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Top 10 Chinese Ethnic Minority Festivals
Top 10 Chinese Ethnic Minority Festivalsservice@chinatravel.com86-773-286-5632 (Intl rates apply)Contact Us
China ToursClassic China TourTop 10 China ToursYangtze River CruiseSilk Road ToursChina Panda ToursMinority Discovery ToursDestinationsBeijingShanghaiXi’anHong KongGuilinTibetHangzhouSuzhouHuangshanDay TripsShanghai Day TripsBeijing Day TripsHong Kong Day TripsGuilin Day TripsSuzhou Day TripsHangzhou Day TripsAsia ToursVietnam, Cambodia and ThailandClassic ThailandNorthern Vietnam DiscoverySiem Reap ExperienceUniversal Studios Singapore TicketsGolden Triangle in IndiaTravel GuideChina Entry and ExitPlan Your China TripChina VisaChina WeatherGreat Wall Of ChinaGiant PandaCultureChinese FoodChinese TeaChinese ZodiacChinese FestivalsChinese New YearChinese Kung FuCreate My TripWhat is Tailor-Made TourTrainsFlightsHomeChinese CultureChinese FestivalsTop 10 Chinese Ethnic Minority FestivalsWritten by Sally Guo Updated Jan. 26, 2022China has 55 minority groups except for the Han people. Every minority has some unique festivals to celebrate every year. For example, Dai people's Water Splashing Festival in Xishuangbanna, Tibetan Shoton Festival, and Mongolian Nadam Fair are the best time to experience and study Chinese minorities' culture and life. If travelers want to experience some special minority festivals, you should not miss Chinese top 10 minority festivals when you in China.1. Tibetan New YearTibetan New Year, also known as Losar Festival, is the grandest festival for people in Tibet. The Losar Festival is usually one day before or after the Chinese New Year which is around late January or early February. There are a series of religious celebrations from January 1st to 15th in the Tibetan calendar. However, celebrations in the first 3 days are the most important including dancing, singing and general merrymaking of spirit. It has traditional ceremonies of the fighting between good and evil.The first day of the Losar Festival is also called Gutor is the time to prepare for the New Year. On the second day, religious ceremonies are held in Tibet and local people go to worship in the monasteries and give gifts to the monks. On the third day, it is the Tibetan New Year. If you want to travel in Tibet, China Travel can deal with your Tibet Travel Permit and tailor-make your journey in Tibet.2. Corban FestivalChinese Muslims such as the Uygur in Xinjiang and Hui People in Qinghai and Ningxia Provinces celebrate the Corban Festival. The festival, also known as Eid al-Adha is one of the top 3 important festivals for Muslims. It is a festival of sacrifice with a 3-day celebration. It is a festival that Muslim people show their faith and obedience to the Islamic god-Allah. It is said that Allah asked Ibrahim to sacrifice his own son to show his loyalty and Ibrahim planned to kill his son for Allah. Allah had seen Ibrahim's loyalty and sent him a sheep instead of his son to kill in the end.There are some celebrations during the Corban Festival such as making tasty cakes, killing some prepared livestock, and taking part in the Hajj. In addition, there is a large-scale ceremony around the mosques after the Hajj. During the festival, a lot of restaurants, shops, and hotels are closed. Travelers may have some inconveniences to travel in the Muslim areas.3. Mongolian Nadam FairNadam Fair means entertainments to celebrate the happiness of harvest. It is widely celebrated by Mongol in Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Qinghai, and Xinjiang area. The Nadam Fair is on June 4th in the Chinese lunar calendar (around July or August). The fair is celebrated by physical games and matches for 7 to 10 days. The entertainments consist of traditional Mongolian horseracing, wrestling, archery, tug-of-war, and other performances.Travelers can go to Ordos near the south edge of Inner Mongolia to see the grand Nadam Fair. The Nadam Fair is also known as a festival of agricultural and livestock goods. Herdsmen get together to change daily goods during the festival.4. Shoton FestivalThe Shoton Festival is one of the most important and the grandest holidays in the Tibetan area. Usually, it is celebrated in late June and early July in the Tibetan calendar and around August or early September in the gregorian calendar. Sho Dun in the Tibetan language means "yogurt banquet" as Tibetan families bring yogurt to welcome Buddhists who finish their Nazaritism. Nowadays, there is a lot of celebrations including magnificent "Buddha Displaying", Tibetan Opera, and musical and orchestic performances. Besides, there are yak competitions and horsemanship performances.The Tibetan Opera performances are held in Norbulingka- Darai Lama's summer palace. However, the grand "Buddha Displaying" near the Drepung Monastery is the most famous and attractive so that travelers should not miss during the festival. It is also known as the "Buddha Display Festival" or "Tibetan Opera Festival". Travelers can view a large-scale celebration in Lhasa and later in Shigatse.5. Water Splashing FestivalWater Splashing Festival is the most important and ceremonious festival for Dai people in Xishuangbanna. It is widely celebrated by the largest number of people among 25 Ethnic minorities in Yunnan Province. The festival is Dai people's New Year celebrated around mid-April for 3 to 7 days. The first day is called Mairi in Dai language, a similar festival like Chinese New Year's Eve. The second day is Laori and the third day is Dai's New Year which is the most glorious and the luckiest day.In the morning, Dai people dressed in festive costumes come to wash Buddha in the temple and then start to splash each other with best wishes. Xishuangbanna in the southwest corner of Yunnan Province is the best place to experience the Dai people's Water Splashing Festival and their culture.6. Sisters Meals FestivalMarch 15th in the Chinese lunar calendar is the Miao people's Sisters Meals Festival. Miao women cook colorful glutinous rice and change gifts for luckiness during the festival. The rice is made of glutinous rice and wildflowers and leaves selected by Miao girls. At the same time, there are bullfighting, lusheng performances, singing, dancing, and other celebrations. Travelers can experience the festival in Taizhou County and other parts of the southeast of Guizhou Province.Other famous large-scale festivals of Miao people consist of Lusheng Festival and Bullfight Festival. The Kaili International Lusheng Festival is the most spectacular among the Lusheng festivals celebrated on January 18th to 20th in the Chinese lunar calendar. Miao people's Bullfight Festival lies on April 8th in the Chinese lunar calendar. Miao girls who are not married prepare some food and get together and Miao boys bring their water buffaloes to take part in the festival.7. March FairMarch Fair is Bai people's traditional festival to change goods. It is celebrated in the west of Dali Ancient Town in Yunnan Province from March 15th to 21th in the Chinese lunar calendar (around Mid-April) with a celebration of singing, dancing, and horseracing.Nowadays, March Fair extends 5 to 10 days. Xu Xiake, a famous geographer and traveler praised the large-scale March Fair in the Ming Dynasty. It is not only a great chance to enjoy the Bai people's unique culture, but also an excellent time to select some amazing souvenirs. Travelers can also enjoy great nightlife and wander around the ancient town. Besides, Erhai Lake, Cangshan Mountain, and Butterfly Spring are hot destinations in Dali.8. Drying Clothes FestivalYao people in Longji Rice Terraced Fields which is located in Longsheng County in Guilin City take out all the clothes to dry on June 6th in the Chinese lunar calendar, which is beautiful and colorful scenery of the Yao Villages. The houses are full of colorful clothes which become a new highlight of Longji Rice Terraced Fields.Meanwhile, there are folk celebrations by the Yao people. In the evening, Yao people use torches to show Seven Stars with the Moon which is a famous scenic spot in the area. Jinkeng Rice Terraced Field in Dazhai Yao Village is the main place to see the Clothes Drying Festival. Travelers can experience not only Yao people's culture in Dazhai Village but also enjoy Zhuang people's life and customs in Ping'an and Guzhuang Zhuang Villages. In addition, Longji Rice Terraced Fields is one of the best destinations to photography the rice terraced fields in China.9. Torch FestivalAlthough Bai and Naxi people celebrate the Torch Festival, the Yi people's Torch Festival is the most famous and the grandest. The festival is held on June 24th or 25th (around August in the Gregorian calendar.) with a 3-day celebration popular in Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan Provinces. Xichang in Sichuan Province has the largest-scale celebration of the Torch Festival.The Yi People thought the fire can help the Yi hero to prevail over the evil God who sent numerous grasshoppers to destroy agriculture. So the Yi people held a lot of torches in order to fight the evil. The Yi people will get together with torches and held a series of celebrations including horseracing, bullfight, wrestling, music, and dance. Travelers can view a sea of fire in the evening and take part in the exciting bonfires.10. Knife-Pole FestivalJan. 15th in Chinese lunar Festival is Lisu people's Knife-Pole Festival which is held in Lushui County in Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. Several Lisu robust men dance in the fire with difficult acrobatics. On the second day, they tie 36 sharp knives on 2 more than 20 meters long wood poles and perform a breathtaking show on the poles.Now the traditional sacrificial ceremony Knife-Pole Festival has turned to Lisu strong men's great time to show fantastic unforgettable performances. Knife plays an irreplaceable role during the festival. To climb a mountain of swords or plunge into a sea of flames are the most breathtaking ceremonies among the celebrations. It is said that the festival is to memorialize an ancient Han hero who had helped the Lisu People to get rid of the invading enemies.Create My TripNeed Help?Request a custom itinerary today and get one step closer to your personalized tripCreate Your Trip CHINA TRAVELChina Travel is one of China’s leading touring specialists. We base in Guilin, with over 20 years of different styles of travel and tour service experience. More...86-773-286-5632 (Intl rates apply)ABOUT USContact UsAbout UsTerms and ConditionsPrivacyWork for UsFOLLOWS USFacebookTwitterYoutubeFEATURE ON© All Rights Reserved,Chinatravel.com® is a registered tradem
Famous Ethnic Festivals in China, Explore China's Ethnic Group Festivals Cultures
Famous Ethnic Festivals in China, Explore China's Ethnic Group Festivals Cultures
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Famous Ethnic Festivals in China
Written by Candice SongUpdated Nov. 9, 2023
Festivals seem to fill the yearly calendar. The following are some of the most important ethnic festivals in China. We've also designed several Chinese Festivals Tours that take you to celebrate the festivals as local people do. Check out China's Festivals and Events, or Contact us for a customized tour.
Date
Holiday
Ethnic Group
Region
Days 1–15 of month 1 of the Tibetan calendar (Feb. 21 – Mar. 7 in 2024)
Tibetan New Year
Tibetan
Tibet
Third day of the third lunar month (Mar./Apr.)
(April 11-13 in 2024)
Double Third Festival
Zhuang
Guangxi
April 13–15
Water-Sprinkling Festival
Dai
Xishuangbanna
15th day of the third lunar month (Apr./May)
Sisters' Meal Festival
Miao
Guizhou
Month 6 day 4 of the lunar calendar (Jun./Jul.)
Naadam
Mongolian
Inner Mongolia
Month 6 day 30 of the Tibetan calendar (Aug. 4 - 10 in 2024)
Shoton
Tibetan
Lhasa
Month 12 day 10 of the Islamic calendar (Jun. 17 in 2024)
Corban
Hui, Uygur, Kazak, and other Muslims
Ningxia, Xinjiang
9th day of the 11th lunar month (Nov./Dec.)
