"This afternoon we celebrate the New Year by performing a variety of pieces which feature, whether directly or indirectly, the mighty Shishi or lion."
"[The Shishi] is also the guardian of paradise, believed to drive away evil spirits with the strength that only a lion can have. For this purpose, a lion dance is performed at the beginning of each New Year."
As the music changes, a pair of lions, father and son, arrive at the bridge of stone.
Parent and cub fondly look at each other as butterflies come and hover about, having appeared in order to appease the lions’ hearts. Noticing them, father and son turn to watch their dainty flight and soon begin to snap at them playfully.
The first of the two priests, Rennen, appears; he hopes to to climb the distant Seiryo Mountain to practice religious austerities. However, the mountain is steeper and more rugged than he had heard. So, he stops to rest for a while.
Hennen turns and spots Rennen and calls out to the stranger. The two then discuss their reasons for traveling. With evident delight, Hennen suggests that the two travel together as they are both headed in the same direction.
The mountain’s started rumbling! This is no trifling matter! The ancient lion lives in these parts; surely he is approaching! They can’t just hang around like this! In a panic, the two run and bump into each other and fall to the ground.
Finally, the spirit of the lion enters in his full majesty.
Soon, the Shishi will take his seat upon the lion throne and take his final position as the king among beasts.
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