CNY – THE STORY OF LION DANCE
- Yuki Cho
- Jan 25, 2023
- 3 min read
The Meaning and Symbolism of the Lion Dance
Following the Chinese emigration, the lion dance became famous all over the world. The lion dance is very popular in Malaysia, Singapore, and other places where most Chinese traditions have been inherited and vigorously promoted. However, the lion dance in mainland China has been fading day by day.
A story is said to have inspired the Lion dance. Many years ago, in the remote mountains of China, there lived a terrible monster named Nain. It had sharp teeth and claws, some compared it to a lion, others to a dragon, but both agreed it was evil and dangerous.
Nian would awaken from its hibernation every winter as the snow began to melt. Nian would tour nearby villages, eat the grain and animals, and even children. Nothing, not even the most powerful warriors, could stop it. So the villagers began to abandon the village every year before Nian awoke and always came back to it destroyed. But one year, an old man appeared and tied a red ribbon around Nian’s horn and it got tamed and became the protector of the village. Some say it's because Nian is afraid of the colour red. Therefore, started then, when the winter snow starts melted, people will hang red colour ribbons and couplets on their doors, and lit firecrackers to scare Nian away.
Lion Dance in Malaysia
Aside from CNY, we can see Lion Dance at someone's open house or business opening ceremony. The Chinese believe that the Lion Dance can ward off bad luck and bring prosperity to the family and business.
The reason why Malaysia-style Lion Dance is so famous is because of our specialist and unique high-pole lion dance, which is our invention.
In 2007, the Malaysian government declared the high-pole lion dance a "national cultural heritage" to encourage and praise domestic cultural activities. Many domestic organisations in Malaysia are actively applying for the high-pillar lion dance to be included in the list of the United Nations Intangible Cultural Heritage. Including the Dragon Dance and Lion Dance Troupe of Guan Sheng Temple in Muar, which has now collected millions of dollars and signatures in countries around the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and the Philippines. In 2015 November, Malaysia also set a Guinness world record for the highest high-pole lion dance performance with a 120-meter high-stake performance.
What's more exciting is that the lion dance is now welcomed by all races in Malaysia, with many compatriots from other races joining the lion dance team regardless of age or gender.
Malaysian-style Lion Dance is well-known throughout the world, and our Malay and Indian friends are also embracing Chinese culture and joining the crew.
Different countries have different lions
Dragon dance and lion dance are must-see performances in Chinatowns across the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Canada during the Lunar New Year or Chinese New Year celebrations. The lion dance on Japan's main island is said to have been introduced by China. The exact year is yet to be verified. There are also lion dances in the Korean Peninsula, but they are different from Chinese and Japanese lion dances in terms of techniques and outlooks. In Vietnam, the lion dance is known as the unicorn dance (Vietnamese: ma lân), based on the mythical creature kỳ lân, which is similar to the Chinese Qilin. Martial artists and acrobats are usually present to accompany the dance.
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