Vietnamese lion dance, also known as Vietnamese dragon dance, has long been a prominent representative of the kaleidoscopic culture of Vietnam. With its vibrant colors, energetic performances, and intricate traditions, this dance has tremendous spiritual values in the hearts of Vietnamese people.
1. What is Vietnamese lion dance? Where does it originate?
Vietnamese lion dance, also known as “Múa Lân” or “Múa Rồng” in Vietnamese, is a traditional art form. This dance often features two Vietnamese good luck animals, namely the lion and dragon. If you are lucky, you may also see the phoenix on rare occasions. It involves performers (or dancers) mimicking the movements of said animals while wearing beautifully and intricately crafted costumes.
Vietnamese lion dance history dates back thousands of years, with many sources deeming it to be 2,500 years old. It is most widely believed to originate from ancient China, although there has been no concrete evidence.
2. The role of Vietnamese lion dance in the local culture
Vietnamese lion dance is not just a captivating performance but also a meaningful art form in Vietnamese culture. To break it down, you can start with the Vietnamese lion dance costume. It takes on the appearance of sacred animals that are considered powerful beings and connected to many legends of the country.
Additionally, the movements of Vietnamese dragon dance are as important as they are mesmerizing. They are intense and powerful, yet swift and flexible, finding a perfect balance that captures the attention of all spectators. These movements are also considered to bring luck and fortune, which explains the occasions that feature Vietnamese dragon dance.
The Vietnamese New Year (Tet Holiday) and Mid Autumn Festival in Vietnam are two most prominent occasions featuring this art form. The Tet Holiday is the most significant occasion in Vietnam. It marks the beginning of a lunar new year and is a time for family reunions, reflection, and a fresh start. On the other hand, the Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. It is a special celebration that also focuses on reunion and harmony.
Generally, these are the meanings for Vietnamese dragon dance:
- Luck and prosperity: Vietnamese lion dance is believed to attract positive energy thanks to the rhythmic movements involved as well as the sacred beasts.
- Community bonding: Performing Vietnamese dragon dances is one of the most exciting communal activities in the country. Especially during Tet, you can expect crowds of up to hundreds of people gathering around a Vietnamese New Year lion dance performance.
- Children’s delight: The performers pay loads of attention to kids because at the end of the day, the art form is about bringing joy to the community. Kids will usually get to interact with the performers, which can be considered a blessing for the children.
3. Features of Vietnamese lion dance
3.1. The performers
A Vietnamese lion dance performance often involves multiple members, each with their own roles. Since they were teenagers, they are trained by senior members to develop the essential skills, agility, and understanding of this sacred art form. For the standard Vietnamese lion dance, there are usually two people wearing the lion costume, one for the head and the other for the body. However, there are many cases where there is only one performer. For the more elaborate Vietnamese dragon dance, it may require 6 – 8 performers or even more, with one controlling the head.
![Vietnamese lion dance The lion dance performers went through rigorous training to become masters of the art](https://static.vinwonders.com/production/Vietnamese-lion-dance-4.jpg)
The lion dance performers went through rigorous training to become masters of the art (Source: Collected)
3.2. The movements
The movements in Vietnamese lion dance are not only graceful but also powerful. They also need to tell a small story which often depicts certain activities of these sacred beasts. Some common movements in a traditional Vietnamese dragon dance are:
- Stretching: The lion may stretch its limbs as if waking from slumber.
- Crouching: Crouching movements convey the lion’s curiosity and playfulness.
- Leaping and pouncing: These movements represent the lion’s agility and strength.
- Interaction with objects: The lion may interact with objects such as oranges, lettuce, and red envelopes.
- Flying: For dragon dances, the performers will pilot the dragon to make tornados or spirals, imitating a dragon flying to the sky.
3.3. The Earth God (Ong Dia)
The Earth God, or “Ông Địa” in Vietnamese, is a pivotal character in the performances. He holds a distinct role in the performance which is believed to bring blessings. This character’s costume usually consists of a signature blue and red mask, as well as a fan and traditional clothing. During the performance, he can interact with the lion or dragon as well as the audience, spreading joy and fortune.
![Vietnamese lion dance The intricacy and discipline in lion dance techniques makes it a sacred art form](https://static.vinwonders.com/production/Vietnamese-lion-dance-5.jpg)
The intricacy and discipline in lion dance techniques makes it a sacred art form (Source: Collected)
>>> Check out the Tet Holiday in Vietnam!
4. Popular types of Vietnamese lion dance performances
Vietnamese lion dance has various forms and styles, each with its unique charm. Some popular types of lion dance include:
- Lion routines: There are solo and group lion dance routines. A group performance can have from two to four lions.
- Pearl-chasing dragon: If you are lucky, you may encounter a Vietnamese dragon dance routine with someone helming a pearl in front of the animal. This is an artistic depiction of the local ancient lore related to dragons and the earth.
- Lion on stilts: Performers dance on tall stilts in this performance, adding an element of risk and excitement.
- Lion on a pole: One performer will don the lion costume and climb on a tall pole. This performance is believed to symbolize people overcoming challenges.
>>> Learn about Vietnamese holidays and their significance for the locals!
5. Other things to explore about Vietnamese lion dance
There are two more elements that enhance Vietnamese dragon dance performances. They are the costumes and music, which adds to the festive and vibrant atmosphere of the performances.
5.1. Vietnamese lion dance costumes
The costumes are works of art on their own, adorned with intricate designs and vibrant colors, symbolizing different qualities. The details of the costume can vary depending on the type of dance and the team. Many colors can be utilized, like red, yellow, white, green, blue, and black, just to name a few. There is usually a set of internal lion dance rules dictating which colors are for which members depending on their experience in the team.
5.2. Vietnamese lion dance music
Music is an essential component of the lion dance. The beats and melodies create an atmosphere that enhances the overall experience. Traditional instruments like drums and gongs are commonly used to accompany the dance. Most dance teams follow one signature tempo, which beckons passersby to come check out the performance. It has become one of the most indispensable sounds in special occasions like the Tet Holiday and Mid-Autumn Festival.
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Vietnamese lion dance is a remarkable representation of heritage, showmanship, and athleticism. Its significance in Vietnamese culture cannot be overstated, as it plays a central role in key celebrations like major holidays and grand openings. The dedication of lion dance teams, the intricate movements, and the vibrant costumes all contribute to a mesmerizing performance that captivates audiences anywhere.