Mou Si 舞獅 is a Southern Chinese lion dance. These Lions can be seen partying it up during festivals, birthdays, weddings; wherever there’s a celebration, these Lions will be there. They are used to summon good luck and fortune while driving off evil spirits. These vibrant lion performances are also accompanied by awesome dance shows, loud firecrackers and banging drums.
Photos taken from chinablog.com
I was fortunate to be brought up in an Asian-American household. As a first generation Chinese-American, it was humbling growing up with Chinese values and learning about all the hard-work my parents went through to get the United States as well as raise my siblings and I with limited english. I always got excited as a kid, and as an adult, when the Mou Si were around because I knew they always brought a celebration with them, whether it was a wedding, party, or Chinese New Year.
I wanted to create a symbol that not only meaningful to me but also to educate others on asian culture.
The pattern work was first designed in black and white to make sure it was a strong enough pattern on it’s own without color taking away from it.
CHALLENGE
Using a symbol with so much cultural meaning was difficult because I didn’t want to present the Mou Si in a negative way. Extensive research had to be done to make sure that didn’t happen. Also creating clothing that took aspects of cultural clothing mixed with modern apparel was difficult. One small change can make it look too traditional or too far-out from it’s roots. Almost every color combinations were tested to make sure that the one’s chosen were near perfect.
The vibrant color-line of this series represents each Mou Si and all their different persona’s while also embodying the loud environment they each come in. Items were inspired by traditional Chinese clothing, jewelry and the clothing of the lion dancers.
RED
Liu Bei is the red lion and represents loyalty, bravery and strength.
YELLOW/GOLD
The eldest lion, Liu Bei, is the symbol of wisdom. He is represented with liveliness and dynamic spirit.
BLUE/GREEN
Zhao Yun is the green/blue Mou Si and is the heroic lion, representing friendship and goodwill.
BLACK
The Zhang Fei is the youngest lion and is described as a great warrior that loves to fight. He is represents youthfulness.
