The Lion Dance, rooted in ancient Chinese myths, originated to ward off the monster Nian, feared for terrorising villages annually. Villagers, discovering Nian’s aversion to loud noises and red, created a lion figure, performing a dance with drumming and firecrackers to successfully drive away the monster. Now a Chinese New Year tradition, the Lion Dance has evolved, showcasing unique styles, intricate head designs, and acrobatic stunts. Performed by skilled martial artists, it’s a visual spectacle demanding strength, agility, and coordination. The dance symbolises protection against evil spirits, representing a rich history of folklore and cultural celebration.
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 KL & Selangor Shopping Malls for 2024
1. 1 Mont Kiara
| Lion Dance Performance Dates and Times | 14 January 2024 (Sunday): 4pm 21 January 2024 (Sunday): 4pm 28 January 2024 (Sunday): 4pm 18 February 2024 (Sunday): 4pm |
| Address | 1, Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur |
| Google Map | Navigate Now |
| https://www.facebook.com/1montkiara | |
| https://www.instagram.com/1montkiara/ | |
| Website | https://www.1mk.com.my/ |
2. 1 Utama Shopping Centre
| Lion Dance Performance Dates and Times | 13 January 2024 (Saturday): 8pm 21 January 2024 (Sunday): 3pm 03 February 2024 (Saturday): 8pm 10 February 2024 (Saturday): 5pm 11 February 2024 (Sunday): 3pm 12 February 2024 (Monday): 3pm |
| Address | 1 Utama Shopping Centre, 1, Lebuh Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor |
| Google Map | Navigate Now |
| https://www.facebook.com/1Utama/ | |
| https://www.instagram.com/1utama/ | |
| Website | https://www.1utama.com.my/ |
3. CITTA Mall
| Lion Dance Performance Dates and Times | 13 January 2024 (Saturday: 8pm 04 February 2024 (Sunday): 6pm |
| Address | 1, Jalan PJU 1a/48, Ara Damansara, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor |
| Google Map | Navigate Now |
| https://www.facebook.com/CITTAMall/ | |
| https://www.instagram.com/cittamall/ | |
| Website | https://www.citta.com.my/ |
4. KL Gateway Mall
| Lion Dance Performance Dates and Times | 06 January 2024 (Saturday): 1pm 12 January 2024 (Friday): 12pm 15 January 2024 (Monday): 3pm 12 February 2024 (Monday): 1pm |
| Address | 2, Jalan Kerinchi, Kampung Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur |
| Google Map | Navigate Now |
| https://www.facebook.com/klgatewaymall/ | |
| Website | https://www.klgatewaymall.com/ |
5. Melawati Mall
| Lion Dance Performance Dates and Times | 27 January 2024 (Saturday): 5pm 10 February 2024 (Saturday): 5pm 11 February 2024 (Sunday): 5pm |
| Address | Melawati Mall, Jalan Bandar 12, Taman Melawati, 53100 Kuala Lumpur. |
| Google Map | Navigate Now |
| https://www.facebook.com/MelawatiMallOfficial | |
| https://www.instagram.com/melawatimall/ | |
| Website | https://www.melawatimall.com/ |
6. Suria KLCC
| Lion Dance Performance Dates and Times | 21 January 2024 (Sunday): 5pm 28 January 2024 (Sunday): 5pm 04 February 2024 (Sunday): 5pm 11 February 2024 (Sunday): 5pm |
| Address | 241, Petronas Twin Tower, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur |
| Google Map | Navigate Now |
| https://www.facebook.com/SuriaKLCCMall/ | |
| https://www.instagram.com/suriaklccmall/ | |
| Website | https://www.suriaklcc.com.my/ |
7. 3 DAMANSARA
| Lion Dance Performance Dates and Times | 03 February 2024 (Saturday): 2.30pm |
| Address | 3, Jalan SS 20/27, Damansara Intan, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor |
| Google Map | Navigate Now |
| https://www.facebook.com/3damansara/ | |
| https://www.instagram.com/3damansara/ | |
| Website | https://www.capitaland.com/my/malls/threedamansara/en.html |
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