Miao New Year Festival
Miao
Guizhou
1. New Year of the Miao Ethnic Group
Time: around November
Location: Kaili, Guizhou Province
Activities: Bull fighting, horse racing, singing and dancing
It is the most important festival for the Miao people. It marks the beginning of a new year. Actually the exact dates vary each year and in different regions, and are only disclosed one or two months in advance. The celebration in Leishan County, Kaili City of Guizhou Province is the grandest one. During the event tourists can enjoy watching enchanting Miao customs come alive through various kinds of ethnic activities. These include the festival parade that features Miao girls and women in traditional Miao dress and silver accessories that can only be seen on festivals, the traditional music of the Lusheng (a kind of musical instrument made of bamboo), worshipping, bullfighting, horseracing, and of course, lots of singing and dancing.
2. Shoton Festival of the Tibetan People
Time: around August
Location: Tibet
Activities: Tibetan opera performances, unveiling of Thangka and drinking yoghurt.
Shoton Festival is one of the most popular traditional festivals in Tibet. It celebrates eating yogurt, the Tibetan monks who end their season of meditation, the watching of Tibetan dramatic operas, and Tibetan Buddhism. It is held annually in the month of August, or late in the sixth month or early in the seventh month of the Tibetan calendar. The festival is a great occasion for both Tibetans and tourists. On the first day of the festival, the Thangka is scheduled to be unveiled at the Drepung Monastery. Then the celebrations will begin at Norbulingka. The residents of Lhasa will gather in the park and celebrate by eating yoghurt and watching the operas.
3. New Year Festival of the Tibetan People
Time: around March
Location: Tibet
Activities: Worshipping Buddha, singing and dancing
The Tibetan New year, also known as Losar, is the most important festival in the Tibetan calendar. It is celebrated over a period of 2 weeks. It is marked with ancient ceremonies that represents the struggle between good and evil, by chanting, and by passing fire torches through the crowds. A certain amount of levity is provided by events such as the dance of the deer and the amusing battles between the King and his various ministers. On New Year's Day, Tibetans get up early, and put on new clothes after having taken a bath. They then worship the gods by placing offerings in the front of their household shrines. In addition, this day is for family members to exchange gifts. Families also have a reunion dinner, which usually consists of a kind of cake called Kapse and an alcoholic drink called chang, which is consumed to keep warm.
4. Water Splashing Festival of the Dai Ethnic People
Time: around April
Location: Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna Prefecture, Yunnan Province
Activities: Splashing water onto each other
It is the most important festival observed by the Dai ethnic people of Xishuangbanna Prefecture, and, similar to neighboring Thailand's Songkran Festival, it involves three days of celebrations that include sincere, yet light-hearted religious rituals that invariably end in merrymaking, where everyone ends up getting splashed, sprayed or doused with water. The Water Splashing ceremony is more than just good-natured fun; it also contains a religious element: water is regarded by the Dai as a symbol, firstly, of religious purity, but also of goodwill among people. Therefore, splashing a fellow human being with water during the Water Splashing Festival, whether a close neighbor or a fellow villager, or even a stranger, is an expression of the desire for good luck and prosperity to that person.
5. Sisters' Meal Festival of the Miao Ethnic People
Time: around April
Location: Taijiang County, Southeast Guizhou
Activities: Singing, dancing and lusheng show
It is regard ed as the oldest Asian Valentine's Day. A few days before the Festival, Miao girls collect special wild flowers and leaves in the mountains to produce natural color to dye the glutinous rice, known as "sisters' rice". At festival time, the Miao girls, all dressed up in their holiday best with startling silver headdresses, crowns, and neck rinks gather together by the river banks to prepare their "sisters' rice". The rice is dyed blue, pink, yellow, and white to represent spring, summer, autumn and winter respectively. When the young men arrive they begin to single out the women they hope to marry someday and begin to sing for them. The young women respond to their songs by giving them a drink of rice wine and the sisters' rice wrapped in handkerchiefs with different symbols on them.
6. Naadam Grassland Festival of the Mongolian People
Time: around July
Location: Inner Mongolia
Activities: Wrestling, horse racing and archery
The Naadam Grassland festival is a magnificent event featuring traditional Mongolian mass recreational and sports activities. Naadam means games in Mongolian. It is held between summer and autumn from July to August when the flowers are blooming, the grass is green, and the cattle and sheep are well-fed. Tourists can participate in and watch horseracing, wrestling and archery, and enjoy the singing and dancing performed by Mongolian artists, or try local Mongolian traditional foods.
Recommended Inner Mongolia Tours:
5-Day Inner Mongolia Grass & Sand
4-Day Authentic Mongolian Nomad Experience Tour
7. Lusheng Festival
Time: around February
Location: Kaili, Guizhou Province
Activities: Bull fighting, horseracing, singing and dancing
It is popular throughout Guizhou, Yunnan, and Sichuan Provinces. The Lusheng Festival in Kaili, Guizhou is the most famous and grandest of the bunch. The festival features a lot of Miao ethnic activities, such as singing, bullfighting, horseracing, and dancing to the rhythm of the Lusheng. All the Miao people come together from different villages. The girls dress up in their best traditional costume and silver headdresses, while the boys carry their lusheng and head to the Lusheng Stadium to celebrate the festival. They circle in rings as the girls dance to the rhythm of the music provided by the boys. The ceremony is performed to bring hope for a favorable harvest in the coming year alongside good health. It is also a chance for the youth to express their admiration and love towards one another.
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中国传统节日漫谈Traditional Chinese Festivals（上） - 知乎
中国传统节日漫谈Traditional Chinese Festivals（上） - 知乎切换模式写文章登录/注册中国传统节日漫谈Traditional Chinese Festivals（上）wutaiyang北京满庭芳园文化有限公司 CEO 中国传统节日漫谈Traditional Chinese Festivals （上）糖果公主：伍泰洋（笔名）编辑 pen name: Wutaiyang (candied princess) copy-edit 一.春节 The Spring Festival 春节，俗称“新年”，是中华民族历来最隆重的节日。The Spring Festival，also called “the Chinese New Year”，has been the most significant and celebrated holiday of the year for the Chinese nationality.我们往上追溯，至少在殷墟出土的甲骨文中，就已经出现“年”这个字了。那是刻成一个人弯着背肩负沉甸甸穗禾形状的象形字。可见早在殷商时代，就把“年”和作物收成联系在了一起。《榖梁传.宣公十六年》：“五谷皆熟为有年。五谷大熟为大有年。”《说文解字》释“年”字，也说：“谷熟也。”如今人们常说“年成”，“年景”，也是这个意思。农业社会里，庄稼一年熟一次，庄稼熟了，年也到了，很好记。The Chinese character nian(year) can be traced back to inscriptions on tortoise shells unearthed in the Yin Remains. The pictograph nian was carved in the shape of a man bent with heavy ears of wheat on his back, which was an indication that nian has been closely related to the harvest ever since the Yinshang Period (1600BC-1046BC).It was recorded in the Guliang Commentary, the 16th year of Duke Xuan that “New Year is the time of harvest, and a good year is a bumper crop.” “Year” is interpreted as “crops are ripe” in Shuowen Jiezi (Explanation and Stady of Principles of Composition of Characters) written in the Han Dynasty (206BC---220AD), which is similar in meaning to “harvest of the year” nowadays. Since the crops are ripe once a year in agricultural societies, New Year approaches at the harvest time.究竟把那一天定为“年”，这就要涉及历法。历史上有过不同的历法，定出来的日子也不一样。汉武帝时，创制“太初历”，确立以夏历正月初一为岁首。《史记》、《汉书》称正月初一为“四始”，也就是岁之始、时之始、日之始、月之始；“三朝”，也就是岁之朝、月之朝、日之朝。从此之后，把夏历正月初一叫作“元旦”，沿用了两千多年。这就是说，历史上一般把过年的日子叫“元旦”。以前也有“春节”，一般是指“立春”这一天，和今天所说的春节不是一回事。Which date is set as the beginning of the Chinese New Year? This has to do with the Chinese calendar. The date of the Chinese New Year varied throughout history due to different Chinese calendars. During the period of Emperor Wu in the Han Dynasty(206BC—220AD), the Taichu Calendar was created, and the beginning of a new year was set on the first day of the first lunar month in the traditional Chinese calendar. The first day of the first lunar month is regarded as “four beginnings” in both Shiji (Records of the Historian) and Hanshu(Chronicles of the Han Dynasty), that is the beginning of a year, the beginning of a month. It is also called “three dawns”-----the dawn of a year, the dawn of a month, and the dawn of a day. The first day of the first lunar month was kept as “the Chinese New year” in the following 2000 years. The day on which people celebrate New Year was usually called Yuandan (the Chinese New Year) in history. The Spring Festival used to refer to the beginning of Spring, which is different from what it means now.辛亥革命以后，废除夏历，中国开始用公历，就把公历1月1日叫做元旦，称夏历正月初一为春节。从此以后，中国人便有了每年要过两个年的风俗。不过在民众中间，还是约定俗成，只把过春节当作真正意义上的过年，并且总是把过年过得红红火火、热热闹闹的。After the Revolution of 1911, the traditional Chinese calendar was abolished, and the Gregorian calendar was adopted. January 1st is called Yuandan(New Year), while the first day of the first lunar month is named the spring Festival. Therefore, the Chinese people have got the custom of celebration two New Years. The populace at large tend to celebrate the Spring Festival as New Year with continuous festive clebrations.