. The winning team was awarded crops as a prize to be used as scholarships, relief for the poor, and for the elderly.