Thomas Tan
1Utama shopping centre in Petaling Jaya fired up the festive celebrations with a 9-dragon dance performance as part of the mall’s Chinese New Year activities and stage performances for patrons.
The mystical creature is regarded auspicious by the Chinese and believed to bring good luck to people as it symbolises great power, courage and excellence.
Being the dragon year, it is not surprising to see that the dragon dance has gained more prominence than the lion dance as they were engaged to perform during open house, at shopping centres and house-to-house visits to welcome the Chinese New Year.
The nine dragons dance is not common so it was a rare opportunity to see them performing together alongside the lion dance. At 1 Utama, each of the nine dragons was held up on poles by a 3-member troupe and their grand performance attracted great crowds and a host of photographers.
Visitors who gathered to watch the dragon dance performance also received mandarin oranges from the dragons. Mandarin oranges are symbols of wealth and good fortune.
You have seen lion dance where the lion tossed out mandarin oranges from the lion’s mouth. Here, you have to collect the mandarin oranges from the dragon’s mouth when it playfully comes near you.
It is interesting to know there are many legends attached to the nine dragons that not only appeal to children but to adults alike.
For those so who missed out the nine dragons dance for various reasons, there are two more performances next week on 28th Jan at 8pm and 29th Jan at 2pm at 1 Utama. Catch them before its too late.
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Jimmy Tan
