What is Dragon Lion Dance? Find out the origin and meaning of the lion – monk – dragon dance custom

Lion dance has long become a traditional art form of the Vietnamese people and is often performed on major holidays and Tet. So where does the origin and meaning of the lion-monk-dragon dance come from? Let’s find out with lassho.edu.vn right away!

What is Dragon Lion Dance?

During major festivals in Vietnam such as the Lunar New Year, the Mid-Autumn Festival, the wedding ceremony, the opening ceremony, etc., we often see lion dance troupes being invited to perform. At present, lion dance has become a familiar street folk art that is loved by many people, especially children.

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Lion dance is associated with three mascots including lion, monk and dragon with the meaning symbolizing luck, happiness, prosperity, … Depending on the meaning and atmosphere of each festival, the lion dance teams will perform suitable songs. Usually, each type can be danced separately or can also be combined with lion dance with monk, lion dance with dragon, …

In addition, Mr. Dia is a character who often appears next to the unicorn group representing the affection between humans and animals. In addition, an important factor contributing to the impressive performance of the lion troupe is the drum sound with different fast and slow tempos.

The origin of the dragon lion dance custom

Dragon lion dance appeared more than a thousand years ago in China associated with folk stories that the ancients passed on to each other. In each locality, the legends are also different because each region has its own culture and beliefs.

Lion dance, lion dance

The custom of lion dance and lion dance is derived from a mythical story in Southern China. The story goes that once upon a time, on a certain beach, the villagers were frequently harassed by a ferocious beast with bulging eyes and big head called the Unicorn.

After that, the people were told by a gentle old man (the embodiment of Buddha) how to make a model of a large animal out of paper and cloth, when the other beast came, it danced with the sound of gongs and sounds. bustling empty. Thanks to that, the villagers were able to chase away the ferocious beast. Since then, on every important holiday and New Year, people in this land dance lion and monk to ward off bad luck and bring more fortune and luck.

Dragon dance

The dragon dance custom comes from a folk tale about a time when a centipede was bitten, the dragon went to find a folk healer. After being treated by a dedicated physician, the dragon returned the favor by dancing a dance to pray for favorable weather and rain.

Later, on important holidays and Tet, people often organize dragon dances to pray for joy, happiness, good weather and good business. Besides dragon dance, there are many other folk arts related to dragons in our country such as dragon palanquin procession, dragon boat racing, etc.

The meaning of dragon lion dance custom

The custom of dragon lion dance has many different meanings depending on the concept of each region, however, the most comprehensive meaning of the dragon lion dance custom is the wish for peace, happiness, luck and prosperity . Also for this reason, lion dance is often performed on major holidays and festivals of the year.

In addition, the image of Mr. Dia always waving his fan, smiling close to the group of unicorns comes from the legend that Mr. Dia (the embodiment of Maitreya) is a monster tamer. After that, every year the New Year came, Mr. Dia went with the unicorn to bless everyone . This symbolizes the process of evil being transformed into good and the deep affection between humans and animals .

The meaning of the number of Lions represented

You may not know, the number of lions performed in each performance also has its own meaning:

• Two Lan dancing together is called Song Hy .
• The Four Lions are the Four Joys .
• The Year of the Pig represents the five elements.
• Seven Dragons are seven colors of the rainbow .
• Nine Lan is a symbol of sacredness and goodness .

Dragon lion dance custom in countries around the world

Vietnamese lion and dragon dance

The lion and dragon dance in Vietnam is similar to the southern region of China and has its own features with unique lion and dragon shapes and unique dances, especially the lion dance of ethnic minorities. Besides, Mr. Dia with his big belly and gentle smile is an indispensable character next to our country’s lion groups. Lion dance performances in Vietnam are often performed at traditional festivals and festivals such as Lunar New Year, weddings, birthdays, etc., especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Chinese dragon lion dance

China is the home of the dragon lion dance custom with many legends about the birth of this street art. In China, the shape of the lion and the dances also vary from region to region.

In particular, the northern lion usually performs in pairs of male and female, the red bow represents the male and the green bow represents the female. Southern lions have an accent horn, made from a variety of materials. In particular, the dances in the North are often more joyful and bustling than in the South.

Japanese dragon lion dance

Japan is also a country with a long tradition of lion dance with many different dance styles and lion designs. In the land of the rising sun, dragon lion dance is often performed at the beginning of the new year to ward off bad luck and bring good luck. Dragon lion dance in Japan has many different variations, creating diversity and uniqueness for this folk art form.

Tibetan dragon lion dance

In Tibet, the lion dance is also known as the snow lion dance, in which the snow lion is considered the symbol of this region. These dances are often performed during the New Year or major festivals, symbolizing goodness, joy, strength and pride. Snow lions in Tibet have pure white fur and a blue mane or green fringe.

Korean dragon lion dance

Dragon lion dance in Korea also has a long history with different variations. In particular, the lion dance is considered an exorcism ritual in this country and is often performed at the beginning of the new year to ward off evil spirits and welcome good luck. In particular, people here also believe that children who sit on lions’ backs to perform will always be healthy and live a long life.

Above is basic information about the origin and meaning of the lion – monk – dragon dance custom , if you still have questions, please leave a comment below!