About Lion Dance

There are many versions of how the lion dance started.  Some of the earliest depictions of lion dance were during the Han Dynasty period (205 B.C. to 220 A.D in China) and records showed that the dance experienced a glorious peak during the Tang Dynasty (716-907 A.D.) 

It was customarily performed during religious festivals in those early days. The lion dance later spread to Korea and Taiwan, and is now performed in many parts of the world where the Chinese live. 

Lion Dance usually involves two performers (representing the head and tail of the lion) emulating the movements of a lion to the accompanying beat of drums, cymbals and the gong.   The person at the head portrays the emotion and bearing of the lion.  The “tail” person has to ensure that the lion’s tail movements are synchronised with the front as they perform, and while executing acrobatic stunts.   

There are 2 groups of Lion Dance –Northern and Southern – each with distinct differences in their costumes and execution of the dance.     

The lion is believed to possess mystical heavenly qualities particularly when combined with the Five Elements Theory (according to Taoists’ beliefs) corresponding to five main colours (black, white, red, green and yellow); five directions (north, south, east, west and centre); five elements (water, fire, wood,  metal and earth); five planets, five mythical creatures, five seasons….and so on….