Features of the Hakka Unicorn Dance

What the five-member team does in a unicorn dance: one to move the head, another the tail, and three for the percussion instruments. Musical instruments used in a unicorn dance (from left to right): brass gong, banggu (clapper drum) and brass cymbals. When two unicorns meet, the kung fu masters of the respective teams (seen here in the middle and on the right) would direct them to greet each other through motions. A unicorn greeting the bride. A unicorn outside the Tin Hau Temple.

A unicorn kowtowing to Tin Hau. Demonstration of the “unicorn’s leap” in a festive celebration. “Picking of the greens” – a segment in the “unicorn’s leap” performance. Unicorn dance. The Hakka Unicorn Dance in Hang Hau in Sai Kung.

A young unicorn dance team participating in the celebrations. A young unicorn dance team participating in the celebrations. The standard moves of unicorns taking leave (of each other and of the host). The unicorn that has undergone the “eye-opening” ritual is ready to “come alive”. Musical insturments used in a unicorn dance: Brass Gong.