The Lion Dance, steeped in ancient Chinese folklore, traces its roots to the myth of Nian, a ferocious beast that terrorised villages each year. According to legend, villagers discovered Nian’s fear of loud sounds and the colour red. Using this knowledge, they crafted a lion figure and performed a spirited dance accompanied by drumming, firecrackers, and vibrant red decorations, successfully warding off the monster.
Over time, this practice transformed into a cherished Chinese New Year tradition. Today, the Lion Dance is a captivating blend of culture and artistry, featuring intricate lion head designs, unique regional styles, and jaw-dropping acrobatics. Performed by highly skilled martial artists, it demands extraordinary strength, agility, and coordination. Beyond its visual splendour, the Lion Dance carries deep cultural significance, symbolising protection against evil spirits and ushering in prosperity, luck, and joy. It stands as a timeless celebration of heritage and a testament to the enduring power of tradition.
1. How Does the Professional Perform the Lion Dance?
In the lion dance, two performers collaborate within a lion costume. One, positioned at the front, supports the head and front limbs, while the other crouches behind, creating the body and hind legs. Their costumes harmonise with the lion’s colours, extending the theme even to shoes resembling lion paws. Accompanied by the resounding beats of drums, cymbals, and gong, the performance serves to ward off evil spirits and usher in good fortune. The dance’s intricate movements align with the rhythm and intensity of the instruments. Modernization introduces electronic devices, offering diverse sounds and beats, thus alleviating the burden of carrying traditional, heavy instruments for the lion dance troupe.
What Is the Meaning of ‘Plucking of the Green’ in Lion Performance?
The “Plucking of the Green” in lion performance is a symbolic act where the lion consumes green vegetables, typically lettuce, during the dance. In Chinese, ‘green’ sounds similar to ‘fortune,’ making it a play on words. The lion approaches the offerings, prancing and stalking before consuming and spitting out bits onto the audience, believed to bring good luck. The act is also accompanied by the lion opening its mouth, symbolically sweeping away bad spirits and inviting blessings. Additionally, offerings often include a ‘hong bao’ or red envelope with money, serving as payment for the lion’s blessings and the lion dance troupe’s performance.
Explore the articles below to find more about Chinese New Year traditions that you can enjoy with your family:
- Best Chinese New Year Activities To Do in Malaysia
- Best Traditional Food for Chinese New Year in Malaysia
- Best Places To Visit in Malaysia During Chinese New Year
- Best Chinese New Year Snacks in Malaysia
7 Best Lion Dance Performance Schedules in Klang Valley for 2025
1. Sunway Pyramid
Get ready to experience the thrill and excitement of the Lion Dance Performance at Sunway Pyramid! Mark your calendars for the 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th, 29th, and 30th of January 2025, all at 3:00 PM. This captivating traditional performance is set to bring joy, prosperity, and good luck as you celebrate the Chinese New Year season. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this vibrant and energetic showcase that promises to add a burst of festive cheer to your day at Sunway Pyramid!
| Lion Dance Performance Dates and Times | 4, 11, 18, 25, 29 & 30 January 2025 (3:00 PM) |
| Address | 3, Jalan PJS 11/15, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Petaling Jaya, Selangor |
| Google Map | Navigate Now |
| https://www.facebook.com/sunwaypyramid/ | |
| https://www.instagram.com/sunway_pyramid/ | |
| Website | https://www.sunwaypyramid.com/ |
2. Mid Valley Megamall
Experience the mesmerizing acrobatic lion dance performances at Mid Valley Megamall, where tradition meets breathtaking stunts! Perfect for families and friends, this spectacle promises to captivate and bring prosperity to your Chinese New Year celebrations.
| Lion Dance Performance Dates and Times | – 12, 13, 18, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31 January 2025 (12:30 PM) – 1, 2, 6 February 2025 (12:30 PM) – 11, 19, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31 January 2025 (6:00 PM) – 1,2, 6 February 2025 (6:00 PM) – 4 February 2025 (10:30 AM) |
| Address | Lingkaran Syed Putra, Mid Valley City, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur |
| Google Map | Navigate Now |
| https://www.facebook.com/p/Mid-Valley-Megamall-100064631141867/ | |
| https://www.instagram.com/midvalleymegamall/ | |
| Website | https://www.midvalley.com.my/ |
3. Sunway Velocity Mall
Experience the exhilarating Lion Dance Performance at Sunway Velocity Mall! Join us on 5th, 26th, and 30th January 2025 at 3:00 PM, and on 29th January 2025 at 11:00 AM for an unforgettable cultural display filled with energy, colour, and festive spirit. It’s the perfect way to usher in the Chinese New Year with good luck and prosperity. Make sure to mark these dates and come enjoy the excitement at Sunway Velocity Mall!
