The traditional dance performed with a lion costume during Chinese New Year is the lion dance.
In a typical Chinese lion dance, two performers work inside one costume: one controls the expressive head and the other operates the body and tail. Their coordinated movements imitate a lion’s curiosity, playfulness, strength, and alertness. Drums, gongs, and cymbals provide the energetic musical accompaniment.
The performance is traditionally associated with driving away evil and attracting good luck, fortune, and prosperity. During New Year visits, a lion may perform at homes, shops, or businesses. A custom known as cai qing, or “plucking the greens,” involves the lion retrieving lettuce or another auspicious offering, often alongside a red envelope containing money.
The lion dance is commonly confused with the dragon dance. A lion costume is usually manipulated by one or two dancers, whereas a long dragon costume is held aloft by many performers on poles. Northern and Southern lion styles also differ in costume, movement, and performance tradition.