春节的风俗，古代有祭祀、朝会、宴饮、占卜、迎神、贺年、玩赏等等内容，随着岁月流逝，这些内容也在发生变迁；各民族、各地域的做法又不尽相同，我们无法一一细说。这里只能大致上作些介绍。In ancient times, the celebrations of the Spring Festival included offering sacrifices to ancestors, making an audience with the emperor in the morning, holding feasts, telling fortune, welcoming the God, paying a New Year call, and attending entertainments, etc. The customs varied with the passage of time,differed between regions and ethnic groups, and cannot be covered in every detail. The following is only a brief introduction to the custom.旧时过年，一般都在上一年的十二月二十三日就拉开序幕了。一般要扫尘，也就是打扫卫生，还要置办年货、裁制新衣、祭灶、祀祖等，十分忙碌。The 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month was the prologue to the Spring Festival celebrations in the past. There would be a tight schedule of thorough cleanings, special purchases for the Spring Festival, tailoring of new clothes, worshipping the Kitchen God, and offering sacrifices to the ancestors.从前，家家户户都在灶间供奉“灶君司命”，俗称“灶王爷”。传说他是被玉皇大帝派到每户人家来保护和监查这一家人的神灵。旧时的灶头上有个灶王龛，贴一张神像。神像上画着一个灶王爷，也有的画一男一女，或一男二女，女的就是灶王奶奶。灶王神像两旁贴着一副对联：“上天言好事，下界保平安”，正好说明了这个神灵的职责。据说灶王爷平时留在家中，到了每年的腊月二十三日或是二十四日，就要上天去汇报这户人家这一年的品行。这件事关系到家家户户的命运，所以不能马虎，要像模像样地送一送。送灶神上天的仪式，俗称“送灶”。Every household used to make offerings to Zaojun or the Kitchen God, who Was said to be appointed by the Jade Emperor of Heaven to protect and monitor each household. A shrine to the kitchen God was displayed above the kitchen range with a picture of the God on it. On the picture was drawn the Kitchen God, or sometimes a male and a female, or a male and two females. The female was the kitchen Goddess. Poetic couplets were written on both sides of the picture, on which his duty was expressed as “ To Report Good Deeds in Heaven, To Bless People on Earth”. It was said that the Kitchen God stayed at people’s homes during the year except that he would go to Heaven on the 23rd or 24th day of the 12th month of the lunar year to report the family’s behavior to the Jade Emperor. Since the report would determine the destiny of each household, people would hold a kitchen memorial ceremony, or a send-off ceremony as it was commonly called.送灶在黄昏时举行，要用香烛、供品祀奉，供品中必定有饴糖，据说这是为了让他甜甜嘴，有的说是要让饴糖粘住他的牙，让他无法说坏话。也有的地方让灶君吃酒糟，也是为了使他醉醺醺的，就不再说坏话了。看起来，这是人们在耍弄小聪明，为的是保护自己。最后将神像揭下焚烧，意味着灶君“升天”。有的地方，这时候还有一些人会挨家上门唱歌跳舞，同时向主人乞讨，称为“送灶神”。The ceremony was held at dusk, with incense, candles and offerings. Maltose was a must to make the God honey-mouthed or to stick his teeth together so that he would not speak ill. In some regions, people would offer him distillers’ grains to make him drunk so that he would not speak ill. People played these tricks to protest themselves. After the offerings, the picture was torn off and burned to send the Kitchen God to Heaven. Then people in some regions would go from door to door, singing, dancing and asking for a treat, which was the send-off ceremony of the Kitchen God.到了除夕夜，还要“接灶”。意思是要把灶神再从天上接回来，也有一个祭祀仪式，把新的一张灶君神像贴到灶王龛里。On the Chinese lunar New Year’s Eve, people will hold a welcome ceremony--- to paste a new picture of the Kitchen God above the kitchen range to welcome him back from Heaven.“爆竹一声除旧，桃符万象更新。”折服尽人皆知的春联正好勾勒出春节风俗中最引人注目的两个世象：放爆竹、贴春联。“Firecrackers Ring out the Old, Couplets Ring in the New”, the well-known couplets sketch the two highlights of the Spring Festival: setting off firecrackers and pasting Spring Festival couplets.爆竹的初意是辟疫驱厉。南朝梁的时候就有这种风俗了。古人以为山里有一种精怪，名叫山魈，常来捣乱。人们把竹子捆成一捆，放在火里烧，发出噼里啪啦的声响，山魈害怕了，就逃走了。后来，这种爆竹逐渐演变，成为鞭炮，后来又有了烟火。当然，放爆竹，它的原始意义早已淡化，如今只是图个喜庆热闹而已。The original meaning of setting off firecrackers was to exorcise the devils and diseases as well. This custom dates back to the Liang Period (502AD----557AD) of the Southern Dynasties (420AD----589AD). A demon in the mountains named Mandrill always made trouble. The crackings of the burning bamboos tied together would frighten the Mandrills away. Later on, the burning bamboos evolved into firecrackers and then fireworks. The setting off of firecrackers has lost its original intent, and is now a way of celebration.春联，起源于古代的“桃符”。古人在逃木片上写神荼、郁垒二神的名字，春节时挂在门口，以为就可以使恶鬼望而生畏，不敢进门骚扰了。这是在那个时代里人们的一种想法。五代以后，开始在桃板上书写联语。到了明代，又把桃木板改成纸，就和今天的春联很相似了。许多地方的风俗，不仅大门上要贴春联，屋里屋外凡是可以张贴的地方，新年里也都要张贴一些字画。年画的起源，也与桃符有关。先是把门神绘在桃符上，久而久之，绘画的题材趋向世俗化。还有的要倒贴一个“福”字，或是剪各种窗花来粘贴，或是悬挂中国结，说到底，都是为了趋吉避凶。民国初年，有人把年画和月历结合起来，以后就逐渐演变为挂历，风靡全国。The Spring Festival couplets originated from peachwood charms in ancient times. On the peachwood charms were written the names of the two Gods“Shentu” and “Yulei”. At the time of the Spring Festival, the peachwood charms were hung up at the doorway. Once it was generally accepted that devils would be terrified by the sight of peachwood charms so that they would be kept away from the house and from bothering people. People began to write couplets first on peachwood after the Five Dynasty(907AD----960AD), and then on paper until the Ming Dynasty(1368AD---1644AD），which bore a striking similarity to the modern practice. Quite a few regions observe the Spring Festival by pasting couplets not only at doorway, but also inside and out side of the houses. Some calligraphies and paintings are put up on the wall as well. The New Year paintings also originated from peachwood charms. The theme of the peintings also originated from peachwood charms. The theme of the paintings was merely about the Door God. It later developed into carious subjects of social conventions. The Chinese character“Fu”(meaning“blessing”or “happiness”) is usually pasted upside down （in Chinese th “reversed Fu”ishomophonic with “Fucomes”）. Windows are decorated with paper-cuts and the Chinese knots are hung to pursue fortune and avoid disasters. In the early years of the Republic of China( 1912AD-1949AD),The New Year paintings were combined with the monthly calendars, which later developed into wall calendars and became popularized throughout the country.大年三十又称除夕，一般要在家中祭祖。全家人团聚，吃年夜饭。年夜饭总是特别丰盛，让全家人都吃个痛快。古时，人们要喝屠苏酒，据说这是名医华佗发明，后来又由名医孙思邈流传开来的。有人说，这是另一个名医张仲景发明的，他看到寒冬把穷人的耳朵都冻烂了，便配制一种“祛寒娇耳汤”，送给穷人治冻伤。这种很像耳朵的药膳，后来就演变成了饺子。当然，很多风俗的形成往往有个漫长的过程，和我们在这儿说的一些传说掌故并没有真正的关系。不过千百年来人们一直这么口耳相传着，这里寄托着人们对历史的理解和对生活的感情，还是很值得我们去体味的。The 30th of the twelfth lunar month is also known as the Chinese New Year’s Eve, on which people would always stay indoors to offer sacrifices to ancestors. All the family members get together to have the family reunion dinner, which is always luxurious. In ancient times, people would drink“Tusu spirits”，which was said to be invented by the famous doctor Sun simiao. People in northern China eat jiaozi，which takes the shape of gold ingot from ancient China. People eat them and wish for money and treasure in the conming new year. According to one legend，jiaozi was invented by another famous dactor Zhang Zhongjing. At the sight of the frostbite on his patients‘ears， he compounded decoctions of Chinese medicinal herbs to dispel cold and soften the skin of the ear. The medicinal cuisine looked like ears and later developed into jiaozi. Obvously， the development of customs usually undergoes a slow process，and may not necessarily be associated with the above mentioned legends. Over the years，these legends have been passed down orally. People’sunderstanding of history and their deep affection for life are impied in the legends and worth our appreciation.除夕要守岁，从吃年夜饭开始，一家人在一起边吃边聊天，一直要到深夜，迎接新年的到来。在许多地方，除夕夜灶膛里的火是不可以熄灭的，人们会在灶膛里，或是瓦盆里煨上一段粗壮的树根，或是炭结，让它一直燃到年初一，象征着薪尽火传，绵绵不绝。这里似乎有着对远古时代“火崇拜”的依稀回忆，很是耐人寻味。According to the custom, people will stay up late on the Chinese New Year’s Eve. Family members have dinner together, and chat till midnight to welcome the New Year in. In most areas, the fire in the chamber of the Kitchen range should not be put out on the eve. People will place a thick tree root or carbon block in the range or in an earthen basin, to let it burn until the first day of the lunar New year. As one piece of fuel is consumed, the flame passes to another. It symbolizes eternity, and has a hint of the worship of fire as in ancient times.守岁又称“熬年”，这里也有个故事。说是从前有一种凶恶的怪兽，人称“年”。每当除夕夜就会出来伤害人畜。人们为了躲避它，除夕夜早早关门，不敢睡觉，坐等天亮，所以称为“熬年”。到了年初一，大家出来一看，都还活着，于是，相互祝贺，表示庆幸，如此而已。据说有一个除夕夜，“年”窜进江南一个村庄，吃掉很多人。有一家挂红布帘，穿红衣服的新婚夫妻安然无恙。还有一家小孩在院子里点燃一堆竹子玩耍，也没事。人们这才明白过来，原来年兽怕红，怕光，怕响声。于是相沿成习，过年的时候要贴红纸，穿红衣，挂红灯，敲锣打鼓，燃放爆竹，据说就是这个缘故。Staying up on the eve is also called“Survive the Nian” derived from a story. In the good old times，there was a beast called Nian, which came out to hurt people and animals on the New Year’s Eve. To keep away from it, people would close doors early and stay awake till daybreak, so it is called “Survive the Nian”. On the 1st day of the first lunar month, people would congratulate each other on their survivals. It was said that once on a New Year’s Eve, Nian ran into a small village to the south of Yangtze River, and devoured a lot of people. A newly-married couple in red with red door curtains stayed sound and safe. Another family survived because their kids burned apile of bamboos in the yard. It occurred to people that red, light and loud sound were the things the Beast Nian feared most. The customs of pasting red paper-cuts, wearing red dresses, hanging red lights, beating drums and gongs, and setting off firecrackers have been carried on from generation to generation.除夕夜，习俗又以为是老鼠娶亲的好日子。鼠是十二生肖之一，它的繁殖能力极强。古人渴望多子多孙，给老鼠办婚礼，也就有祈求多子多福的喻义在里面。也有人说，这里还有禳鼠的意思，把老鼠这个祸祟客客气气地“嫁”出去，也是一种驱逐的手段。旧时年画，就有“老鼠娶亲”，画面上一支喜气洋洋的迎亲队伍，清一色的老鼠，个个十分可爱，而在这支队伍的最前面，却偏偏蹲着一只笑容可掬的猫儿。这幅年画的创作意图，很值得咀嚼一番。