What You Need to Prepare for a Successful Lion Dance Performance

5 Steps to Prepare for a Lion Dance Performance

1. Prepare the Cai Qing Setup (Plucking of the Greens)

Cai Qing is the highlight of most lion dance performances in Singapore. It’s a symbolic act where the lion “plucks” the greens to bless your space with good fortune and new beginnings.

People usually place the Cai Qing setup at the entrance, reception area, or the most important part of the office or home.

What you'll need:

• 1x Lettuce (Preferably Iceberg or Romaine)
• 12x Mandarin Oranges
• 2x Ang Bao (Amount is up to you)
• 1x Red Plate (Big enough to place all the items)

During Cai Qing, here’s what to expect:

‍The lions will approach the greens, inspect them and eventually “eat” them. They’ll peel or arrange the oranges and reveal a four-digit number, which many people take as a sign of luck for the year. The lion will then present the lettuce back to you by throwing it out of the mouth, symbolising fortune being returned.
‍
💡 Tip: When the lion bows to you, lightly touch its head or mane. Many believe this brings personal good luck!

See here for the Types of Lion Dance Offerings During Chinese New Year in Singapore

2. Get Ready for the VIP Photo Segment

After the Cai Qing ritual, the performance usually flows into a short photography session. This is a great chance to capture meaningful moments.

Here’s how it usually goes:

1. The VIP, boss or homeowner stands forward.
2. The lions unfurl auspicious scrolls with blessings such as “Gong Xi Fa Cai” or “Great Fortune Ahead.”
3. Everyone poses for photos, followed by group shots with staff, family members or departments.

Companies often use these photos for internal newsletters or festive social posts. Families simply enjoy the memory.

3. Prepare Your Office or Premises for the Blessing Walk

Once the formal segment is done, the lions move around the premises to bless each area. This part feels lively and personal, especially in an office environment.

A. For regular desks or workstations

‍Place the following on each desk:

• 2x Oranges
• 1x Ang Bao (Amount is up to you)

The lion will tap or “eat” them to bless the workspace.

B. For the boss or director’s office

Prepare the same items, plus:

• 1x Calculator

The calculator symbolises blessing the numbers for the company, supporting smooth finances and growth in the year ahead.

C. For shops, restaurants or homes

Place oranges and ang baos near important areas such as cashiers, shelves, dining zones or entryways. This encourages symbolic wealth flow.

4. Clear Some Space for Safety and Smooth Movement

Lion dance performances can be energetic, so a bit of preparation goes a long way.

Before the troupe arrives:

• Make sure walkways are open
• Move fragile items to a safe spot
• Guide guests or staff to stand around the performance area
• Keep children close for safety
• Ensure the entrance is clear enough for the lions to enter dramatically

A professional troupe will help guide the movement, but clearing space ensures everything runs smoothly.

5. Check Performance Details with the Troupe Beforehand (IMPORTANT)

To avoid any surprises on the day, it’s helpful to go through a short checklist with your troupe:

• Start time and length of performance
• Areas they need to bless
• Cai Qing items: who provides what
• How many lions will be present
• Whether banners or scrolls are included
• Space required for the drum team
• Photo-taking segment arrangements
• Sound limitations (important for offices)

Once these are confirmed, your event will flow easily from one segment to the next.

Optional Add-Ons to Enhance the Experience

Many clients add extra touches to make the performance even more festive. Some popular options include:

• Dragon dance entrance
• Additional Cai Qing setups for multiple doorways
• Custom scroll messages featuring your company name or blessing words
• A pre-show drumming segment
• More oranges for multi-zone blessings
• Stage performances if space permits

These additions help build anticipation and add a memorable flair to your event.

Looking for more helpful tips? Check out some of these resources:‍

• How much to give in a Red Packet for Lion Dance during New Year
• 18 Auspicious Chinese New Year Wishes
• Top 12 Lion Dance Troupes to Hire for your Event in Singapore

Our Final Thoughts

A lion dance performance is more than just a show, it’s a tradition filled with meaning. With a little preparation, you can create a smooth, meaningful and enjoyable experience that sets the tone for a prosperous year ahead.

From Cai Qing to photo sessions to office blessings, each part of the performance adds its own layer of symbolism and good fortune. When everything is prepared in advance, the result is a celebration that feels energetic, personal and truly auspicious.

FAQs

1. What items do I need to prepare for the Cai Qing ritual?

You’ll need a 1x Lettuce, 12x Mandarin Oranges, 2x Ang Bao and 1x Red Plate for the basic Cai Qing Materials.

2. Where should I place the Cai Qing setup?

Most people place it at the main entrance or reception area. For offices and shops, choose the spot that represents wealth, such as the cashier or director’s office.

3. Can I touch the lion during the performance?

Yes. When the lion bows toward you, lightly touching its head or mane is believed to bring good luck. Avoid touching during acrobatic movements for safety reasons.

4. What should I prepare on office desks for the roaming blessing?

Place two oranges and one ang bao on each desk. For senior offices, include a calculator to symbolise blessing the company’s financial numbers.

5. Do lion dance troupes provide all Cai Qing items?

Some do for a price, some don’t. It’s best to check beforehand. Most clients prefer preparing their own oranges and ang baos for personalised symbolism.

6. How much space is needed for a lion dance performance?

About 5m x 5m x 4mH. Clear walkways from the entrance to the blessing areas. Move fragile items aside and leave enough room for the lions and drum team to perform safely.