‘Tis the Year of the Dragon, and Lion/Dragon dances will likely be extra popular. Every year I try catch a DRAGON / LION DANCE (舞狮 wǔ shī) to mark the Lunar New Year (10 Feb 2024). Spectacularly loud and boasting vivid colours, they are definitely an invigorating sight. It maybe a familiar sight to Western eyes but it draws a frown, followed by the covering of ears. But the deafening sound, is a necessary part of the tradition.

In 2021, I saw a Lion dance on an Earth Dragon Day pillar, which doesn’t happen every year. The Red and White Lion weaved it’s way through the mall, kicking to the deafening sound of drums and spitting out lettuce in the door of retailers. Seeing so many folks with their ears covered reminded me of how little is known about the Eastern Tradition and the ritual Lion dance and why it’s performed. The 3rd day of the 1st Lunar month is considered auspicious to catch a lion dance. In 2022, the third day of the Lunar New Year, was a Fire Dragon Day, another auspicious day for a lion dance. This year (2024) the first day of the Lunar New Year falls on an identical pillar Dragon to that of the annual pillar! The third lunar day of the year falls on a horse day pillar (12 Feb 2024).

DRAGON DANCE

First off, there’s a few differences between Lion and Dragon dances. Typically such dances are seen during Chinese New Year, but celestial dragon/lion dance are popular at other festivals and celebrations. The street theatre dancers either take the form of a Lion or a Dragon. The later involving the dragon puppet floating above street performers and operated by poles. The two horned head is operated by one dancer, followed by any number of dancers along the body. Some dragons can be up over 90 meters long! Common dragon moves are 'chasing a pearl of wisdom' or 'threading money'. Traditionally only preformed for New Year celebrations but it’s now seen at other times..

LION DANCE

While the Lion dance features a vivid cloaked Chinese Lion costume, operated by a pair of performers, per Lion. Hidden from view, the agile martial arts performers operating the large puppet, vigorously move to the beat.

The older Northern Lion dance differs, with two operating the costume, and it resembles Pekingese dogs rather than Lions. Preformed by two adult lion puppets played by two operators with two cubs played by single dancers. While the Southern version exhibits a Larger Lion, differentiated by a single horn on the papier-mache puppet head. The southern form is commonly preformed outside of China.

The dancer meanders through streets and stop to take part in what’s known as 采青 cǎi qīng (picking the greens). This is when the lion takes a green vegetable tied with a red envelope. The lion attempts to 'spit' out the vegetable and keep the lucky red envelope. The vegetable is often Lettuce as it’s the staple food of lions — And phonetically speaking the word for lettuce sounds like a term for becoming wealthy. The lion puppet eats the lettuce and spits it back out at the business owner/audience, symbolising a wealth and prosperity blessing for the coming year.

SOUND RITUAL

And now to learn of the all important sound. The loud beat is as intentional and it is necessary. The beat of the drum and the deafening clash of sounds of the cymbals together with the face of the Lion; dancing aggressively is said to rid bad or evil spirits. Allowing for a fresh new start to the year, free of malefic influence. On a domestic level folks even clash pots and pans to dispel spirits on the night of the New Lunar Year. The din and racket is expected.

Dragon and Lion dances are also popular for the opening of businesses in Asia. The Dragon is a celestial animal that lives between sky and earth. And the mighty Dragon is said to possess the power to summon water (rain) from over head clouds. Water equals wealth, hence its deliverance of luck and wealth to your door. While a Lion head is reminiscent of Chinese Battle shields they are often hung on the door to protect against evil spirits.

Next time you hear of a Lion Dance coming to town. You can Look, Listen and appreciate its ritual purpose.

For more Chinese New Year lore check out the lastest solar term post.

Living eye to eye with ancient wisdom

- FENG SHUI ISM