Another story of the New Year’s Eve says that it is the best wedding date for rats. The rat is one of the Chinese Zodiac Symbols with enormous reproductive capacity. People in ancient times were eager to have more descendants. Holding wedding ceremonies for rats implies their wishes of having more sons and more blessings. Others believe that marrying off the rat is a polite way of exorcizing rat-afflicted disasters. The old-time New Year paintings had a theme of “Rat’s Taking a Wife”, with a merry wedding parade of lovely rats. The originality of the work lay in the smiley cat squatting in front of the parade.除夕夜，还有到寺庙里去“宿山守夜”，准备等到子时一过，就到佛前去点燃新年里的第一炷香这样的一种习俗。Some people spent the New Year’s Eve in a vigil in the temples so as to light the first joss stick before Buddha after 1 a.m.年初一，是新的一年的开始，除了放爆竹之外，就是拜年。一是家里人相互拜年。大家穿上新衣服，按照辈分大小拜年。先拜天地神袛，再拜祖宗，然后是晚辈向长辈行礼，说说福话，长辈则要给孩子们压岁钱。有的地方有在新年里祭扫祖坟的习惯。有的地方又有在新年里悬挂祖宗肖像，让后代子孙瞻仰祖宗遗容的风俗。二是亲戚朋友之间的相互拜年，请吃年酒，通常会持续到元宵节，才大致告一段落。俗话说，“亲戚是条龙，不来就要穷。”许多人都是把新年里走亲戚当成一件大事来做的。在一些少数民族之间，也盛行拜年。藏族拜年要敬献哈达，回族拜年则互送香油。这里充溢着浓浓的亲情、乡情，令人难以忘怀。The first day of the first lunar month is the beginning of a Chinese New Year. Besides setting off firecrackers, people would pay New Year visits. Firstly, they extend New Year greetings to family members. All in new clothes, they give their wishes to each other according to different ranks in the family hierarchy. They worship Gods of Earth and Heaven, then children will get money from their seniors as a New Year gift. In some areas, people offer sacrifices at the graves hung to let the descendants look at their ancestors’ remains with reverence. Secondly, people pay New Year visits to friends and relatives. The visits and banquets last until the Lantern Festival. As a saying goes, “Relatives are like dragons, and you will become poor without people’s visits”. People attach great importance to New Year’s visits. Some ethnic groups also celebrate the Spring Festival and pay New Year visit. The Tibetans present hada, a long piece of silk used as a greeting gift. People of the Hui ethnic group exchange sesame oil. These customs embody people’s affection for their hometown and their loved ones.旧时在汉族士大夫之间，还流行相互投贺名帖的风俗。这是因为亲朋好友太多，登门拜访实在是走不过来，于是想出了这么个简便的办法，派人到处去送名片，称为“飞片”、“飞帖”。有的大户人家干脆准备一本“门簿”，让门房登记客人的往来和“飞片”。在杭州，当年的人们为了表示自家的身份和讨个吉利，就总要在门簿的第一页上虚拟四位“亲自上门拜年”的“贵客”：一日寿百龄老太爷，住百岁坊巷；一日富有余老爷，住元宝街；一日贵无极大人，住大学士牌楼；一日福照邻老爷，住五福楼。爱虚荣和祈福趋利的心态可见一斑。这种投贺名帖的习俗绵延至今，也就是十分流行的贺年片。One popular convention in the past was to exchange New Year’s name cards among the Han scholar-officials (in feudal China). People could not afford to call on relatives and friends in person, thus inventing the custom of sending name cards everywhere, also called “flying cards” or “flying notes”. A visitor’s book was adopted in large families to keep record of visits and “flying cards” at the gatehouse. To show their social status and seek good luck, people in Hangzhou would imagine four distinguished guests, who visited “personally”, on the first page of their visitor’s book: Lord Centenarian who lived in Street Gold Ingot；Lord Excessive-Wealth who lived in Street Gold Ingot; Lord Infinite-Honor who lived in Pailou ( monumental gateway) Secretary of the Grand Council (highest rank in feudal China’s imperial official hierarchy); and Lord luck-to-Neighbors who lived in Tower of Five Lucks. It is evident that people at that time wanted to pray for blessings, seek profit and pursue vanity. The custom has been carried on from generation to generation, and sending New Year’s name cards and New Year’s cards retains its popularity today.从前，农村还有在新年里看风云、观日色、测晴雨、看参星、听雷鸣、看征兆等一系列占卜年岁丰歉的俗信。滚龙舞狮、扭秧歌、看花灯等娱乐活动更是随处可见。新年是新的一年的开始，除旧迎新，人人都想求个吉利，于是便又有了许多言行上的讲究。说话，要说好话，要图个吉利。比如把桔子荔枝放在小孩的枕边，为的是求它的谐音“吉利”。如果小孩不小心摔破了碗，要说成是“岁岁平安”。“碎”和“岁”谐音，这一说，就意味着逢凶化吉。新年里一般不扫地，据说扫地是会把运气、财气扫走的。如果一定要扫，也得从外头扫到里面。新年里不打骂孩子，也告诫孩子们不要吵架，相互间说话要留神。亲友们见了面，一开口就是“恭喜发财”，这样一种心态，也是可以理解的。In the rural areas, in order to predict crop yields, a series of divination customs are observed, including observation of wind, cloud and sunlight, weather forecast, observation of the Three Stars, listening to thunder, and looking for indications. The lively atmosphere also permeates streets and lanes. Entertainment activities such as lion dancing, and festive lantern watching will be held everywhere. The Chinese are particular about their words and deeds at the beginning of a year. Pleasant words are said for luck. Oranges and litchis are put beside children’s pillows, for in Chinese, their pronunciations, respectively“juzi”and “lizhi”mean auspiciousness. If a child breaks a bowl by accident，“Peace all year round”should be said to turn an ill luck into good，as“broken”has the same pronunciation with “year”in Chinese. Sweeping floors is forbidden as it may sweep away luck and fortune. If the floor does need sweeping, people should start from the outside to the inside. An adult should not beat or curse children during the Spring Festival, and children are told to speak gently and not to quarrel with each other. When meeting with relatives and friends, people usually greet each other by saying“Wish you prosperity”.年初三，俗称“小年朝”。旧时有在除夕夜“封井”的习俗，那么到了年初三就要“开井”。人们在井台边祭祀井神，把除夕夜所封的红纸条揭去，表示从这天开始，又可以汲用井水了。The third day of the New Year is colloquially called “Xiaonianzhao（preliminary year’s dawn）”. As tradition goes, the well is capped on the New Year’s Eve, and uncapped on the third day of the New Year’s Eve, and uncapped on the third day of the New Year. The red paper on the well is uncovered, and sacrifices are offered at the well head to the Well God. From this day on, water can be drawn from the well.年初五,烧纸敬神,称为“烧五纸”。古代有“五祀”。后来又有了五路财神。每到年初五，都要祭祀五路财神，商家则尤其重视。On the fifth day of the New Year，people would burn sacrificial paper，which is known as Shaowuzhi (burning paper as sacrificial offerings on the fifth day). In ancient times, there were “five worships”， which later developed into the five Gods of Wealth. On this day，the Chinese, busnessmen in particular, offer sacrifices to the fie Gods of Wealth.年初七是“人日”。据汉代东方朔《占书》载，岁后八日，一日鸡、二日犬、三日猪、四日羊、五日牛、六日马、七日人、八日谷。习俗以为，如果这一天晴，就预兆所主之物兴旺发达；如果阴，则预兆有灾祸。我们说，自然界某些前兆现象往往蕴涵一些道理，但将它无限扩大，来预测人事，则不足取。不过由此而留下来的一些习俗，就又是一回事。比如在一些地方，年初七贴个纸人在帐子上，或是屏风上，还要吃七种菜做成的羹，说是为了表示对“人”的尊重。这样一层意思，倒也是蛮好的。The seventh day of the New year is “Man’s Day”. As recorded in Zhan Shu (Book on Divination) by Dongfang Shuo of the Han Dynasty (206BC------220AD), the first eight days of the lunar New Year are respectively designated as the days of the rooster, dog, pig, sheep, ox, horse, man and grain. Sunny weather is an indication of the flourishing of the things symbolized by these days, while cloudy days stand for disaster. The omens of Nature may imply some principles, but cannot be overstated to predict occurrences in human life. The customs derived from these legends are a different story. Paper-cut men are pasted on tents or screens. A soup made of seven vegetable is served to show respect to people, the implication of which is well-intended.再过几天，很快就要进入元宵灯会的另一番热闹之中。人们常常以为，过年是要过到元宵才算结束的。有些话，就留在下一节里去说吧。The Lantern festival comes a few days later. The celebration of the Spring Festival does not come to an end until this day. More will be covered in the following chapter.二.元宵节 The Lantern Festival元宵节，又称“上元节”、“元夕节”、“灯节”。正月十五闹元宵，同样由来已久。这是一年当中第一个月圆的夜晚，人们张灯结彩，走上街头，通宵达旦，欢度节日，总是会留下深刻的印象。The Lantern Festival is also known as the Shangyuan Festival, the Yuanxi Festival or the Yuanxiao Festival. And the celebration of the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first lunar month also has a very long history. The 15th day is the first night to see a full moon in a new year and every house is decorated with lanterns and streamers. As night falls, people go in crowds to admire the colorful and impressive lanterns in streets. The celebration leaves deep impressions on anyone who joins it.元宵节的形成，可能要追溯到古人对火的崇拜。也有人认为它与佛教、道教都有某种联系。古代傩祭，要点燃火把，用来逐疫驱鬼，不过在时间上还并不是定在正月十五。东汉明帝曾经下令，元宵节不论士族庶民一律挂灯，开创了先例。到了隋炀帝的时候，则已形成定律，每年正月十五夜晚，京城里总要“大列炬火，光烛照地，百戏之盛，振古无比”，几万人走上街头狂欢，说元宵节这时候已蔚然成风，大概是比较稳妥的。此后，历代帝王又有意倡导，上行下效，愈演愈烈。唐代实行宵禁，夜晚不准出行，唯独在元宵节，皇帝特许开禁三天，称为“放夜”。宋代，又延长到五夜。明代愈发开放，规定正月初八上灯，十七落灯，前后狂欢十夜。《福建通志》里记载了一段轶闻，说是蔡君谟任福州太守时，下令民间每家点灯七盏，等于是一种“硬性摊派”。有人故意做了盏大灯，上面题写一首诗：“富家一盏灯，太仓一粒粟；贫家一盏灯，父子相对哭。风流太守知不知，犹恨笙歌无妙曲！”蔡君谟看到了，当即“还舆罢灯”，看来他是有所触动，认为别人的批评是有道理的。这段轶闻是否有夸饰，已经很难考证了，不过从中折射历史，说明风俗的形成往往与“上行下效”有某种关系，倒是很值得我们重视。元宵节先是在京城里酝酿成熟，后来扩布到各地的城市，然后不断蔓延，直到穷乡僻壤，人们也总是会张罗着过这个节，这样一种流播的轨迹，显而易见。