Not every day, but definitely on special occasions brightly colored lions royally exhibit movements of strength and agility with the grand intention of bringing good luck. Ancient legend has it that the emperor had a dream one night in which a strange animal saved his life. Upon conferring with his ministers the emperor learned that the animal was a mighty beast from the West: a lion. When the people heard of this incident they quickly took it as an omen that a lion meant good luck - it was believed that a dancing lion would chase away evil spirits and demons. Since lions are not indigenous to China the papier-mâché replicas that are carried and manipulated by two "lion dancers" take on characteristics of the Chinese dragon and phoenix. To further help in clearing out bad energy and making room for good luck, drums, cymbals and gongs as well as generous amounts of firecrackers are employed. To give life to the dancing lion requires great amounts of strength, agility and endurance. It is for the reason that lion dancing is associated with kung fu practice.