Of the many colorful Romanian traditions that are brought to life every year, the Bear Dance is one of the most inspiring. This folk tradition dates back to thousands of years ago.
Traditionally, the arrival of the “bears” is announced by a small group of “irozi”, who blow whistles (口哨) to a rhythm set by the head bear tamer (训兽师). Chosen for his leadership skills, the head tamer is the one who decides when each of the acts is played and gives the cues.
The “bears” dance to the beat set by the pan flutes (排萧) and the drums, after practicing for up to three months before the day of the ceremony. Wearing the special costumes requires strength and must be handled with confidence, to look fierce, with the heaviest of costumes weighing up to 50 kilos.
When the person wearing the costume is standing up straight, the “bear” looks up. During the dance, the wearer must bend forward and shake his or her body to the left and to the right while taking small steps either to the front or to the side.
Taking place every winter in villages and cities in Romania’s eastern region of Moldova, the Bear Dance symbolizes the death and rebirth of time. The Bear Dance sees men of all ages, and increasingly more women, who are dressed in real bear skins and dance to the rhythm of pan flutes and drums to drive off evil spirits and ring in the new year. Performed between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, this ancient ritual brings together the whole community, who gather to watch the performance.
By tradition, the procession of the Bear Dance, which includes 6 to 24 “bears”, would visit every family of the village, accompanied by up to three singing bear tamers, several characters wearing women’s clothes and drummers. While this tradition is still observed in many villages, in cities and towns it usually takes the form of a parade that takes place at the end of a major performance in the center.
12. What do we know about the Bear Dance?
A.It is performed by “bears”only. |
B.It is a tradition with a long history. |
C.It is better celebrated in cities. |
D.It is used for sports by the locals in Romania. |
13. How does the Bear Dance begin?
A.A group of people blow whistles. |
B.The head bear tamer dances to a rhythm. |
C.Some performers blow the pan flutes. |
D.Several characters beat drums. |
14. Why do the locals hold the Bear Dance every year?
A.To call on people to protect wild animals. |
B.To celebrate a good harvest in the past year. |
C.To welcome the arrival of the new year. |
D.To provide themselves with a way to have fun. |
15. Which section of a magazine is the text probably taken from?
A.Nature. | B.Travel. | C.History. | D.Culture. |