The lantern Festival may originate from the fire worship by the ancient people. It is also said to have something to do with Buddhism and Taoism. According to the belief of the ancient people, when they sffered sacrifices to their ancestors, fire was lit to alleviate illness and ward off evil spirits. But the day of sacrifices was not exactly on the 15th day of the first lunar month. It was Emperor Ming of the Eastern Han Dynasty(25AD---220AD) who first ordered his people, whether rich or poor, to display lighted lanterns during the Lantern Festival. This was Formalized by Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty (581AD---618AD). As can be seen from the historical records about the nights of the Lantern Festival every year in the capital city---the magnificent lanterns displayed lit up the night sky and the great scene of performances were unparalleled---the Lantern Festival had developed into a great trend by that time. It was then promoted and enforced by later emperors and became increasingly popular. In the Tang Dynasty(618AD---907AD)，due to the curfew, people could only go out at night during the three-day Lantern Festival. In the Song Dynasty(960AD---1279AD), the festival celebration lasted for five days. However, the grandest celebration took place in the Ming Dynasty(1368AD---1644AD), during which the festivities lasted for ten days from the eighth day to the seventeenth day of the first lunar month. A story in Fujian Annals says that once Cai Junmo, Prefect of Fuzhou, ordered every household to light seven lanterns on the lantern Festival, which was beyond the means of common people. So someone deliberately made a big lantern, with a sarcastic poem written on it:A lantern for a rich family is like a drop in the ocean,A lantern for a poor family makes the father and the son cry to each other;Does the merry Prefect know about this?He is still complaining that the music is not good enough. It seemed that Cai Junmo was touched by the poem and withdrew the order. Though it is difficult to prove what really happened at that time, this significantly mirrors the fact that customs were formed when people followed the examples of their superiors. The activities of the Lantern Festival started from the capital city, and then spread to many of the big cities and later to poor little villages. Obviously this is how customs came into being.元宵节的内容很丰富，最引人注目的自然是灯彩。灯又有挂灯和迎灯两类。挂灯是家家户户挂灯，或是在街路上扎灯悬灯。人们出来逛街，一边观赏，一边品评，看谁的灯漂亮、华丽、别致。迎灯是人们手里提着灯在街上走，甚至还会形成浩浩荡荡的迎灯队伍。迎灯队伍里往往会有各种各样的民间歌舞表演，热闹非凡。在北方，一般称为闹灶火，花样之多，不胜枚举。耍龙灯，舞狮子，划旱船，踩高跷，扭秧歌，以及各种台阁、器乐演奏、戏曲人物扮演 、滑稽小丑、武术杂技，可以说是应有尽有。当然，人们又总是会把这一天夜晚的这种活动统称之为迎灯。如果说挂灯是一种造型艺术，那么迎灯就是传统的行为艺术了。Among various activities during the Lantern Festival, colorful lanterns are the most eye-catching. There are two kinds of lanterns, namely hanging-lanterns and carrying-lanterns. Hanging lanterns decorate households and streets. While strolling around, people appreciate and comment on the magnificence and novelty of the lanterns. Carrying-lanterns are for people to carry along. These people sometimes even join together and merge into a parade, in which folk songs and dances are joyfully performed. In Northern China, such traditional festivities are called Shehuo, which involves all kinds of performances, such as the dragon-lantern dance, the lion-dance, the land-boat dance, the yangge-dance, walking on stilts, instrumental performances, the characters in Chinese operas shows, clown shows, martial arts and acrobatics. It is true that these activities are also generally referred to as Lantern-carrying, which can be considered as performance arts, compared to Lantern-hanging as plastic arts.悬挂着供人观赏的灯，逐渐地就形成了展览。各地的能工巧匠在这方面表现出惊人的聪明才智，个个别出心裁，令人叹为观止。北京的宫类，天津的宝莲灯、苏杭的花灯、广州的鸳鸯戏莲灯、东北的冰灯，举不胜举，往往都有鲜明的地方特色和独特的艺术风格。有一种称为“孔明灯”的，很像今天的热气球，利用冷热空气质量不同的原理，居然可以把灯升到空中去。还有有一种走马灯，也是利用热空气上升的驱动力，让灯彩自己转动，人们观赏着灯彩各个侧面的绘画造型，格外引人入胜。Hanging lanterns for viewing has gradually developed into an exhibition. Skillful lantern craftsmen from all over China are admired for their unusual talents and wisdom. The lanterns they make are famous for their local characteristics and unique artistic styles, such as Beijing’s Palace lantern, Tianjin’s Lotus Lantern, Suzhou and Hangzhou’s Flower Lantern, Guangzhou’s Lantern of Mandarin-ducks Playing Joyfully in the Lotus Flowers, and Northeastern China’s Ice Lantern. The Kongming Lantern, based on the fact that hot air is lighter than cool air, can even fly like today’s hot air balloons. Another lantern called the Running-horse Lantern can revolve by itself because of the heated air in it. At the same time people are fascinated by the shapes of the lanterns and the paintings on them.在灯彩上写谜语，让别人猜，这就是灯谜。一般认为，南宋时，京城临安（今杭州）就已盛行灯迷。Lantern riddles are riddles stuck on the surface of lanterns for people to guess while enjoying the lantern displays. It is generally believed that it was popular in the City of Lin’an (the present-day Hangzhou), the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty(1127AD-1279AD).关于灯迷，有个蛮风趣的传说。据说当年有个财主，经常欺压穷人。青年王少心里气不过，就在元宵夜扎了盏花灯，上面写了一首诗，有心到财主家去出一口恶气。财主一看花灯，上面写着：“头尖身细白如银，论秤没有半毫分，眼睛长到屁股上，光人衣裳不认人。”财主以为是在骂他势利，不觉恼羞成怒，就要家丁去抢花灯。王少却笑嘻嘻地说：“你怎么知道我在骂你？你的疑心病也太重了。我这里是个迷，谜底就是‘针’，你想想是不是？”这一说，围观的人哄堂大笑，财主只好气得干瞪眼。这件事传了开去，据说就引出了“灯迷”的习俗，许多人都喜欢把谜语写在花灯，让观灯的人猜测取乐。An interesting legend about lantern riddles goes that once there was a rich man who usually bullied and oppressed the poor. A young man called Wang Shao became very angry and decided to take revenge on him on the night of the Lantern Festival by presenting him with a lantern bearing this riddle: “It is silver white, with the head sharp and body slight./The hand of a scale hardly moves because its weight is too light./ On its are its eyes,/ and only clothing not men can it recognize.” The rich man was infuriated and ordered to take the lantern from Wang Shao, thinking that the riddle described him. Having taken his revenge, Wang Shao said,“What makes you think that it describes you? You are too suspicious. This is only a riddle and the answer is a needle. Think about it.” Everyone laughed. The rich man could do nothing but stand by helplessly. The story spread quickly and it is now considered as the origin of lantern riddles. From then on ,people like to put riddles on the lanterns for others to guess as a form of entertainment.还有人说，正月十五挂红灯和农民起义领袖黄巢有关。那年，黄巢攻打浑城，一时之间攻不下，就化装成平民百姓进城去探个虚实。在城里，他差一点被官军抓住，幸亏有个老头救了他，还指点了攻城的诀窍。黄巢为了感激他，让他在正月十五夜挂个灯笼在门口。这个老头又把消息传给左邻右舍，不久城里的穷人都知道了，家家买红纸扎灯笼。后来，黄巢的军队在正月十五晚上攻进浑城，凡是挂红灯的人家都受到了保护。据说从此以后，就有了元宵挂灯的风俗。Another legend says that the practice of hanging red lanterns has something to do with Huang Chao, leader of a peasant uprising. After he found that it was difficult to take the Huncheng City, Huang Chao entered the city in civilian disguise, trying to find out about the enemy. There he underwent a narrow escape with the help of an old man, who also told him about the strategies to take the city. In order to show his gratitude, Huang Chao told the old man to hang a lantern over has gate on the night of the Lantern Festival. Then the old man spread the news in the neighborhood and soon the poor people throughout the city began to make lanterns with red paper. Later, when Huang Chao’s army took Huncheng City on the night of the Lantern Festival, those who had hung the lanterns were spared. Hence, the custom of hanging lanterns during the lantern Festival came into being.元宵节的掌故还有不少。据说宋朝有个州官，名叫田登，为了避“官讳”，不许老百姓说“登”字。因为“灯”和“登”同音，连“灯”字也不能写。元宵节官府贴出的告示居然被写成“本州依例，放火三日”。于是成为话柄，大家都说“只许州官放火，不许百姓点灯”。作为对于骄横跋扈者的绝妙讽刺。There are many other legends about the festival. Once there was a governor called Tian Deng, who did not allow people to say the word “deng” in order to avoid the coincidental association with his own name. People were not even allowed to write the word “deng(lantern)”as it had the same pronunciation with his given name “deng(ascend)”. Once before the Lantern Festival the local government put up a notice saying that “According to tradition, this prefecture will fang huo(set fire) for three days”, deliberately avoiding the phrase fang deng (display lanterns). The story soon became a subject of ridicule. People all complained that a governor might commit arson while the governed were not allowed to light a lantern, ironically referring to the imperious and despotic rulers.在迎灯的队伍里，最引人注目的往往是舞龙灯，又称为龙舞。In the lantern parade, dragon-lantern dancing, also known as the dragon-dance, is usually the most eye-catching.龙是十二生肖之一，与中华民族的历史文化有着极其密切的关系。大约在五千多年前的出土文物上，我们就已经发现了龙的形象。关于舞龙的文字记载，在汉代的文献中就已频频出现，可见它是由来已久的。古代以为，龙有呼风唤雨、消灾除疫的功能，是吉祥的象征，在节日庆典中舞龙很早就形成了习俗。较早出现的土龙，大概还不能舞动。后来又有了草龙，逐渐地就可以舞动起来。龙灯一般可分两大类，一类是可以点灯发亮的，主要在夜晚舞动；还有一种布龙，或称彩龙，则不燃蜡烛。两者各有千秋。前者往往是元宵夜一道奇特的风景线。江南一带有板凳龙，村里每户出一条板凳，其实它只是一条木板，板上由各户自己设计、制作一盏造型奇特的灯火，板的两头都有洞。舞龙时，村里出龙头、龙尾，每户人家的龙灯板就可以拼接上去，板与板拼接时用一根小木棒插入板上的小洞，犹如插销一般，再加上有人在旁护持，这样组成的板凳龙就可以舞动起来了。大的村落，往往会把板凳龙做成几百节长，在山路上蜿蜒前行，在广场上盘旋布阵，常常造成震撼人心的气势。The dragon, one of the twelve Chinese zodiac animals, is an important part of Chinese culture and tradition. Some unearthed cultural relics, which existed more than 5000 years ago, were decorated with sketches of dragons of a crude form. In ancient times, people thought that the dragon could make clouds and bring them rain and help them to avoid disasters and ward off illness. Therefore it was a symbol of prosperity and good luck. The dragon dances was frequently mentioned in the records of the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD) and has long been the Chinese custom during festivals ever since. Probably the earliest dragon---the earth dragon---could not dance at all, while the later grass dragon could. There are usually two kinds of dragon lanterns: a dragon with candle lights is called a lighted dragon, otherwise it is called a cloth dragon, or a colorful dragon. Though each has its merits, the lighted dragon, or a colorful dragon. Though each has its merits, the lighted dragon dance, mainly performed at night is a real magnificent scene on the Lantern Festival. There is another one called the bench dragon to the south of the Yangtze River. Each household provides one bench, which is just a wooden board, with a specially-made light on it and holes on each end. All the benches are connected by a small stick, which functions as a bolt, into a whole, then the dragon’s head and tail provided by the village are put on each end. With the dancer each holding up a stick in his section of the dragon, the bench dragon would begin to dance. A large village could make a bench dragon of hundreds of sections, which would wind through mountain roads and hover on squares, often a scene of excitement.布龙不燃灯烛，因此可以在舞动的动作上出奇制胜，形成各种高难度的动作套路，令人眼花缭乱、啧啧称奇。