Tiger Two-Step

In China, there is a tradition of dancers wearing masks to resemble animals or mythical beasts such as dragons, fish, or phoenixes while dancing to mimic these creatures' movements for good luck and fortune. These dances are an integral part of Chinese New Year celebrations and weddings and many cultural and religious festivals. The large elaborate masks are often made of paper-mache over a bamboo frame and then beautifully painted and adorned with layered cloth, feathers, and fur. Equally colorful costumes accompany the masks, and the dancers shake, leap, and twirl to the vigorous rhythm of powerful drum beats.

During the Chinese New Year, troupes of dancers visit houses and shops in the community to perform a dance called cai qing (採青), plucking the greens, which will bring good fortune to the home or business offering the greens. Originally, the cai qing referred to lettuce, but now the greens can be fruit, seafood, or even beer. The lettuce is hung on a pole for the dancers to pluck. The challenge is to remain in the animal's character and stay within the dance. Rewarded with money in a red envelope tied to the greens to the Dancer, the more complex the challenge, the greater the reward and good fortune.

To bring you good luck, good fortune, and a prosperous New Year, OHM has created this fantastic series of Chinese Zodiac animal mask beads to collect for your bracelet. The jaw articulates, and you can imagine the dancers inside leaping, shaking, and stepping rhythmically to the pulsing music! Collect them all.

2022 is the Year of the Tiger. Tigers hold a prominent place in Chinese culture. So dance the TIGER TWO-STEP onto your bracelet to pluck the greens of wealth, good fortune, and prosperity in the coming year!

Collect all twelve in the years to come. Now that's something to look forward to!