Within the rich cultural legacy of Vietnam, there is a mesmerizing artistic form that has evolved into a heritage: Vietnamese lion dance, sometimes referred to as Vietnamese dragon dance. Many important events in Vietnamese society depend on lion dance in Vietnam. It not only highlights the rich legacy of the nation but also adds festivity and solidarity to events ranging from ancient celebrations to modern celebrations.
What is lion dance in Vietnam?
Vietnamese lion dance, sometimes known as Vietnam dragon dance, is a symbolic performing art combining theatrical with dance components. This fascinating artwork features expert motions and colored lion costumes. Two dancers synchronize to animate a lion moving, copying the rapid and deft motions of those animal.
Vietnamese dragon dance suggests removal of evil spirits and blessings for happiness. In Vietnamese folk celebrations and special events, it is really vital. It highlights the actors' talent and provides a strong portrayal of the values firmly ingrained in conventional Vietnamese society.
Full frame shot of traditional mask
History of Lion dance in Vietnam
Although many sources estimate Vietnamese lion dance history to be 2,500 years old, it dates thousands of years. Though there is no hard data, most people agree it started in ancient China.
Legend has it that a man-eating beast once upon a time showed up annually during the full moon of the 8th lunar month.
A monk came to help the community eradicate this nasty trespassing. One of his students, dressed in a vivid scarlet, wielded a magic fan to drive back the beast repeatedly. To frighten the monster off, the other students loudly hit gongs and drums.
The Chinese have created various variants from this myth. Those who pounded drums and banged gongs became other players in a lion dance troupe. The savage beast was transformed into a lion, the monk clothed in scarlet was converted to the deity of land named Ông Địa in Vietnam.
Lion dance show
You often seen Vietnamese dragon and lion dance during the Tet Holiday, opening ceremonies, and the Mid Autumn Festival are lion and dragon dance groups. A Vietnamese lion dance costume has to capture the four respected traits of the Four Sacred Beast: the turtle's tail, the phoenix's eyebrows, the lion's snout, and the dragon's jaw.
People are supposed to get good fortune and wealth via this dance. Therefore, it has been a fundamental component of Vietnamese customs.
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Features of Lion dance in Vietnam
1. Vietnamese lion dance music
The music accompanying lion dance in Vietnam improves an already amazing performance. The lively track for the lion dance is created by the rapid pace music combining numerous traditional instruments. Usually they comprise big drums, cymbals, and gongs.
These instruments together create a vibrant sound that harmonizes with the motions of the lion dancers. The music not only offers background but also suggests the several lion actions.
2. Vietnamese lion dance outfit
Usually, the outfit comprises of a lion's headgear with expressive eyes and a moving mouth. Often featuring ornamental accents including feathers, fake fur, and vibrant fabric, the headpiece creates a dynamic and arresting look.
Usually ornamented with delicate dangling tassels and bells, a fabric-covered construction supported the lion's body by a wooden or bamboo frame. Usually, the outfit is vivid and has mostly red, gold, green, and blue. Wearing this outfit, the actors gracefully move it to create the image of a live lion.
Traditional Lion dance costumes
3. The gestures of the lion
The lion dance in Vietnam uses a set series of coordinated motions. Usually, they include of spins, jumps, and other easily performed motions by the gifted dancers. They also include strong motions that cause the lion bow, stretch, or even rear up on its limbs.
The dancers need many days to memorize the simplest moves. To coordinate properly with their colleagues and identify whatever section of the performance, they have to listening to the drums.
4. The musicians
Usually two professional dancers do lion dances. They controls the lion's head and its body. The two dancers move in unison using the dynamic motions of a large animal. This cooperation demand for exact timing, which causes the lion to come to life vibrantly.
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When and where should you experience lion dance in Vietnam?
1. Lunar New Year Celebrations
Tet (Lunar New Year) is one of the largest holidays in Vietnam, it is when houses and streets come alive with joyful activity. A highlight of this festival is definitely lion dance performances. The lion is thought to drive away evil spirits, therefore embracing a new beginning loaded with luck and happiness.
Vietnam Lion Dance events abound in markets, city squares, even outside private residences. These performances represent a fresh start and best wishes for the next year.
Where to watch:
- Hanoi: Old Quarter, around Hoan Kiem Lake, Dong Xuan Market
- Ho Chi Minh City: District 5 (Chinatown), Thien Hau Pagoda and along Tran Hung Dao Street.
- Hoi An Ancient Town
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Lunar New Year with Lion dance
2. Mid Autumn Festival
You can find the Lion Dance in Vietnamespecially delightful during the Mid Autumn Festival. Celebrated as Tết Trung Thu, this event features mooncakes, lantern parades, and Lion Dance presentations.
Excited children follow the lion dancers while carrying vibrant lanterns as the artists move in lighthearted, dynamic manner.
Where to watch:
- Hanoi: Old Quarter
- Ho Chi Minh City: Chinatown
- Hoi An Ancient Town
- Can Tho: Ninh Kieu Wharf
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3. Weddings and engagements
Lion dance events are sometimes incorporated into Vietnamese wedding festivities as a means of blessings for the couple on money, health, and happiness. Usually, the dance welcomes guests by being done at the venue's entrance or reception.
The lions, dressed in red and gold (colors symbolizing luck and prosperity), perform dynamic moves while the music fills the air with excitement. Many people think great significance in this custom in guaranteeing a harmonic and successful marriage.
4. Grand openings and business events
A Lion Dance performance is usually part of the celebration when a new company launches or marks a major achievement. The lion's dance is supposed to promote success, fend off bad energy, and draw wealth.
From big companies to little stores, this companies pay Vietnamese lion dance teams to perform on their place. Usually performing in front of the workplace or store, the lions move about the area engaging with and interacting with the space to symbolize the spreading of good fortune.
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