Without candle lights, the cloth dragon can display its highly skillful performance and extremely difficult tricks, which, to audiences, is so dazzling and intriguing.说起龙灯，也有许多动人的传说。各个地方的人们通过自己的想象，解释龙灯的起源，虽然并非信史，却真切地流露出他们对历史的理解和对生活的态度。比如有的说，古时有一条老龙，不顾天帝的禁令，私自降雨，为民造福。后来天帝发现，将它杀死。百姓们为了纪念它，就做了条龙灯。每逢元宵节，就要舞龙灯。还有的说，有个灯匠，扎的龙灯特别奇妙。皇帝硬逼他扎龙灯。他的龙灯扎好了，龙也活了，居然把皇帝咬死，把皇宫烧掉，带着灯匠逃走了。As for dragon lanterns, there are many moving stories. People tell stories about the origins of the dragon lantern out of imagination. Though the stories might not be true, they can vividly reveal our understanding about history and attitudes towards life. For instance, it is said that once an old dragon was killed after being found to have brought rain to help people without the permission of the Jade Emperor. People made dragon lanterns in memory of him, and performed dragon dances every Lantern Festival. It is also said that a lantern craftsman, famous for the wonderful lanterns he made, was forced to make a lantern for the emperor. When he finished, the dragon suddenly came alive and killed the emperor, burned the imperial palace down and flew away with the lantern craftsman.元宵节吃汤圆，也是许多地方都流行的饮食风俗。汤圆又名“元宵”、“灯圆”。说明它与元宵灯节密不可分。这是一种用糯米粉做成的点心，中间有馅，或放肉，或放夹沙，放在水中煮熟。汤圆熟了之后，就会漂浮起来，犹如圆圆的月亮。天上月圆，碗里汤圆，再加上一家人团圆，这里有着极佳的象征意义，所以人人都喜爱它。台湾有首民歌《卖汤圆》，许多人都会唱：“一碗汤圆满又满，吃了汤圆好团圆。”此情此景，令人向往。Eating tangyuan(glutinous rice balls stuffed with either sweet or meat fillings) is also a tradition in many places. As its other names yuanxiao or dengyuan suggest, it is an important part of the lantern Festival is over. They will start work on the farm or in far-away cities. The same is true with the Han people. Their activities like visiting friends and having dinner parties end on the day of the Lantern Festival. It is conventional for people to start work afterwards.三.二月二 The Double-Second Festival二月二，又称“花朝节”、“踏青节”，“挑菜节”，俗称“龙抬头日”。大约在唐代就已经形成。白居易有《二月二日》诗：“二月二日新雨晴，草芽菜甲一时生。轻衫细马春年少，十字津头一字行。”在这一天，民间相互送礼，还有挑菜、迎富、踏青等活动。明代以后，又有撒灰引龙的习俗，称为“龙抬头”。The Double-Second Festival( or the Spring Dragon Festival) is traditionally named the Dragon Head Festival, which is also called “the Day of Legendary Birth of Flowers”, “the spring Outing Day”, or “the Vegetables-Picking Day”. It came into existence in the Tang Dynasty (618AD-907AD). The poet, Bai Juyi wrote a poem entitled The Second Day of the Second Lunar Month:“The first rain stops, sprout grass and vegetables. In light clothes are young lads, and in lines as they cross the streets.” On this special day, people send gift to each other, pick vegetables, welcome wealth and go on a spring outing, etc. After the Ming Dynasty (1368AD-1644AD), the custom of spreading ashes to attract a dragon was called “dragon lifting its head.”为什么叫“龙抬头“呢？北方民间有这么一个传说。Why is it called “dragon lifting its head”? There is a folktale in northern China.说是有一年，玉帝传谕四海龙王，三年内不得向人间降雨。一时间民不聊生，百姓苦不堪言。有一条玉龙不忍心了，就私自向人间下了一场透雨。这事很快被玉帝发觉，便把玉龙打下凡间，压在一座大山下受罪。山上立了块碑，说是除非金豆开花，玉龙才能重新上天。It is said that once the Jade Emperor ordered the four Sea Dragon Kings not to rain on the earth in three years’ time. At a time, life for the people was intolerable and the people suffered untold misery and hardship. One of the four Dragon Kings-the jade dragon was sympathetic with the people and secretly dropped a soaking rain on the earth, which was soon discovered by the Jade Emperor, who banished him to the mortal world and put him under a huge mountain. On it was a tablet, which said the jade dragon would not go back to Heaven unless golden beans blossomed.老百姓知道了，奔走相告，大家都在想办法要拯救玉龙。一天，一个老婆婆背了一袋玉米，上街去卖，不小心袋口松开，金黄金黄的玉米籽撒了满地。人们心头一亮，心想，玉米籽不就是金豆吗，炒炒不就开花了吗？于是大家齐心协力，约定在二月二这天，家家炒玉米花，放在庭院里。太白金星人老眼花，一看，果然是金豆开花了，就把玉龙给放了出来。People went around telling the news and were thinking of ways to save the dragon. One day, an old woman carried a sack of corn for sale on the street. The sack opened and the golden corn scattered on the ground. It occurred to people that seeds of corn were the gold beans, which would blossom if they were roasted. Therefore, people coordinated their efforts to roast popcorn and place it in the yards on the second day of the second lunar month. The God Venus had dim eyesight with old age. He was under the impression that golden beans blossomed, so he released the dragon.从此以后，民间便有了这个风俗，每年二月二这天，家家户户都要炒玉米花。有的还边炒边唱：“二月二，龙抬头，大仓满，小仓流。”From then on there was a custom on the earth that on the second day of the second lunar month, every family would roast popcorn. Some people sang while roasting:“The dragon lifts its head on the head on the second day of the second lunar month. Large barns will be full and small ones will overflow.”聚居在红河南岸哀牢山中的哈尼族，则把二月二当做“祭龙日”，这一带民间传颂着两个勇敢的小伙子诛杀恶魔，为百姓除害的动人故事。While the Hani ethinic group inhabiting in Mount Ailao on the southern bank of the Red River referred to this day as the Day of Worshipping Dragons，with a moving folktale of two brave young men slaughtering a demon.人们又把二月二叫做花朝节的。总之，意思是说春天快要到了，百花又要争相开放了。人们以为掌管百花的花神应该是有生日的，她的生日就应该在春天，于是就把某一天定做“百花生日”。民间说是百花生日，到了文人嘴里，说得雅一些，就成了花朝节。The festival is also known as the Day of the Legendary Birth of Flowers，which falls on the 12th or 15th of the second lunar month in some other places. Since spring is around the corner and all flowers will soon be in bloom, the day is set as the birthday of the Flower God, which is believed to be in spring. It later gets an elegant name of the Day of the Legendary Birth of Flowers from men of letters.这一天，往往有赏花、种花、踏青和赏红等一系列活动。旧时，在许多地方都还有花神庙，于是就要在这一天祭祀花神。人们用红的纸带、布条系在花枝上，称为“赏红”。还有以这一天的阴晴来占卜全年小麦、花果丰歉的俗信。A series of activities are held on this day，including appreciating flowers，growing flowers，going on a spring outing，and attaching red straps to branches. Sacrifices are offered to the Flower God at Flower God Temples in many places. Red straps of paper or cloth are tied to the stems of flowers. The weather that day is seen as the divination of a year’s yield of wheat, flowers and fruits.壮族同胞把二月二叫做“百花仙子节”，每年这天，男女青年都要聚集在长有木棉树的平坝对歌。对歌中必定有歌颂百花仙子的内容。他们还要抛绣球，互赠礼物。得到绣球的青年会把绣球挂到木棉树上。人们以为，百花仙子就住在木棉树上，他们用这种办法祈求百花仙子保佑爱情常红，心地洁白。People of the Zhuang ethnic group name it the Day of Hundred-Flower Fairy. Youngsters will gather around a dam with bombax trees，singing a musical dialogue in antiphonal style，throwing embroidered balls to their loves and exchanging dift. They will sing songs worshipping the Hungred-Flower Fairy. The embroidered balls they get will be hung on the bombax trees，where the Hundred-Flower Fairy is believed to live in. In this way，the Hundred-Flowed Fairy will bless them with pure and sweet love forever.江南的花果农要给果树做生日。旧时的这一天，妇女们会将果园的杂草锄掉，在每棵果树四周松土。中午时分，在一棵棵树干上贴一方红纸，再用稻草捆住，树枝叉处压一块石头，然后双手扶着果树，轻轻叨念：“桃子今年多吗？多的！桃子今年大吗？大的！桃子今年蛀吗？不蛀！桃子今年脱吗？不脱！”念毕，举起小竹刀，在树干中部不轻不重地斫上一刀。如此这般，一棵棵果树轮着都这么做一遍。也可以是两人配合着，一问一答，一人代表主人，一人代表果树。这里似乎还可以窥见远古时代巫术残存的痕迹，不过时至今日，恐怕也只是在表达果农们的一种心愿罢了。据专家说，果农们在果树上不轻不重地斫上这么一刀，却是蛮有些科学依据的。果树如果长势过旺，果实容易脱落；倘若恰到好处地斫上一刀，恰恰可以起到“回滋”的作用，有利于果实结实。由此可见，保存在民众中的一些知识，其实很是宝贵。It is also considered as the birthday of the fruit trees in the south of Yangtze River. Women used to hoe up weeds and loosen the soil around each tree. At noon，a piece of red paper would be pasted on the trunk of each tree，and then people would cover it with straw. A stone was put on the crotch. People would put both hands on the tree，whispering“Will there be a good harvest of peached？Yes！Will peaches be big？Yes！Will peaches be moth-eaten？No！Will peaches drop？No！”Then they would lift a bamboo knife and cut the middle part of the trunk with moderate strength. The process was repeated for each fruit tree and could be carried out with the joint effort of two people，with one asking the questions，representing the host，and the other answering the questions，standing for the tree. It was originally a form of the ancient witchcraft，and is now only a good wish of the fruit growers. According to the experts， to cut the tree with moderate strength has its scientific foundation. If the growing of trees is too fast，fruits tend to drop. The cutting has the function of “retaining nutrition”， to help to bear fruits，which shows that some knowledge from the populace is precious.四.三月三 The Double-Third festival“三月三”这个节日，不但在汉族地区流行，也还在许多少数民族地区盛传不衰。有人认为它就是古代上的上巳节。古时以夏历三月的第一个巳日为“上巳”。有人说起于周公曲水之宴，有人说起于周时的水滨祓禊，总之，这是一个十分古老的节日。古人在这一天，要到水边去举行祭祀仪式，用香熏草药沐浴，以祓除污渍与秽气。再是在野外或水边招魂续魄，既是召唤亲人的亡魂，也是召唤自己的魂魄苏醒。不难看出，这里充满着古老的巫术。不过在这样一种巫术仪式结束之后，却总是会展开青年男女春游和谈情说爱的生动场景，让人流连忘返。这种场景，在《诗经》中就有过形象的描述。The Double-Third Festival is popular for both the Han people and many other ethnic groups. As for its orgin，one story says that the Double-Third Festival was exactly the ancient Shangsi Festival，which was on the first si day of the third month in the Chinese lunar calendar in ancient times. Some said that it came from the Dinner Party at the Qushui River of the Zhou Dynasty（1046BC-221BC）.Others said that it came down from the custom of a ceremony to get rid of the evils by bathing in the river. Whatever it was， it was an old festival，on which people would hold a sacrificing ceremony on the riverside to honor their ancerstors，and then take a bath in the river with berbs to get rid of the filth from their bodies. Or people would have evocation to call back the spirits，the spirits of their deceased relatives， or to make their own spirits of their deceased relatives，or to make their own spirits come to themselves，which was，of course，full of ancient sorcery. However，what followed this ceremony is really attractive-young men and women would go for a spring outing and romance，and its wonderful scene was vividly described in Shi Jing（The Book of Songs）.上巳节的活动内容，历代都有变化。汉代又增加了临水宴宾和求子。魏晋以后，上巳改为三月三。