Both versions consist of 2 performers for each lion, and most performances are done in pairs. The difference between the two lies in the lion’s appearance and the dance and accompanying music. The northern lion dance was used as entertainment for the imperial court and is more popular in the northern parts of China. The northern lion’s head is usually golden in colour and shaped like a lion and has horns and a long snout. It is usually red, orange, or yellow in colour and shaggy in appearance. The northern lion dance is acrobatic and normally performed for entertainment purposes. The northern lion dance makes use of its prancing legs in the dance. The southern lion dance, on the other hand, is much more elegant. It is performed to rid off evil spirits and to summon good luck and fortune. The southern lion is more vibrant in colour. Its head is shaped more like a dragon’s, with large eyes, a mirror on the forehead, and a single horn. Unlike the northern lion, the southern lion makes dramatic head thrusts to the accompanying music. Performers of the southern lion dance usually have martial arts background due to the dance’s higher physical demands.
A proper lion dance is always accompanied by at least 3 Chinese percussion instruments: the drum, gong, and cymbals. The loud music is commonly followed by firecrackers which is a distinctive feature on Chinese festivals and joyous occasions. There will be a scene in the dance where the lion is required to “eat” the lettuce/mandarin oranges/pomelo served. The lion will carefully approach the food to make sure that it is edible or it is not an explosive. Then, it will pick up the food and “chew” it and scatter it all over to spread the prosperity.
Lion dances do not come cheap. The troop will usually set a minimum amount of payment, but the payer can opt to pay more since it is believed that the more generous the payment, the more good luck or prosperity the payer will receive. During the Chinese Lunar New Year, charges vary according to the day of the performance. For example, the price charged for a lion dance performance on the 1st day of the Lunar New Year is higher compared to the 2nd day. Charges also depend on the troop’s experience, number of performers and lions, as well as the stunts requested.
Through my observation all these years, I am glad that I can say that the lion dance is a living art form and that I do not see it losing its value in the near future. This is because there are many from the younger generation taking part since it has been commercialized. The fact that the lion dance symbolizes good luck and prosperity also plays a role in its popularity. However, it is a sad thing to see that this traditional art form has become too commercialized. Over the recent years, the charges of lion dances have increased tremendously. This would mean that not everyone can afford lion dances anymore.
This year, I was lucky to have witnessed both northern and southern lion dances at the Chinese New Year procession at Jonker Walk during my visit to Malacca. It was a fun experience, since it was my first time witnessing the northern lion dance performed live. If I were to choose a favourite, it will definitely be the southern lion dance because the dangerous stunts never cease to amaze me! Which is your favourite?
Jonker Walk
The Southern Lion
The Lion & I
The Northern Lion
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