Dances with Lions

During Chinese New Year, one should be prepared to hear the clanging of cymbals, the thumping of drums and the loud booms of the gong. This is the signal of a lion dance performance - arguably one of the most exciting aspects of the New Year celebration.

Going back to the belief that loud noises ward off evil and malicious spirits, the lion dance is at the same time an act and a ritual that stretches back to more than 1,500 years. It is common for businesses to invite a lion dance troupe over during the New Year to perform, as it is believed to help usher in good luck or - at the very least - keep bad luck out.

The lion dance is a feat that requires full concentration, coordination, rhythm and harmonisation between the two performers in the lion costume and the rest of the troupe who are playing the instruments to which beat the lion must dance. The climax of a lion dance performance is the choy cheng, which is when the lion “eats” an object resembling a green vegetable.