东晋书法家王羲之的《兰亭集序》，记载了当时的文人墨，客在绍兴兰亭修禊，吟诗饮酒，曲水流觞的风流雅事，这是许多人都熟知的掌故。唐代，每逢此节，皇帝要在曲江大宴群臣，民间男女也喜欢到水边饮宴游玩，长安一带还有斗百草游戏。明清以后，祓禊逐渐淡出，衍变为春游，民间有流杯、流卵、流枣、乞子、戴柳圈、探春、踏、吃青粳饭、举行歌会等活动内容，生活气息十分浓郁。又由于上巳的时间与清明相近，后来便与清明节合而唯为一。今天的许多青年人则已经只知道清明节而不知道上巳节了。The activities of the Shangsi Festival have varied with times. The entertainment feast and praying for descendants along the riverside wee added in the Han Dynasty（206BC-220AD）.It was after the Wei and Jin dynasties （220AD-420AD）that the Shangsi Festival developed into the Double-Third Festival. The calligrapher Wang Xizhi in the Eastern Jin Dynasty（317AD-420AD）recorded in his Preface to the Collectionof Lanting Poems about how those men of pen took a bath to get rid of filth and how they chanted poems while drinking from the drifting cups along the winding river. These well-known stories have become literary river. These well-known stories have become literary anecdotes in history. Whenever this festival came in the Tang Dynasty（618AD-907AD），the emperpor would feast all his followers beside the river while the people，both men and women，would enjoy drinking，going sight-seeing or cricket-fighting as practiced in the area of the City of Chang’an，along the river. After the Ming and Qing dunasties（1368AD-1911AD），the practice of taking a bath to get rid of filth gradually developed into a spring outing which was featured with lively activities like drifting cups，drifting eggs，drifting dates，throwing-stone，wearing willow-wreath，exploring for spring，hiking，having glutinous rice and antiphonal. As the shangsi Festival is very close in time to the Clear-and-Bright result，many young people today only know something about the Clear-and-Bright Festival but have no idea about the Shangsi Festival.而在一部分地区，又有三月节或三月会的习惯，究其时间，也总是在三月三。In some regions there has been a custom of observing the third Lunar Month Festival or the Third Lunar Month Fair，which is always held on the third day of the third lunar month.在四川忠县一带，则流传着一则感人肺腑的传说。战国时，巴蔓子是川东巴国将领，当时邻国入侵，求楚国相助，楚国出兵获胜后，要挟巴国要送给楚国三座城池。为了保护城池，巴蔓子割颈自刎。楚国大为震撼，不得不退了兵。当地百姓十分感激巴蔓子，为他立了个庙，叫做土主庙。三月三是他自刎的日子，每年这一天，人们都要抬着巴幔蔓子的神像绕城游行，隆重纪念他。家家张灯结彩，燃放爆竹，人们都用这样一种方式来纪念这位了不起的英雄。A moving legend was often told around the area of Zhongxian County，Sichuan Province. It was about a famous Ba general，Bamanzi，in Eastern Sichuan. At the time of the invasion by a neighboring state，the Ba State had to ask for military help from the Chu State. But after they won the battle，the Chu State asked the Ba State to give it three cities in return. To preserve these cities，Bamanzi killed himself by cutting his neck with a sword. Shocked by his death，the Chu State withdrew its army. The local people built a temple named Tuzhu Temple to show their gratitude and respect for bamanzi. As he died on the third day of the third lunar month，people would hang up lanterns，set off firecrackers and carry Bamanzi’s portrait in a parade around the city in honor of this great hero on this day of the year.三月三,同时又是我国南方许多少数民族的传统节日,流行在壮、侗、布依、水、仫佬、毛南、苗、瑶、畲等民族中间。In South China，the Double-Third Festival is also a traditional festival among many ethnic minorities like Zhuang，Dong，Bouyei，Shui，Oroqen，Maonan，Yao and She.壮族，一般在这天赶歌圩，搭歌棚，举办歌会，让青年男女对歌、碰蛋、抛绣球，谈情说爱。传说壮族历史上有位歌仙刘三姐，又称刘三妹。她擅长歌唱，三位秀才来对歌，都败在她手下。后来她骑着鲤鱼上了天，在广西一带留下不少佳话。后人纪念她，把三月三叫做“歌仙节”。On the third day of the third lunar month every year，the Zhuang ethnic group will gather in the open to set up a singing tent and take part in a singing party，where young men and women sing in antiphonal style，bump eggs，throw embroidered balls，and ecpress their love toeach other. There was once a Zhuang girl called Liu Sanjie （Third Sister Liu），who was very good at singing and even defeated three young men with her witty singing，according to the legend. She later went up to Heaven on the back of a carp and became the Singing Goddess. To honor her，people gave another name to the third day of the third lunar month，“the Singing goddess Day”.侗族，多在这天抢花炮、斗牛、斗鸟、对歌、踩堂，又称“花炮节”。The Dong ethnic group calls the Double-Third Festival“Firework-Scrambling festival”，when people compete for firework-scrambling（a round，iron ring，5 cm in diameter with red cloth or silk twined around it），go for bull-fighting or bird fighting，sing in antiphonal style and have caitang dances.布依族，在这天杀猪祭社神、山神，吃黄色糯米饭，各个村寨之间，好几天不相往来。On the day of the Double-Third Festival，the Bouyei ethnic group would busy themselves with celebrating the worship of the mountain and community gods with pigs and steaming glutinous rice，too busy to visit the neighboring villages for several days.瑶、黎、水、畲等各个民族也都有他们自己独特的节俗，我们无法一一细说，不过从中传达出来的节日情怀，却是相通的。Other ethnic groups like the Miao，Yao and She，usually hold various activities rich in ethnic flavor，which cannot be mentioned one by one，but their featival atmosphere is the same.五.清明节 The Clear-and-Bright Festival民间有“清明大如年”的说法，可见人们是把它当做一个大节日来过的。其实，清明是二十四节气中的一个节气。说清明就必须说说二十四节气。There has long been a saying that the Clear-and-Bright Festival（or the Pure brightness Festival） is as important as the Spring Festival，which shows how important this festival is. In fact，Clear-and-Bright is only a solar term，one of the 24 seasonal division terms in China. So one cannot talk about clear-and-Bright without mentioning the 24 seasonal division terms first.古人根据太阳在黄道上的位置变化和地面气候演变的次序，将全年划分为二十四个段落，每段相隔半个月。大约到了秦汉的时候，二十四节气就已完全确立，并且成为农事活动的主要依据了。民间流传着大量的谚语，告诉人们什么节气该干什么农活，很清楚。二十四节气并不都是节日，不过其中的立春，清明、立夏、立秋、冬至，历来也总是把它们当做节日来过的。时至今日，其他一些节气大多淡出人们的记忆，独有清明，却盛传不衰，成为我国传统节日中的佼佼者。According to the changing positions of the sun in the elliptic and seasonal changes of climate on the earth，the traditional Chinese calendar divides a year into 24solar terms at the interval of 15 days. These 24 solar terms were completely established around the Qin and Han dynasties （221BC-220AD），and have become the basis for agricultural activities ever since. A large numbers of proverbs have been popular among folks telling people what specific agricultural activities they should do during different solar seasons. Not all the 24 solar seasons are considered to be festivals. But some of them， like the Beginning of Spring，Clear-and-Bright，the beginning of Summer，the Beginning of Autumn and Winter Solstice，are usually observed as festivals. While many other solar seasons leave no traces on people‘s minds，the Clear-and-Bright festival occupies an outstanding position among the Chinese traditional festivals.清明在夏历三月间，公历四月五日前后。清明节的活动，在今天主要是踏青、扫墓、植树等内容。而在历史上，清明节的内容则比今天多得多，这里也有一个逐渐衍变的过程。The Clear-and-Bright festival occurs in the third lunar month and around the fifth of April. Activities like going hiking，sweeping tombs and planting trees are what people often do during the festival. However，there were much more activities in ancient times than what we have today，from which we can trace the course of a gradual evolution.说清明总要先从寒食说起。古代，清明的前一两天，还有个寒食节。这一天禁用烟火，人们只好冷食，所以称为寒食。古诗有“未到清明先禁火”，说的就是这种习俗。The clear-and-Bright Festival developed out of the Cold-Food Festival. In ancient times，the Cold-Food Festival was usually one or two days before the Clear-and-Bright Festival. It got its name from the custom of eating cold food because of the fire-forbidding practice on that day.“Prohibiting fire before the Clear-and-Bright Festival comes” is a line from an ancient poem，which demonstrates the observance of this custom.为什么要禁火呢？这里有个传说。Why is the fire forbidden？It originated from a legend.春秋时，晋文公重耳在执政前曾经一度流亡在外，吃过不少苦。有个介子推，一直忠心耿耿跟随着他。有一次，介子推甚至割下自己腿上的一块肉来给重耳吃。后来，重耳登上王位，大封功臣，却偏偏把介子推给忘记了。介子推心里不是滋味，也不明说，背着他的老母亲躲进了深山。It was about Jie Zitui who lived in the Spring and Autumn Period（770BC-476BC）.Before Chong’re (Duke Wen) was in power, he had been forced to go into exile, and Jie Zitui bore the misery together with him and followed him faithfully all the way. On one occasion, he even cut his own flesh from his leg and boiled it for hungry Chong’er. But when Chong’er became the monarch and granted titles to his meritorious followers, he forgot Jie Zitui. Sad and disappointed in heart, Jie Zitui said nothing and went to live in seclusion with his mother in the moutains.后来,有人在晋文公面前提起了介子推;也有的说是介子推自己写了首诗《龙蛇之歌》，讽刺晋文公，这诗让晋文公看到了。总之，后来晋文公发觉自己亏待了介子推，要去找介子推补救，却已经找不到他了。晋文公派御林军进山去搜索，这时候有人急于求成，竟放火烧山，以为这样一来，介子推就会不得不逃出来。谁知道介子推很倔，竟抱着一棵树，让大火活活烧死，却就是不肯出来。据说介子推死在山西介休县的山里，后来山西一带的民众为了纪念他，在他的忌辰，禁火一个月，后来又改为禁火三天，相沿成俗，这就是寒食节的由来。人们因为禁火，需要重新用榆柳取火，所以就在门口插柳。人们还用柳条穿着面粉做成“子推燕”，挂在门口，为介子推母子招魂。这个习俗后来就演变为门前插柳条，或是在头上戴柳圈，或是在鬓边插柳，俗信以为可以驱毒、明眼、祈年，这都已经是后来的事了。There are different versions about what happened later. According to one version，someone happened to mention Jie Zitui to Duke Wen one day. The other version says that it was the satirical poem The Song of Dragon and Snake written by Jie Zitui，that was presented to Duke Wen. Whichever version was true，its consequence was that Duke Wen realized that he had treated Jie Zitui shabbily. To make up for his mistake，he went to look for Jie Zitui but in vain. Then he sent his palace guards to search for Jie Zitui in the mountains. During the search，someone was so anxious for success as toset fire to the moutains，thinking that the fire would surely drive Jie Zitui out of the mountains. Out of everyone’s expectations，Jie Zitui was such an obstinate person that he would rather be burnt to death than go out. It was said that Jie Zitui died with a tree in his arms in the mountains in the Jiexiu County, Shanxi Province. To commemorate him, the Shanxi people would not light fire from the day Jie Zitui died for a month, which was later shortened to three days. This practice gradually developed into a custom, which is the orgin of the Cold-Food Festival. As fire was forbidden, people had to return to the elm willow for starting fire. Therefore, they planted willow trees in front of their gates. Willow branched were also used to make “Zitui Swallows” by Piercing the branches through the dough. People hung these“Zitui Swallows” at the gates to call back the spirit of Jie Zitui and his mother. This custom gradually involves activities like plugging willow branches in front of the gates，wearing willow wreath and sticking a willow twig in one’s sideburns, for the folks believe that this can rid them of illness, make clear their eyes and bless them with a good harvest, which is the later story.