Lion Dance Angpow and Greens (采青): What to Prepare for Your Event

For a lion dance in Malaysia, hosts usually prepare three things: the greens (青), usually a head of lettuce; a red packet (angpow, 红包) tied to the greens; and often mandarin oranges. These are used in 采青 (plucking the greens), the highlight of the performance, where the lion takes the greens and angpow and scatters the leaves as a blessing of wealth and growth.

This guide from TianDi Dragon & Lion Dance Team covers what to prepare, where to place it, and why each item matters.

Quick checklist

• One head of lettuce (生菜), fresh and green
• One angpow (red packet) tied to the lettuce
• Mandarin oranges, often in pairs
• String or ribbon to hang the greens
• A clear path and open area for the lion
• An agreed time for the performance

What does 采青 mean?

采青 (cai qing) means "plucking the greens". In Cantonese, lettuce (生菜, saang choi) sounds like "growing wealth" (生财). When the lion "eats" the lettuce and scatters the leaves, it spreads prosperity over the host, the business, and the guests.

The angpow tied to the greens is the lion's reward, and it is also a way for the host to thank the team and share good fortune.

How do you prepare the greens and angpow?

1. Choose fresh lettuce. Pick a full, leafy head.
2. Tie the angpow to the lettuce. Secure it with string or ribbon so it stays attached.
3. Add mandarin oranges if you like. Oranges symbolise gold and good luck. Pairs are common because good things come in pairs.
4. Hang or place the greens. For shops and offices, hang the greens above the main entrance. For homes, the main door or living room works well. Our team can advise on height.

Where should the greens be placed?

• Grand openings: At the main entrance, so the lion blesses the business as it enters. See our grand opening lion dance guide.
• Chinese New Year: At the shop front or front door.
• Weddings: Near the entrance of the banquet hall or the family home. See wedding lion dance.
• Corporate events: Near the stage or reception, sometimes with a company banner. See corporate lion dance.

Is the angpow the performance fee?

The angpow for 采青 is a traditional part of the ritual. Your performance fee is agreed separately when you book. Our pricing page explains what affects the fee and what is included.

How much should I put in the angpow?

The amount is up to you. Many hosts choose numbers linked to good luck, such as amounts with 8 for prosperity or 6 for smoothness. Many avoid amounts linked with 4, which sounds like "death" in Chinese.

What else should I prepare?

• Space: A clear path and an open area for 采青. Share your layout and we will confirm it works.
• Timing: Many hosts choose an auspicious time. Let us know and we will arrive early to set up.
• Neighbours and building rules: For malls and offices, check rules on drums and noise.
• Firecrackers: Please follow local regulations. Our drums bring plenty of noise on their own.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to prepare the greens myself?

Most hosts prepare the lettuce and angpow themselves. If you are unsure, ask us and we will guide you.

Can I use a different vegetable instead of lettuce?

Lettuce is the most common because of its lucky meaning. Some traditions add other items such as pomelos or oranges.

Is 采青 done at every performance?

It is the highlight of most blessing performances, including grand openings, Chinese New Year visits, and weddings.

Ready to book?

Share your date and venue and we will help you plan the rest. Book your lion dance.