The aim of the UN World Heritage list is to contribute to the protection of traditional cultures and living expressions of different civilizations around the world, such as Chinese silk production, Arabic calligraphy or the Thai “Nora” dance.

References to the lion dance can be found in writings as early as the fourth century, including the Chinese literary canon Shujing, also known as the Book of Documents. The tradition is widespread throughout Southeast Asia and is practiced by communities that historically originated in southern China.

“Both sides celebrate the lion dance as a form of shared history and are committed to preserving our common heritage,” said a statement on the joint nomination.

Chinese Ambassador Ouyang Yujing praised the move, saying it could help “better preserve and shine this common heritage in the new era.”

It is not the first time that the two countries have worked together to protect a culturally important practice: in 2020, the Wangchuan ceremony, which includes rituals to maintain a sustainable connection between people and the ocean, was added to the UNESCO list following a joint nomination by China and Malaysia.

“The joint nomination reflects the deep roots of this tradition in both China and Malaysia, as well as the presence of active and vibrant contemporary lion dance communities in both countries,” said Wilcox, who specializes in China’s performing arts and cultural history.

“Joint nominations help to recognize the transnational nature of Chinese cultural heritage and its importance throughout the Southeast Asian region.”

Modern interpretations of this art form – usually performed at celebratory occasions such as weddings, business openings and New Year celebrations – feature dancers in lion costumes performing culturally-oriented acrobatic acts alongside rhythmic drumming.

Wilcox described the custom as “ritually significant.”

“In the multicultural societies of Southeast Asia, lion dancing has at times served as a public expression of Chinese minority identity in the face of pro-assimilation policies or local bans on Chinese cultural practices,” she said.

Malaysia’s national cultural policy, introduced in 1970, defines the core of the country’s identity as indigenous Malay and Islamic and emphasizes the assimilation of non-Malays into the Malay ethnic group.

“Since the 1990s, Malaysian Chinese have had increasing opportunities to publicly express their culture. Lion dancing is an important part of this. The teams form important social networks in local communities and help pass on cultural heritage from one generation to the next,” said Wilcox.

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The documentary “Heart of the Lion” deals with lion dances, identity and belonging

The documentary “Heart of the Lion” deals with lion dances, identity and belonging

“Such cultural cooperation between China and Malaysia is not due to geopolitical pressure. It reflects the shared values ​​and long historical ties between the two peoples,” Koh said, noting that bilateral relations are not limited to trade and investment.

“Cultural exchange and cooperation foster the people-to-people bonds that form the foundation of strong bilateral relations, especially in a multicultural society like Malaysia,” he said.

“Lion dance is accepted in all communities in Malaysia. There are now lion dance groups whose members are mainly Malays and Indians.”

Malaysia also intends to nominate the 24 Festival Drums, a farmworker-inspired performance that combines drumming with choreography, to UNESCO, Koh said. It refers to the 24 solar periods of the lunar calendar created by farmers in ancient China to guide agricultural affairs and farming activities.

“Because the performance is based on ancient Chinese traditions, it has a better chance of being included in the list if Malaysia and China submit it jointly,” he said.