The lion, a symbol of courage and strength, is an important part of traditional celebrations

The lion dance is a traditional activity to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The lion is a very important element in Chinese culture.

Lions did not exist in China and the incredible descriptions of lions by Chinese noblemen was mainly derived from their own imagination.

Lion sculptures can be found in front of temples across China. As a mythical creature, the lion is an auspicious symbol of valour, energy and wisdom. It also symbolises strength, goodness and the spirit of change.

The five colours of the lion in a lion dance - yellow, black, green, red and white - symbolise the five different directions which the lion has control over - north, south, east, west and centre.

The lion itself is a composite of five animals: the horn is from the phoenix, the ears and tail are from the unicorn, the spine is from the snake, the back of the head is from a tortoise and the beard is from the dragon.

The mirror on the forehead is for dispelling evil spirits.