MALACCA: To usher in Chinese New Year, the Mahkota Parade shopping mall here is showcasing a replica of a Chinese Lion Dance costume, said to be 10 times the size of an ordinary “lion”.
Measuring 4.5 metres in height, 2.3 metres in width and 10 metres in length, the replica was supposed to bring good luck and prosperity to shoppers.
Gao Feng Lion and Dragon Dance Athletic Association founder and chief coach Yong Kheng Chien said the replica was constructed by a 30-man team from his academy, guided by expert craftsmen from China.
“We want to relive the traditional lion dance rituals among the Chinese community as it is becoming a dying art.
“In keeping with tradition, we use bamboo, sheep fur and papers,” he said here.
The record breaking replica will be displayed at the shopping centre’s main entrance from Sunday until March 5.
State Transport and Project Rehabilitation Committee chairman Datuk Lim Ban Hong is expected to launch the eye-dotting and record-breaking ceremony on Sunday.
As a prelude to the event, Yong said the public can look forward to performances by world champion troupes from the Kedah Hong Tiek Lion Dance troupe, Muar Dragon Association; Nam Wah Wushu, Dragon and Lion Troupe and the Johor Dragon and Lion Dance Athletic Association beginning 1pm.
Also present was Mahkota Parade general manager Robert Lewis Machado, who said that organising cultural activities in the shopping centre has been a crowd-puller.
“In conjunction with Chinese New Year, we have lined up an array of activities beginning tomorrow where the third Malaysia-Singapore Traditional Lion Dance championship will be held,” he said.
Thirteen teams from Malaysia and two teams from Singapore, including the champion team from each country will battle it out in the championship which begins at 1pm, witnessed by Malacca Wushu, Dragon and Lion Dance Federation chairman Datuk Gan Boon Leong.
The champion team stands to win a cash prize of RM1,500 whereas the first runner-up and second runner-up will receive RM1,000 and RM500 respectively.
Other performances to be showcased include a traditional mask changing show, an acrobatic lion dance performance, a traditional lion dance and an eight seasonal drums performance.