Chinese cultural showcase at SM's eye-dotting ceremony

CEBU, Philippines - Chinese cultural dances and wushu exhibitions were the highlights of SM City Cebu’s festive celebration of the Chinese New Year at the Northwing atrium last January 23.

But before the colorful program began to officially usher in the Year of the Water Dragon, a Chinese tradition known as the eye-dotting or Hoi Gong ceremony was held, led by City Councilor Margot Osmeña together with Elvira Luym, Harry Viloria and Winglip Chang. This ceremony refers to the Chinese tradition of painting the eye of the Chinese lion before the start of the lion dance to awaken the creature’s spirit.

The Hoi Gong begins with the lion laid down in front of the ancestral altar where the lions, with its eyes securely shut and the mouth tightly closed, wait to be awakened. While the lion still waits, important individuals are invited to open the eyes of the lion by dotting the lion with symbolic blood using red ink. Traditionally, the blood from a live rooster’s comb is used to dot the lion.

According to Chinese tradition, red is regarded as a life-giving color and is also associated with good fortune and prosperity, while the rooster symbolizes maleness and the positive yang element.

First, the mirror on the lion’s forehead is dotted to give the lion life. Second are the eyes for sight, followed by the nose, tongue, ears, horn, back of head, spine, and finally, the tail. Then a ribbon is tied to the lion’s horn, which is a symbol of courage and honor. This also signifies that the lion is tamed.

After the eye-dotting came the traditional Chinese dances by the Cebu Eastern College Dance Troupe, such as the dragon, fan and ribbon dances. These dances are said to have been closely connected with the common people’s ideas, labor and daily life.

Wushu exhibitions by the Chinese Martial Arts Chian His Chuan Internal Arts Society, and a “Drunken Master” skit, also entertained the crowd which gathered to witness the show. The sport of wushu is both an exhibition and a full-contact sport derived from Chinese martial arts. It was created in the People’s Republic of China after 1949. (FREEMAN)