The Lion Dance at Epcot’s China Pavilion explained

The holiday season in China culminates with the Chinese New Year – which will be Feb. 5, 2019 – and that is celebrated with the Lion Dance.

The origin of the Lion Dance is unknown, however, the lion is known to fight off monsters, ghosts, evil spirits and giants, as well as bringing good fortune.

The lion dance is performed by two dancers. Sometimes people might confuse the lion dance with the dragon dance. The way to tell the difference is that the dragon dance is longer and held on poles by many people.

As you learn at the China Pavilion in Epcot, “the movement of the lion’s eyelids, head and mouth symbolize the lion’s vitality and longevity, while the movements of the tail sweeps away last year’s bad fortune.

“A mirror placed on the lion’s head – along with the loud noice of the drums gong, and cymbals – is thought to expel negative energy and evil spirites.

At the end of the dance, the lion unfurls a blessing for the New Year.