While it may be the Year of the Pig, for performer Cai Tse the Lunar New Year is about the lion and always has been.
The 28-year-old, who was recently crowned a world champion lion dancer, says she has been fascinated with the tradition since her childhood when she watched performances at temples during festive seasons.
"Ever since I saw a lion dance when I was smaller I've kind of been obsessed with it," she said.
Now, she will celebrate with pride and show off some of her team's winning moves at Sydney's Lunar New Year festivities, including donning an LED lion dancing costume for the festival's Lunar Lanterns exhibition.
Cai Tse with her team. Source: Instagram
Her mostly female team at the Chinese Youth League has been training intensely for the celebrations ever since their return from the world championship win at Macau in November.
When Ms Tse joined the CYL's lion dancing troupe four years ago, she felt reunited with a missing piece of herself.
"I was making up for all this lost time that I haven't been doing it," she told AAP.
"Since then I've dedicated my whole life to lion dancing. I've been living in a dream."
Ms Tse, who performs as the tail of the lion, says her main aim was to put on a good show while adhering to proper customs and traditions.
Once the domain of men, lion dancing has become popular among women, especially within the past 10 years, says CYL lion dancing coach Homan Leung.
"In my experience the girls show a lot more enthusiasm at times than the guys," he said.
The 33-year-old said 90 per cent of the troupe's performances happen over the three weeks surrounding the new year.
While celebrations will be held across Australia, the Sydney Lunar Festival is the largest celebration outside of Asia.
The lion costumes used in this year's performance. Source: Instagram
Thousands of worshippers are expected to visit temples and make offerings as they ring in the Year of the Pig, which begins on Tuesday.
The Year of the Pig symbolises good fortune, health and happiness, Mr Leung said.
"When it comes to the lions, they enforce that for the people. Their job is to scare away the evil spirits," he said.
