Chinese Wedding: Lion Dance

Chinese weddings are rich in tradition–from donning red dresses to symbolize luck to having lion dance performances during the reception. In China, the lion dance is a traditional form of dance and dates back to over a thousand years. Not to be mistaken with the dragon dance, the lion dance differs because it is operated by two people, whereas the dragon dance needs many people to perform it. Also, with the dragon dance, the performers’ faces are covered, while you can see the performers holding poles to make the dragon dance.

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The lion is a symbolic animal to many South Asian countries, representing bravery and benevolence. The lion’s appearance and dance style varies from region to region, but the idea remains the same–the dance brings good luck and fortune to the occasion (wedding or business grand opening, etc.) For the dance, the audience may see the dancers hang lettuce or fruits high up for the lion to grab, and the lion would be rewarded with a “red envelope” filled with money. You can also see dancers encourage audience members to offer red envelopes during an event like Lunar New Year to feed the lion!

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Lion dances are very festive and loud since instruments like drums and cymbals are used during the performance. Can you imagine having a lion dance at your wedding?! Not only would it bring great fortune to your marriage, but it would be a wonderful treat for your wedding guests. If you are considering bringing a lion dance troupe to perform at your wedding, we have some tips for you!

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-Like any other vendor, do your research! Figure out how elaborate of a performance you want. Some couples may just want a lion dance to introduce themselves at the reception, while others may want a full performance.

-Know which type of lion dance you want. Traditionally, there is a northern lion with a mane and four legs; southern lions have two to four legs and resemble a dragon.

-Create a scroll that the lion can reveal/unwrap from its mouth during the performance! It can say the couples’ names and the wedding date or something like “Good luck and eternal happiness” in Chinese or Vietnamese or any other language you prefer. (It makes for a great keepsake!)

-Please remember to feed them. Although the performance may only last a few minutes, they will have been there earlier practicing at the venue, and it is an athletic dance.

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