What is used to represent horses in China traditional operas?

In China's traditional drama, a whip is used to represent a horse.

In traditional Chinese opera performances, whips are used instead of horses, because the stage is small, and because horses are afraid of losing control, some real or simulated objects on the stage will hinder the actors' stage movements. On the stage, an actor only needs a whip, an oar and a military flag, which can enhance his expressive force on the stage and give the audience full imagination.

In China's traditional dramas, people play "wooden horses" to represent horses. Trojans are props used to represent horses in China traditional operas. It is mainly made of wooden frame and covered with brocade, plush and other materials, which has dual functions of plastic arts and sound special effects.

It is understood that the form of "Trojan horse" originated in the Spring and Autumn Period. At that time, people often used horses to celebrate the dead when they bid farewell to relatives and friends or were buried. In traditional dance, "horse stance just look" is one of the basic movements, so "Trojan horse" naturally becomes an indispensable prop on the stage of major operas.

In addition to the "Trojan horse" form, in some Southeast Asian countries, there is another form of performance called "ponytail", which is due to the influence of western culture. This kind of performance is a traditional performance form of the dragon's head and tiger's tail on horseback, which not only conforms to the local cultural atmosphere, but also has a strong interest.

At present, Trojan Horse is not only quoted in China traditional opera stage, but also widely used in other cultural performances, celebrations and other occasions, adding a lot of elegance to the stage effect. At the same time, in Europe and the United States and other countries, some pantomime and musicals often use special "Trojan horses" as props.

Generally speaking, the form of "Trojan Horse" is ancient, but it enriches the role-playing means in China's traditional operas and also increases the traditional cultural charm of the Chinese nation. Taking the representative ponytail as an example, we can see that although the traditional form is difficult to satisfy the aesthetics of contemporary audiences, we can find new forms of expression from it.