Lion Dance in the year of Rabbit

Chinese New Year 2011 is a year of Rabbit. It fell on the 3rd Feb, this year.

According to the story, once upon prehistoric time,  when the Chinese had already settled in the basin of the Yellow River, their peaceful life was disrupted by a mysterious monster which attacked the citizens, destroyed their crops and homes. According to story teller, the monster occurred after the sun had shown 365 times. It was found that this  creature, called Nien, was afraid of  noise and the color Red. Thus, you’ll hear and sight those during Chinese New Year.

In Malaysia, Lion Dance is an expected event during the new year. The group appear anywhere all around town and county, during this period. They appeared in bright Red with such a loud ‘BING.! BANG.!! of drums and metal plates.

Prior to their arrival, you will be hearing a loud sound of ‘DUM.! DUM.! DUM.! and ears piercing ‘CHENG.! CHENG.! CHENG.! from far. One would know if the lions are getting near to the place where many people would gather to witness and enjoy the performance.

The group came to my office compound recently. I had fun watching those funny lions interacting with their spectators.

While performing their dances, the lions distributes Mandarin Oranges to their spectators. Their moves followed the beat of drums played by their other colleagues.

   

I remember when I was a little girl, in my hometown Lahad Datu(East Malaysia) my parents used to bring me to the Lion Dance performance. Once the lion came near me. I was terrified and screamed all my heart out. Poor little me.

The lion dance, which also called Dragon Dance by some, are usually performed at an open area or at somebody's house compound.

Among the moves those lions are expected to show is their skill, peeling a bunch of Mandarin Oranges. They would be given a big applause by all, base on how fast they could do the task.

 

Next, the hightlight of the event would be and ‘Ang Pow’ climbing.

 

Ang Pow is a Chinese words that means ‘Red Envelope’. The Ang Pow could be hung as high as possible. How fast the lions could get the precious envelop is another thrill awaited to get them another handful of applause. They would not leave before getting the Ang Pow, as thats how they get their pay. The red envelope contains money.

Chinese New Year wouldn't be fun without a Lion Dance. This special celebration continues until the fifteenth day.

Being in a multi-religion and multi-racial country like Malaysia, I feel lucky to have had experienced and joined  many colorful customary celebrations and new years.