China is the most populous(人口眾多的) country in the world. Wherever there are Chinese people, there are "dragons" regarded as mascots. For over 2,000 years, the dragon has turned from a symbol of deity, emperor and imperial power into a symbol of the rising Chinese nation. The Dragon Dance , accordingly, has been elevated from asking for God and rain to expressing people's courage, pride and wisdom.

 

　　中國是世界上人口眾多的國家。哪里有中國人，哪里就有被視為吉祥物的“龍”。2000多年來，龍已經(jīng)從神的象征，皇帝和皇權(quán)的象征轉(zhuǎn)變成中華民族的象征。據(jù)說，舞龍已經(jīng)從請求上帝降雨轉(zhuǎn)變成了人們表達(dá)勇氣，驕傲和智慧的方式了。

 

　　The Dragon Dance has diversified models and forms. The dragon is a totem (圖騰)of the Chinese nation. The farming tribes worship it very much. People think dragons can make clouds and bring them rain. Playing dragon dances in the spring will hopefully bring people favorable weather; playing in dry seasons will bring them rain; playing to different families will drive ghosts out. Therefore, the custom goes on.

 

　　舞龍有各種各樣的模式和形式。龍是中華民族的圖騰。從事農(nóng)業(yè)的人都很信奉它。人們認(rèn)為龍可以讓云層給他們帶來雨水。春天玩舞龍是希望人們帶來有利的氣候。在干旱的季節(jié)里舞龍是希望能給他們帶來雨水，在各家各戶舞龍可以趕走鬼魂。因此，風(fēng)俗就這樣傳下去了。