Vietnam shares some of the unique Asian cultures that originated from China, and the Lion and Dragon Dance is one of the most interesting ones. Though similar in concept, the Vietnamese version still has some of its features. Join us as we explore the ins and outs of the Vietnamese Lion and Dragon Dance.
What is the Vietnamese Lion and Dragon Dance?
The Lion and Dragon Dance is a traditional performance popular in China and other Asian countries like Vietnam. The dance mimics a lion’s or a dragon’s movement in the hope of bringing good luck and fortune. In Asian culture, both the lion and the dragon are sacred animals, representing national power and the legend of some countries’ origin (for example, the legend of Vietnamese being descendants of dragons and fairies).
The Origin of the Vietnamese Lion and Dragon Dance
The original lion dance originated in China about 2,500 years ago. Performers wore masks and imitated the movement of animals and mythical beasts, such as the unicorn and phoenix. However, many argue that the dance must have been adopted to Central Asia from other countries since lions have long been extinct in China. The Chinese quickly mastered and developed the art by adding their cultural features (the four sacred animals dance). Then, this folk art was introduced to Vietnam during the China colonial period, along with calligraphy and joss paper burning.
Features of the Vietnamese Lion and Dragon Dance
The Costumes
The costumes used in the Vietnamese Lion and Dragon Dance come in various colors and shapes, but all must have a roaring and powerful look to chase away the monsters and evils. The most common color variations are red, yellow, green, or a combination of the three. The heads of the lion and the dragon are made of paper and cardboard, built around a bamboo frame. Meanwhile, the body and the performers’ costumes are fabric sewn together.
The Performers
The Vietnamese Lion and Dragon Dance is nationally considered not just a folk dance but also a martial art since the performers must be masters of kung fu to effectively and beautifully perform the difficult movements. They say that without kung fu, the dance would be no more than a mere soul-less puppet dance. Hence, the aspiring performers are required to practice heavily and frequently, even when they’re promoted to handle the beast masks.
The Movement
A full performance of the Vietnamese Lion and Dragon Dance must be a marriage of gracefulness, steadiness, and complex moves. The two signatures are the “7-sequence”: 7 consecutive dance moves, and the “three flowers”: symbolizing three flowers to express joy.
The Drum
Believe it or not, the drum is the soul of the Vietnamese Lion and Dragon Dance. The drum used for the dance is called “the Seven-Star Drum”, and can only be played by the master or the second master of the dojo. Each movement of the lion and the dragon must strictly follow the beats of the drum to express the powerfulness and energy of such majestic animals fully.
The Spirit of the Earth
The Vietnamese Lion and Dragon Dance wouldn’t be complete without “Ong Dia”, or the Spirit of the Earth, who is depicted as a jolly man with a palm-leaf fan. He is believed to have the power to summon the mythical animals, and thus, takes the lead role and clears the path for the performers.
Where and When to Witness Vietnamese Lion and Dragon Dance
The Vietnamese Lion and Dragon Dance are performed during the Lunar New Year, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and other Lunar holidays in Vietnam. Some big businesses’ grand openings, weddings, and special celebrations can also include the appearance of this performance.
There’s also an annual International Lion and Dragon Dance Festival in Da Nang held to celebrate Vietnam’s Independent Day on the ground of Sun World Amusement Park.
Time: the end of August-early September
Ticket: around VND 200,000 – VND 300,000 (including buffet)
Enjoy the Vietnamese Lion and Dragon Dance!
Do you love to learn about cultures? If yes, then the Vietnamese Lion and Dragon Dance will amaze you. Its combination of Asian features and a unique Vietnamese twist separates it from other versions that you’ve seen before.