The sight of a lion dance troupe accompanied by the rhythmic beats of a drum is a familiar and cherished image in Vietnam. Whether during Tet, business openings, or the Mid-Autumn Festival, the lion dance is a vibrant and integral part of Vietnamese culture. It symbolizes the desire to bring prosperity and happiness to the homeowner and the community.
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The Lion’s Roar: A Cultural Tradition

The lion dance is traditionally performed during Tet holidays, as well as various cultural, religious, and festive occasions. It is also a common feature at business openings, anniversaries, and weddings, serving as a gesture of goodwill and gratitude to the hosts. The lion dance has its roots in Chinese street dance, where the trio of lions, monks, and dragons symbolizes prosperity, happiness, and good fortune. As Chinese culture spread to Vietnam, the custom of lion dancing became increasingly popular.
Myth and Legend: The Story Behind the Lion Dance
The lion dance and its accompanying characters originate from an ancient Chinese legend. According to the story, a beast would appear during the full moon in August, causing panic among the villagers. A monk from a distant land came to help the people by giving his disciple a large belly, dressing him in bright red, and arming him with a magical fan to ward off the beast. The sound of drums and gongs was used to frighten the beast away.
Over time, this practice evolved into an art form used to pray for peace and drive away bad omens. The lion dance has since become a beloved tradition, bringing joy and cultural richness to Vietnamese celebrations.
Beyond the Performance
The lion dance is not only a captivating art form but also a symbol of prosperity for the remaining months of the year. Depending on the occasion and festival season, the lion dance can vary, featuring different performances that may include dragons and lions, both individually and collectively, to create a harmonious trio.
The name of this art form varies by region. In the North, it is often referred to as the lion dance, while in the South, it is commonly called the dragon dance. This performance is especially popular before the Mid-Autumn Festival, typically taking place on the nights of the 12th and 13th lunar months, with the peak of activity on the 14th and 15th lunar months.

In Vietnam, the lion dance during the Mid-Autumn Festival is a source of joy for children, creating beautiful memories. On the full moon days of August, the streets come alive with colorful lanterns, bustling crowds, and the resonant sound of drums, bringing happiness to both children and adults.
Historically, when Vietnam was primarily an agrarian society, families were engaged in rice farming. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, parents and grandparents had the rare opportunity to relax and enjoy the festive atmosphere with their children and grandchildren. The lion dance was seen as a wish to dispel bad omens, bring good luck, and ensure a bountiful harvest for the coming months. Thus, during the Mid-Autumn Festival, the sound of drums, whistles, and children’s cheers heralds the arrival of vibrant dragon and lion dance performances, adding to the festive spirit.
A Global Phenomenon
In China
The Chinese lion dance is performed by two dancers in a lion costume, similar to a pantomime horse. One dancer controls the head and front limbs, while the other manages the back and hind legs. The performers’ legs are dressed to match the lion’s body, sometimes extending to shoes shaped like the lion’s paws. The lion head is typically oversized and dragon-like, resembling many stone lions in China.

Accompanied by the music of beating drums, clashing cymbals, and resounding gongs, the lion dance imitates a lion’s movements or showcases martial arts agility, depending on the style.
In Vietnam

In Vietnam, the lion dance has been depicted in the Dong Ho Painting line, with an inscription in Nom script reading “Phụng Lân,” describing a lion dance similar to those performed during festive occasions like the Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival. The typical Vietnamese lion dance often includes boxers and acrobats, along with a character known as Ông Địa (The Earth God), who has “big ears, a big face, a big belly, and a smiling mouth.” He holds a stick with a ball on top and waves a fan in the other hand.
In Japan

The Japanese lion dance, introduced from China during the Tang Dynasty, was initially performed during the celebration of the Buddha’s birth. It has since become a Japanese tradition with various dances, styles, and lion designs depending on the region. The Japanese lion, or shishi-gashira (lion head), features a wooden head lacquered in green-dyed cloth with white flowers, and the dance costume is designed for a single performer.
In South Korea

In Korea, the lion dance, also known as “the annihilation,” began as an exorcism ritual performed on New Year’s Day during the Goryeo Dynasty. The Korean lion dance features a large lion mask with a humorous face and brown costumes. It is often performed alongside other masked performers, with eyes painted yellow to ward off negative spirits.
In Indonesia

Although introduced from China, Indonesians have developed their own style of lion dance, known as barongsai. It is usually performed during the Lunar New Year and varies in form and style depending on the region, particularly in Bali and Java. The Barong dance in Bali includes several forms such as Barong Ket or Barong Keket, Barong Landung, Barong Bangkal, and Barong Macan.
Everything About Vietnamese Lion Dance
Music and Instruments
The Vietnamese lion dance is accompanied by an ensemble of musical instruments, including drums, cymbals, mule bars, and gongs. These instruments synchronize perfectly with the lion’s movements and actions. Nowadays, music can also be played via phones, tablets, laptops, and mp3 players.
Costume
Lion dance costumes, popular in Southeast Asia, are typically customized at specialized craft shops in the region and must be imported at a significant cost to countries outside Asia. In countries like Malaysia, which has a sizable Chinese population, “lion” costumes and musical instruments are readily available without needing to import them from China.
Performance

A typical lion dance performance involves a group of performers. One person wears a paper lion head with a long tail made of colored cloth, which is fluttered by another person. They dance to the beat of the drum, imitating the lion’s movements. Additionally, there are people who carry cones to guard the lion’s head, and the indispensable figure of Mr. Di.
There are various types of lion dances, including:
- “Độc Chiếm Ngao Đầu”: This dance symbolizes the majesty and courage of a great general or hero, showcasing rhythmic movements, high jumps, and climbing skills.
- “Song Hỉ”: Two lions, representing husband and wife or the harmony of heaven and earth, express joy and pleasure.
- “Tam Tinh”: Three lions dance together, symbolizing prayers for blessings, fortune, and longevity, represented by the colors yellow, red, and black.
- “Tam Anh”: This dance symbolizes the bond and love between Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, showcasing their heroism and greatness.
- “Tứ Quý Hưng Long”: Four lions dance together, representing the four seasons and four directions, with lions in white, yellow, red, and black (or blue), symbolizing abundance, longevity, health, and happiness.
Conclusion
The Vietnamese lion dance is celebrated in various forms of literature and music, including poems and children’s songs such as “Múa lân” and “Đêm Trung thu.” These cultural expressions highlight the significance and joy of the lion dance in Vietnamese traditions.
We hope this article has provided you with a deeper understanding for the beauty of the Vietnamese lion dance. Follow us to explore more Vietnamese cultural events and activities: https://www.facebook.com/vlstudies