Why do the Chinese dress up as lions and run around?

Lion dance is a form of traditional dance in Chinese culture and other Asian countries. Performers mimic a lion's movements in a lion costume to show their worship towards their patron saint. Lion dance is believed to bring good luck and fortune and has been practiced for hundreds of years. It combines martial arts, dancing, and gong and drum performances all into one. The tradition of lion dance is also brought to other areas of the world along with the Chinese immigrants abroad. It is a hugely popular program in South East Asian countries such as Malaysia and Singapore. Also, in the Chinatowns in countries like the UK, US, Canada, and Australia, you can expect to see performances of lion dance.

Editorial note: Lion-dance styles, meanings and performance traditions vary by region, lineage and community.

舞狮是一种东亚民间传统表演艺术，也是一门集武术、舞蹈、锣鼓于一体的综合性艺术。舞狮亦跟随着华人移居海外而闻名世界，马来西亚、新加坡等地相当盛行舞狮，而在英国、美国、澳大利亚、加拿大的中国城或华人街，每年舞龙、舞狮都是必备的节目。