Man from Sichuan arrested for seeking red packets with knock-off lion dance

A man from Sichuan was arrested on Thursday for participating in a lion dance without a permit, after he was seen perfoming on the streets of Hong Kong asking for red packets from shops.

During the Lunar New Year, it is a tradition for people to feed red packets into the Chinese Lion's mouth during the many Lion Dances. This is supposed to bring good luck and is considered a donation for the martial arts troupe doing the performance.

A video went viral online recently showing a duo “performing” in Mong Kok, yet the lion dance - usually involving two dancers - was performed by one only, with one of them covering himself with a knock-off costume, while the other was playing with the gong on the side.

Police said on Friday that a 51-year-old man Tang was arrested yesterday in Chai Wan. He was said to be performing the lion dance alone asking for red packets from restaurants. Officers found a gong and a mallet with the man, as well as two red packets worth HK$30.

It is understood that the man crossed the border and entered Hong Kong through the Lo Wu control point on February 11, and was permitted to stay in the city until February 18.