Lion Dance Costume and Movements

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….

The lion costume embraces these elements and symbolisms:

-  The lion’s vitality and longevity is expressed through the winking of its big eyes and the continuous movement of its head.

-   A mirror is attached to its head to deflect negative energy, evil and bad spirits – since it is believed that spirits would look into the mirror and be frightened off by their own appearance.

-  The bird shaped horn represents the phoenix – the symbol of rebirth and one of the five mythical creatures.

-  The ears and tail are of the unicorn – sweeping away bad fortune and unpleasant things from the past.

-  The lion walks back and forth, in a zigzag path to confuse evil spirits.

-  Eating of the greens (cai qing) – the lion has to use its skills to conquer obstacles and to reach the greens (a head of lettuce and red packet with cash inside or a calligraphy scroll).  It “eats” the greens and spews the shredded greens to all present.  The word “cai” sounds similar to the word for prosperity “cai”.  And thus, “eating the greens” symbolises overcoming obstacles, acquiring and spreading of wealth and prosperity.