What is the purpose of Lion & Dragon Dancing?

Traditionally the Chinese use Lion and Dragon dancers as a symbol of auspiciousness to mark key dates such as Chinese New Year or the opening of a new business premises. In the West there has been much talk in recent years of 'space clearing', and the traditional method of clearing an area is through Auspicious Lion and Dragon Dancing. There are a number of meanings in this that tie into good Feng Shui:

1. Chasing away negative energies - the sounding of the drums and cymbals will purify an area of negative and stale chi, allowing a fresh start to be made. They infuse the area with positive Yang Chi - if you haven't watched a live Lion Dance you don't know what you're missing!

2. Scaring away evil spirits - the powerful dance and presence of a Lion or Dragon will be sufficient to scare away evil spirits from a premises, ensuring that business is unimpeded and that your efforts are met with success. Both Lion and Dragon outfits undergo a symbolic "dotting of the eye" ceremony to give them authority, much as if they were given rights by the person who dots their eyes. For example, one of the Nam Yang Dragons had it's eye dotted by the Prince of Edinburgh. As such it is considered probably the most powerful dragon in the UK

3. Bringing in auspiciousness - as symbols of strength and good luck, the presence of a Lion or Dragon on an auspicious occasion will bring good luck

It is exactly because of these refreshing, rejuvenating and rewarding qualities that have made the Dragon and Lion Dance such an integral part of Chinese Culture for thousands of years.