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The dance is believed to dispel evil and bring good luck. A lion dance performance at a family home or a business augurs good luck for the rest of the year. The joyful and fun performances, accompanied by beating drums, are always popular during Tet festivities.
In Asian culture, dragons are considered sacred animals with extraordinary powers symbolizing luck and good omens. Dragons also represent national power, and some believe they are the ancestors of certain Asian people. For example, the Vietnamese have a legend called “Dragon and Fairy Descendant”.
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The dance of the dragons is popular in Hanoi, especially in the districts of Son Tay, Thanh Tri, Trieu Khuc, Ngoc Hoi, Vinh Thinh, Vinh Ninh, Dai Ang, and Vinh Quynh in urban and suburban Hanoi.
Dragon dance festivals in the capital draw the participation of dozens of troupes with dragons from different localities. Some of the acts are meticulously choreographed to include four sacred animals, including the dragon, unicorn, turtle and phoenix, reflecting artistic talent and devotion to preserving traditional culture.
The festivals are community cultural events of great significance that not only provide people with an opportunity to enjoy traditional and folk art, but also contribute to preserving national cultural values and promoting Vietnamese pride.
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Can Dung
