The Importance of the Lion Dance During Chinese New Year

The Lion Dance is a traditional Chinese dance performed on important occasions such as weddings, business launches and festive occasions for good luck and prosperity, but it is most important during the first 15 days of Chinese New Year. The lions have a direct connection to the heavens, and as well as attracting good fortune and prosperity for the coming year, they are believed to ward off negative energy and evil spirits and to dispel all obstacles to success.

Dancers pair up in Chinese Lion or “Tzi Chi” costumes to imitate the lion’s movements, while performing auspicious rituals that bring superb energies of abundance and celebration.

LION DANCE RITUALS

For lion dances performed during Chinese New Year, a number of rituals are imperative to attract good luck, prosperity and big wealth.

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The lion dance begins from outside the home or office and is then invited onto the premises accompanied by the beating of gongs, cymbals and drums. The lions then proceed to bless the home altar, followed by each room of importance. For business premises, the lions will also bless each worktable. It is customary for employees to place a red packet with money inside beneath an orange on their desk as a “treat” for the lions.

Once all the rooms have been blessed, a popular ritual is the “Rolling in of Gold” ritual.

An abundance of oranges, ingots and gold coins are picked up by the lions, who proceed to gently toss these potent symbols of wealth in through the main door, and further and further into the premises, all the time accompanied by the beating drums. It is important for the oranges, ingots and coins to roll in as far as possible, to ensure deep and lasting wealth for the occupants.

The final part of the dance is the completion ritual. While there are many completion rituals to choose from, our resident lion dance troupe from Ming Kok Dragon & Lion Dance recommend these two for 2023, the coming Year of the Water Rabbit.

PROSPEROUS 4 SEASONS RITUAL – FOR HOMES

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A red paper lantern is placed on a large lacquered tray, along with 3 bunches of fresh lettuce, gold ingots and gold coins. A separate tray will hold 4 large juicy mandarin oranges, 8 pairs of red chopsticks and a bowl of wrapped sweets or candy.

Two lions are tasked to assemble the fruit, lantern and ingots. A mandarin orange is placed on top of 2 pairs of chopsticks at each of the 4 corners to represent prosperity from the 4 seasons. In the middle, the red lantern with lettuce and ingots represent the bringing of plenty of sustenance into the home. This assembly, along with an auspicious sonnet written in gold on red cloth is then presented by the lions to the owners of the home.

GRAND PROSPECT RITUAL – FOR OFFICES & BUSINESS OWNERS

On a red carpet outside the main door, two diagonal lines of 9 mandarin oranges each are set up. These are arranged leading upwards, to represent “climbing up steps”. At the apex are 3 tangerines, 1 pineapple, 3 bunches of lettuce, as well as gold ingots and coins.

During the completion ritual, the lion assembles all the ingredients on a tray to create an effigy of an eagle sitting on gold ingots and coins. The Eagle is the earthly representation of the heavenly phoenix, which brings transformation and new growth. The completed tray, when presented to the bosses or business owners at the end of the ritual, brings the meaning of “Step by step, your staff help to create big wealth and big business”.

LUCKY DATES TO HOLD YOUR LION DANCE

The following are lucky dates during the 15 days of Chinese New Year in 2023 to hold your Lion Dance, based on your Chinese astrological sign.

For our followers in Klang Valley, Malaysia who wish to have lion dances performed in your homes or business premises, please visit our flagship store at 3^rd floor, Center Court, Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur, or call 03 – 2287 9975 to make your booking.