Asian Festivals and Theater Forms

Arts 8Q4 Reviewer

Loi Krathong – This is known as the "Floating Lantern Festival". This is originated in
Thailand, celebrated every full moon of the 12th lunar month/ November. The purpose why it
is celebrated is because originally, it is a Hindu celebration in honor of the Hindu gods which
was adapted. The events during the celebrations is that its participants float the krathong onto
the river and wish for good luck. It symbolizes one's willingness to let go of hatred and anger.
Some of its special features are krathong - a float made with banana plants and is shaped like
a lotus wherein candles, incense, and flower are placed inside.

Yi Peng – This is known as the "Sky Lantern Festival", originated in Thailand, celebrated
every full moon of the 12th lunar month/ November. The purpose for this celebration is to pay
respect to Buddha as a way to be reborn into the next life to enjoy great popularity and purity.
Its events during the celebration is that the participants lit khom loy to send bad luck away or
write prayers or wishes on it. Its special features are; khom loi - sky lantern that made of rice
paper stretched over a bamboo frame with a candle attached at the bas.

Kodo Taiko Festival – This is originated in Japan, celebrated every August. The reason why
its celebrated is that it is a 3-day music festival. Its events during the celebration is that the
traditional drums are played in nontraditional way. One of its special features of this festival is
that it is a taiko-a barrel-shaped drum.

Niihama Taiko Festival – This is originated in Japan. Celebrated every October 16- 18. The
reasons why it is celebrated is because it is a harvest festival in thanksgiving for a good harvest.
One special feature of this is a taiko-a barrel-shaped drum.

Chinese New Year – This is known as the "Spring Festival", originated in China. Celebrated
every 1st lunar month of the Chinese calendar/between January 21st to February 20th. The
reason why it's celebrated is that it's largely a secular holiday, yet it includes rituals and
traditions that derive from Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, as well as from ancient
myths and folk religions. The events; Elders give money to children in a red envelope called
angpao. Families have dinner together. Firecrackers are made to scare evil spirits. Decorations
on doors are common to attract good luck and dragon dance parade.

Lyrical – This is one of the Characteristics of Asian Theater. Where it accompanies music and
________ movement.

Rod – This is one of the Characteristics of Asian Theater. Where it shows the abundance of
puppet plays (shadow, marionettes, ______, hand puppets)

Religion – This is one of the Characteristics of Asian Theater. Where it shows heavily
influenced by _______.

Choreography – This is one of the Characteristics of Asian Theater. Where it preserves

theatrical traditions (costumes, music, makeup, props, script, and ____________).

Storytelling Traditions – This is one of the Characteristics of Asian Theater. That is originated
from religious rituals, animal mimicry, and ____________.
Wayang Kulit – This is Origin in Indonesia. The Stories are based on Ramayana and
Mahabarata Performers. It's Puppeteer or known as "Dalang", the Musicians known as
"Gamelan Orchestra". Its puppets are made of buffalo hide, bamboo sticks. The stage or its
performance is in line screen and a lamp.

Peking Opera – This is Originated in China. The stories are Civil (Wenxi), Military (Wuxi).
The roles Sheng (Gentlemen), Dan (Women), Jing (Rough Men), Chou (Clown). The stage is
a type of square stage with only a curtain, table, and chairs. Its design/make-up uses different
colors with a different meaning to symbolize characteristics.

Kabuki – This is originated in Japan. Its Stories are Jidaimono (historical), Sewamono
(domestic), Shosagoto (dance-drama). The stage is complicated with many parts (hanamachi,
mawari butai, seri, etc). The use of make-up is Kesho (white powder- oshiroi, colored lines -
kumadori), which is only male actors are allowed to play.

Torino Bianca February 27, 2022