| Lion Dance Performance Dates and Times | – 5, 26 & 30 January 2025 (3:00 PM) – 29 January 2025 (11:00 AM) |
| Address | Lingkaran Sunway Velocity, Sunway Velocity, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur |
| Google Map | Navigate Now |
| https://www.facebook.com/SunwayVelocityMall/ | |
| https://www.instagram.com/sunwayvelocitymall/ | |
| Website | https://www.sunwayvelocitymall.com/ |
4. Pearl Point Shopping Mall
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at Pearl Point Shopping Mall with the spectacular Lion Dance Performance! Join us on 12th January 2025 from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM, and on 26th January and 12th February 2025 from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM for a vibrant display of energy, colour, and festive cheer. Celebrate Chinese New Year in style and immerse yourself in the excitement of this traditional performance, bringing you good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. Don’t miss out – mark your calendars and join the fun at Pearl Point!
| Lion Dance Performance Dates and Times | – 26 January & 12 February 2025 (2:30 PM – 4:30 PM) – 12 January 2025 (3:30 PM – 5:00 PM) |
| Address | Menara Pearl Point 2 No. 2A, Jalan Sepadu, Off, Jln Klang Lama, 58200 Kuala Lumpur |
| Google Map | Navigate Now |
| https://www.facebook.com/pearlpointshoppingmall | |
| https://www.instagram.com/pearlpoint_shoppingmall/ |
5. KL Gateway Mall
Celebrate the vibrant spirit of Chinese New Year with the Lion Dance Performance at KL Gateway Mall! The performances will take place on 12th January 2025 at 11:30 AM, 15th January 2025 at 1:00 PM, 19th January 2025 at 12:00 PM, and 22nd January 2025 at 1:00 PM. This lively and colourful tradition promises to bring joy and good fortune to all. Visitors are encouraged to mark these dates and experience the festive excitement at KL Gateway Mall.
| Lion Dance Performance Dates and Times | – 15 & 22 January 2025 (1:00 PM) – 12 January 2025 (11:30 AM) – 19 January 2025 (12:00 PM) |
| Address | 2, Jalan Kerinchi, Kampung Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur |
| Google Map | Navigate Now |
| https://www.facebook.com/klgatewaymall/ | |
| https://www.instagram.com/klgatewayevent/ | |
| Website | https://www.klgatewaymall.com/ |
6. Sanctuary Mall
Celebrate the Chinese New Year at Sanctuary Mall with an exciting Lion Dance Performance on 12th January 2025 at 10:00 AM! This vibrant cultural performance is a perfect way to usher in the festive season and bring good fortune for the year ahead. Visitors are invited to experience the joy and energy of this traditional dance, adding a lively atmosphere to the celebrations at Sanctuary Mall.
| Lion Dance Performance Dates and Times | 12 January 2025 (10:00 AM) |
| Address | Persiaran Eco Sanctuary, 8/3, Eco Santuari, 42500, Selangor |
| Google Map | Navigate Now |
| https://www.facebook.com/SanctuaryMall | |
| – | |
| Website | – |
7. Pavilion Damansara Heights
Experience the festive joy of the Lion Dance Performance at Pavilion Damansara Heights on 25th January 2025 at 2:00 PM! This lively cultural event is the perfect way to celebrate Chinese New Year, bringing good fortune and festive cheer to all. Visitors are invited to join in the excitement and enjoy the vibrant traditions at one of Kuala Lumpur’s most stylish destinations. Don’t miss out on this spectacular performance!
| Lion Dance Performance Dates and Times | 25 January 2025 (2:00 PM) |
| Address | 3, Jalan Damanlela, Pusat Bandar Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur |
| Google Map | Navigate Now |
| https://www.facebook.com/PavilionDH | |
| https://www.instagram.com/paviliondamansaraheights/ | |
| Website | https://pavilion-dh.com/ |
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