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Did you know that the lion dance was banned in Malaysia for a period of time?
This Chinese New Year, Tatler dives into story of how lion dance came to be and what propelled it to international acclaim. Read our in-depth interview with Siow Ho Phiew, founder of Wan Seng Hang Dragon and Lion Arts Centre, an institution keeping the tradition alive in Malaysia.
While we were researching this topic, we came across fun facts about lion dance that make for an interesting read.
Related: Yee sang: The ingredients, their symbolism and the auspicious greetings
From overlaps with martial arts to the creation of its elaborate obstacle courses, find out more about everyone's favourite Chinese New Year tradition below.
1. Malaysia has its own take on the traditional southern design of the lion's head
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Many troupes in Malaysia practise the southern lion dance. Originating from Guangdong, China, the southern lion's design may have been inspired by the legend of nián, as it sports a single horn on the top of its head. While traditionally constructed with papier-mâché over a bamboo frame, which is then covered with gauze that is painted and decorated with fur, the ones we see today in Malaysia are noticeably different.
Made of a rattan frame and decorated with different types of animal fur, which can be found dyed brilliantly in a variety of colours, this particular version of the southern lion in Malaysia is the first of its kind. This design was pioneered by Siow Ho Phiew, who took a shine to the art form in his younger years and has since become a mentor to the younger generation of dancers at the award-winning Muar-based Kun Seng troupe.
2. The northern-style lions are made to resemble Pekingnese or Fu dogs
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The northern style is vastly different in terms of design and movements. Inspired by martial arts, performances are more acrobatic and playful—done in pairs to represent female and male lions. The design of the lion's heads are made from wood with more angular features compared to its southern counterparts and red-and-yellow manes along the head and body. However, the male has a red bow on its head, whereas the female often sports a green bow.
3. The poles have only gotten taller in time
Above Lion dance and confetti during Chinese New Year celebration
Lion dance and confetti during Chinese New Year celebration
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In 1983, the first ever jongs—the tall, wooden poles with circular rubber platforms that allowed lion dance performers to balance themselves as they leaped from one pole to another—were introduced in a Malaysian lion dance competition. The original poles, called Mei Hua or Plum Blossom poles, were 0.8 metres in height and 0.2 metres in width. Today, however, poles no lower than one metre and as tall as six metres can be found in international high pole lion dance competitions.
4. It was briefly renamed to 'tiger dance'
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In the 1970s, the lion dance was regarded as not being representative of Malaysia. Because of this, it was forcibly changed into a 'tiger dance' instead, and the original lion dance was banned, saved for its appearance during Chinese New Year. It wasn't until the 1990s that the ban was lifted. And it just goes to show that no matter where it is performed or who it is performed by, the lion dance endures.
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Usually found at home and one with her couch, Koy Yi would either crack open a good book or game in her spare time to wind down after a long day. She also loves to scour art conventions and book fairs alike when she's able, collecting art books of all regions to gain inspiration for her own illustrations. With a keen interest in people and the stories they tell, she enjoys a good talk and a good laugh (preferably over food). Follow her on her Instagram @peiyi57.
