(Kuching, Jan 5) In anticipation of the upcoming Year of the Snake in the 2025 Lunar New Year, the Sarawak Chinese Martial Arts Fitness Institute Lion Dance Troupe held a new lion eye-dotting ceremony this morning at the Kuching Hock Teck Seng Tai Pek Kong Temple.
The Sarawak Chinese Martial Arts Fitness Institute Lion Dance Troupe expresses gratitude to sponsors and supporters for adding 9 new lions to the troupe, enhancing the vibrant and festive atmosphere of this Year of the Snake.
Lion Dance Troupe President Lin Xian pointed out in an interview that the institute is honored to have Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Sim Kui Hian and Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng officiate the eye-dotting ceremony.
He revealed that it has been 51 years since the institute was established in 1974. Also attending the event were the institute's Secretary-General Chen Qiu Xian, Deputy Secretary-General Lin Hua Long, Treasurer and Chief Lion Dance Coach Ruan Jin Peng, Martial Arts Coach Jiang Ren Zhong, and institute members and supporters.
He mentioned that among the 9 new lions, 5 are traditional versions representing figures from the Three Kingdoms period: Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, and Huang Zhong. Notably, the 12-foot long lion surpasses the length of current lion dances.
Meanwhile, Ruan Jin Peng and Jiang Ren Zhong, who will soon lead the team for the Lunar New Year, disclosed that they have begun performing at major malls and company banquets this month, with their schedule fully booked, especially from the first to the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, visiting prestigious commercial venues to extend New Year greetings.