IUMW celebrates CNY with Lion Dance

IUMW hosted a lion dance performance recently to celebrate the auspicious Chinese New Year with its staff, students, and stakeholders.

The Lion Dance is a form of traditional dance in Chinese and other Asian cultures in which performers mimic a lion's movements in a lion costume to bring good luck. With a rich history of over 1,000 years, it is performed at auspicious occasions to usher in good fortune and wealth, and ward off evil spirits.

According to Chinese mythology, once every year at the beginning of Chinese New Year, the Nian, a beast that lives under the sea or in the mountains, comes out of its hiding place to feed, mostly on men and animals. During winter, since food is sparse, he would go to the village. He would eat the crops and sometimes, the villagers.

Some legends attribute the Chinese lion dance to the legend of the Nian, which also means “new year”. The tradition has its origins in a story of a Nian's attack on a village. After the attack, the villagers discussed how to make the Nian leave them in peace. Since it was discovered that the beast was afraid of the colour red, people would put red lanterns and spring scrolls on their windows and doors. They would also leave food at their doorstep in a bid to divert it from eating humans.

Therefore, the traditions of firecrackers, red lanterns, and red robes found in many Lion Dance portrayals original from the plan the villagers had in which drums, plates, and empty bowls were hit, red robes were worn, and firecrackers were thrown, causing loud banging sounds that they hoped would intimidate the Nian.

Celebrating the university's rich cultural diversity, IUMW hosted a lion dance performance for good fortune for the institution, staff, and students. Lions toured the university premises along with loud rhythmic percussion sounds, ushering in good fortune to the university, students, and staff alike. For this festive season, IUMW wishes everyone who is celebrating this occasion a Happy Chinese New Year. To all students who have just joined our February intake, welcome to IUMW!

Looking for an institution where you can gain a tertiary education with a rich cultural experience? Consider IUMW for your personal and career development with us! To learn more, visit our website www.iumw.edu.my, email us at [email protected] or call us at (+603)-26173131 for more information, and begin your journey of education excellence with us!