The unique significance of the lion dance tradition during Tet (Vietnamese New Year).

Every spring, amidst the golden apricot blossoms, red couplets, and green sticky rice cakes, the lively sound of lion dance drums resounds, signaling the approaching Lunar New Year. This familiar "cắc tùng xen, cắc tùng xen" sound not only enlivens the spring atmosphere but is also deeply intertwined with the spiritual life of many communities, especially the Chinese community.

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For them, lion dance is not simply a performance but also carries the meaning of wishing good fortune, attracting wealth and blessings, warding off bad luck, and ushering in a prosperous new year.

Lion dance for good fortune

In Chinese folklore, the Qilin is one of the four mythical creatures: Dragon, Qilin, Turtle, and Phoenix, symbolizing benevolence, peace, and prosperity. Compared to the other mythical creatures, the Qilin carries a strong auspicious meaning and is considered an "enlightening" creature, as its appearance is often associated with good omens and significant events.

The Lion Dance and Ông Địa (Earth God) perform a New Year's greeting dance by the Quý Anh Đường Lion Dance Troupe (Bạc Liêu Ward).

According to Chinese legend, the appearance of a Qilin (mythical creature) heralds the birth of a sage. Legend says that before Confucius was born, a Qilin came to his house and spat out a jade book, hence Confucius was also known as "Qilin Son." Anecdotes like "Qilin spitting out a jade book" or the image of "Qilin delivering a child" in folk New Year paintings also stem from the wish to have a virtuous and successful child.

Despite its fierce appearance, horned head, bright eyes, ability to fly, run, walk on water, and breathe fire, the Qilin is considered a gentle and harmless mythical creature. Therefore, it is also regarded as a symbol of benevolence, protection, and good fortune. Since ancient times, many regions in China, especially the Jiangnan area, have had the custom of displaying Qilin images in front of their homes during the spring to pray for peace and safety.

From that belief, the custom of lion dance and bringing lions into homes during Tet (Lunar New Year) was formed and spread. People believe that the lion coming to their home brings good fortune and prosperity. Lion dances are not only performed during Tet but also at important events such as grand openings, groundbreaking ceremonies, construction commencements, and major festivals, with the hope that everything will start smoothly.

Tourists enjoy the lion dance performance and the tradition of picking lucky branches at the beginning of the year.

Closely associated with the Lion Dance is the image of Ông Địa (the Earth God), an indispensable character in traditional Lion Dance performances. According to a folk legend, the Lion Dance was originally a ferocious beast, often appearing during Tet (Lunar New Year) or the Mid-Autumn Festival to harm people. Maitreya Buddha transformed into Ông Địa, holding a spiritual herb to tame the Lion Dance, transforming it from a carnivorous animal into a gentle creature. Since then, every spring, Ông Địa leads the Lion Dance down from the mountain to stroll, bringing joy and good fortune to people.

Therefore, the image of Ông Địa (the Earth God) with a joyful smile and a fan in his hand is considered a symbol of happiness and dispels misfortune. The custom of hanging red envelopes and bunches of cabbage for the Qilin to "eat" during Tet is also believed to originate from the legend of the Qilin eating grass, signifying a wish for wealth and prosperity.

Lion Dance Drums - the "soul" that creates the rhythm and spirit of the lion dance troupes.

The meticulous training and preservation value of lion dance

Behind the vibrant and graceful lion dances lies an incredibly elaborate training process. To prepare for the Lunar New Year lion dance season, lion dance troupes typically train for 3-4 months, practicing many complex movements such as the lion eating coconuts, the lion climbing bamboo, and the lion walking on plum blossom trees. In the past, many troupes even carried bamboo poles tens of meters high to climb and retrieve lucky money envelopes hanging on tall buildings – a challenge requiring endurance, technique, and seamless coordination.

Although some daring acts like climbing bamboo to retrieve a lion are no longer popular today, traditional lion dances are still preserved, such as the Lion Jump, Lion Playing with a Ball, Lion Sleeping, or Lion Dance on Plum Blossom Platform. Lion dance is not an impromptu activity but is clearly divided into many different routines, each with its own meaning.

Lion dance performance to inaugurate a fashion store at Vincom Bac Lieu Supermarket.

For example, a lion dance with movements resembling the Chinese character "Ding" or "Bat" represents a solo performance, symbolizing the aspiration for advancement and success. Two lions dancing together represent double happiness, symbolizing double joy and enduring marital love. Three lions represent the three auspicious stars of Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity, or a sworn brotherhood; four represent the four auspicious animals; five represent the five blessings… Depending on their beliefs and wishes, homeowners will choose the appropriate number of lions.

When talking about lion dance, one cannot fail to mention the lion dance drums, considered the soul of the entire dance troupe. The drummer acts as the "conductor," controlling each rhythm of the dance, sometimes fast-paced and energetic, sometimes slow and graceful. The drumming not only guides the movements but also conveys emotions, creating excitement for the dancers. Conversely, the powerful and majestic movements of the lion also stimulate the drummer's creativity, transforming the drum rhythm to make it more lively.

It can be said that, in the context of modern life, where firecrackers no longer resound during the spring festival, lion dance has been and continues to contribute to creating a vibrant and distinctive spring atmosphere. Preserving and promoting this folk art form not only safeguards traditional cultural values ​​but also enriches the spiritual life of the community during each Tet holiday and spring season.

Lam Hy

Source: https://baocamau.vn/y-nghia-doc-dao-cua-tuc-mua-lan-ngay-tet-a126090.html