也有人指出,其实早在周朝就已经有暮春禁火的记载了,恐怕把寒食与介子推之死联系在一起的说法经不起推敲.不过.作为民间传说,这个故事表达了民众对于历史的一种评价,尽管有些附会,也还是颇为珍贵的。As someone pointed out，the fire-forbidden practice at the end of spring was actually recorded as early as the Zhou Dynasty（1046BC-221BC）. Therefore，it sounds dubious when people connect the death of Jie Zitui with the practice of eating cold food. Anyhow，the legend is a valuable expression of people’s review on history though they may be a little farfetched.因为寒食和清明的日子相隔很近,渐渐地,人们把寒食的节日活动延续到了清明.前面提到,这段时间里还有个上巳节,是祓禊招魂、踏青郊游为主要特征的。这种活动后来也被融合进了清明。一般认为，从唐代开始，清明才成为一个重要节日，它的节日活动里就包括了寒食、上巳的许多内容。Because of the adjacency of the Cold-Food festival and the Clear-and-Bright Festival in time，people gradually extended the activities of the Cold-Food Festival till the Clear-and-Bright Festival. As is mentioned above，there used to be the Shangsi festival during this time，which is featured with offering sacrifices to get ride of disasters and beg blessings，call back the spirit of the dead as well as go hiking. These activities later merged into those of the Clear-and-Bright Festival. Generally speaking，it was from the Tang Dynasty （618AD-907AD）that the Clear-and-Bright Festival became an important one，which included many activities of the Cold-Food Festival and the shangsi Festival.在二十四节气里，清明的本意是说这时候春天到了，万物开始生长，农忙也即将来临，提醒人们不要忘记农事。不过作为传统节日，它的主要内容还是祭扫祖坟和踏青游春。而这两件事，在从前往往又是连在一起的。唐代大诗人白居易的诗：“乌鹊噪昏乔木，清明寒食谁家哭，风吹旷野纸钱飞，古墓累累纯草绿。”就是对当年清明节风俗的生动写照。Among the 24 solar seasons，Clear-and-Bright originally refers to，and aims to remind people of the time when spring begins，when everything begins to grow and when the busy season for farming approaches. However，as a traditional festival， it mainly includes sweeping their family tombs and going for spring outings. The great poet bai Juyi in the Tang Dynasty（618AD-907AD）vividly depicted the observance of the clear-and-Bright Festival in one of his poems：“With the crowing of birds in the woods comes the weeping of tomb-sweepers；In the wind of the Clear-and-Bright Festival，flies the spirit money above the green tombs.”饮水思源,慎终追远,这是中华民族的传统美德.历史上大多数地区沿袭土葬,人们对祖坟都很看重.每年清明节,家家户户都要到祖坟上去祭奠一番,带去一些酒食果品作为供奉,在坟前烧些纸钱,虔诚叩拜,表示对祖先的悼念.还要为坟墓除草培土,在坟上插几枝新柳,或是种几株新树,以示养护.扫墓之后,人们便会找一个地方,把祭奠先人的酒食果品吃掉,这就有些象今天的野餐了。Paying tribute to our ancestors is one of the ChineseVirtues. As it is a traditional practice for people in many places to bury the dead in the ground，they attach great importance to their family tombs. Therefore，on the day of the Clear-and-Bright festival every year，people visit their family graveyards，holding memorial ceremonies，presenting wine and fruits as sacrifice，burning spirit money，and kowtowing piously to their ancestors. Besides，weeds are pulled，new earth is covered on the toms，and new branches of willow or young trees are planted around the tombs. After this，people will find a place to eat up the food they laid out in front of the grave， which is just like today’s picnic.坟墓都在郊外,住在城里的居民到郊外扫墓,事实上也就是一次郊游/这个时候风和日丽,莺飞草长,到处勃勃生机,自然而然会引发人们踏青的情绪.清明踏青,大约在宋代就已蔚然成风.著名的《清明上河图》，就是宋朝时节汴京人民踏青远足的风俗画，文人诗词的歌咏自然就更多了。所谓踏青，用今天的话来说，也就是休闲旅游的一种样式，这也是不言而喻的。As the graveyards are located in the suburs，going to sweep tombs is，in the eyes of urban citizens，to go hiking. Bathing in the warm sunshine，with birds singing and grass growing everywhere，the lively nature arouses the enthusiasm of spring outings on this day. Since the Song Dynasty（960AD-1279AD），people have followed the custom of spring outings. The famous painting Along the River During the Clear-and-bright Festival vividly depicts the spring outings of the Bianjing people in the Song Dynasty. And it is natural for people to write poems and songs about it. Of course，going for an outing today is a relaxing tour.清明踏青，又势必会引出许多游艺活动，诸如荡秋千、放风筝、驰马、踢球、斗鸡、拔河以及名目繁多、花样翻新的游戏，往往会使人心旷神怡，乐而忘返。也许有人会问，不是说清明节的主要活动是祭扫祖坟吗？人们都应该在悲哀之中才是，怎么一会儿工夫就又嘻嘻哈哈起来了呢？这也不难解释。中华民族对于生死的理解其实是很豁达的，一般认为人的生命出自黄土而又回归黄土，这是一种循环。历来把老人高寿而又在自己家里去世称之为“寿终正寝”，把为这样的人办丧事称之为“白喜事”，活着的人并不会过于悲伤，而是以为逝者很平安地走完了他的人生之路，值得欣慰。每年清明节扫墓，则是为了表达对逝者的孝敬和思念。在仪式之后，放松一下心情，是很正常的一种需求。再则，旧时的女子很少出门，尤其是很少到郊外，她们借此机会来到旷野之中，这种喜悦之情就会比男子更加强烈。同时我们还要指出，清明踏青是继承了上巳遗风，这样一种在春天的野外狂欢的传统，其实也是由来已久了。Spring outing during the Clear-and-Bright Festival are enjoyed together with many other carefree and joyous games, such as swinging, kite flying, horse riding, ball kicking, rooster fighting and tugs of war. Some might feel puzzled about what has turned this tomb sweeping event into such a joyous occasion. Actually, it is not difficult to understand that. For one thing, the Chinese people hold an open-minded view towards death. They consider it a natural circle that people born out of earth have to return to it after death. The death of those in a venerable age is called “a natural death”, and the funeral for this person is called a “white happiness” because they think that it is a good thing for a person to finish his/her life peacefully in bed and that it is unnecessary for people to be too sad about it. Sweeping tombs on the Clear-and-Bright Festival is to show filial respect for the dead and it is quite natural for tomb-sweepers to have a rest and relaxation after the ceremony. For another, in the old days, there were very few occasions for women to go out of their houses, especially to the suburbs. Therefore, going out to sweep the tombs became rare and happy opportunities for women to enjoy themselves in nature, and the happiness it brought to them was much stronger than that to men. We must bear in mind that it was from the Shangsi Festival that the Clear-and-Bright Festival inherited the tradition of spring outings, so the tradition of enjoyable out-of-door activities in spring really has along history.清明节的食俗也很别致.这或许与寒食节有关.古时寒食节禁火,人们不得不预先准备一些食品,以供节日里冷食.后来,风俗演变,清明节不再禁火,但是当初一些饮食的传统习俗却保留了下来.用今天的话来说,清明节的点心小吃就比较引人注目,各地又往往会别出心裁,形成各自的地方小吃。The food of the Clear-and-Bright Festival is very special. It has something to do with the Cold-Food Festival. In ancient times，people ahd to prepare some food in advance for the coming Clear-and-Bright Festival. Later on，though the Cold Food Festival was not so strictly observed as days went on，some of the food teadition remained. That is why the Clear-and-Bright snacks are so special and so characteristic of local flavors.汉魏六朝时，流行在寒食节吃粥，这在《荆楚岁时记》里就有记载。一直到明代，还有在这一天吃桃花粥的习俗，采来新鲜桃花，配上好米熬粥，别有一番风味。During the Han，Wei and Six Dynasties，porridge was a popular food for the Cold-Food Festival，which was recorded in Jingchu Suishiji（Festivals in the Jingchu Area）. The custom lasted till the Ming Dynasty （1368AD-1644AD）when people piched fresh peach flowers to make，mixed with quality rice，flavorous peach-blossom porridge.南方有吃青粳饭的习俗。把杨桐叶、细冬青的叶子采来捣成汁，烧在饭里，饭就成了青色，据说这种饭特别滋补。后来，这种习俗又有所演变，许多地方都流行起青团子来。从野外采集一种嫩草，捣烂挤压成汁，揉入糯米粉，做成团子，再放入陷，上笼蒸熟，就成了可口的青团子。In the south ，it is customary to have“green rice”on that day，which is made of rice mixed with juice from the poplar tung leaves and narrow holly leaves. It is said that this “green rice”is very nutritious. Later，this custom underwent some changes. People squeeze juice from a particular kind of wild grass，mix it with rice and turn it into a round ball. Then they put some mince into the ball and steam it well. Thus，the delicious green ball is ready for you.各地又有清明节吃馓子的习惯，南方用米面做，北方用麦面做，成形后放入油锅炸，香脆可口，古称“寒具”，看来也是寒食遗风。Fried dough twists are also the traditional food for the festival. Rice powder as used in the south or wheat powder as used in the north is made into different shapes and then fried in the hot oil into delicious crisp fried dough twists. They are called “cold provisions”， a name closely related to the Cold Food festival.有的地方喜欢在清明节吃蛋。鸡蛋煮熟后，用茜草汁在蛋壳上描绘花卉，几天后就渗进蛋壳，再把壳剥去，蛋白上便会显现可爱的图案，十分别致。在绘蛋的基础上，后来又出现了雕蛋，那就是一种民间工艺品了。在江南水乡，还有清明祭祖，阖家团聚，吃‘清明夜饭“的习俗，那就有些像过年了。凡此种种，我们似乎都可以从中窥见古老节俗所留下的依稀印痕。而清明植树，其实也是传统的沿袭，只是古人只在祖坟植树，而今则扩大了范围。绿化环境，保护生态，如今，已经成为全球的共识。从这个意义上说，清明节也就愈加值得我们珍惜了。In some place，boiled eggs are the favorite food for the festival. People would paint some flowers on the boiled eggs with rubia cordifolia juice. Several days later，when the shell is stripped，lovely，delicate patterns will be seen on the egg white. Based on the egg-painting skills，a folk craft，egg carving，appeared later. In the regions south of the Yangtze River，people sweep tombs and enjoy the family reunion with a “Clear-and-Bright dinner“，just in the same way as what they do the Spring Festival. All the above-mentioned activities are vaguely impressed with the customs from those old festivals. Planting trees during the Clear-and-Bright Festival is also an example of this tradition. It used to be a custom to plant a few new trees around the family graves，but nowadays people tend to plant tress in a larger area. Protecting our ecological environment has gained global awareness and attention. In this sense，the clear-and-Bright Festival is becoming a more significant festival for us.六.端午节 The Double-Fifth Festival端午节在农历五月初五，又称“重午“、“端阳”、“天中节”、“夏节”、“龙船节”……据说有二十多种叫法。古人有个习惯，喜欢把月和日的数字重复的这一天作为节日，除了正月初一之外，二月二、三月三、六月六、七月七、九月九，就都是节日。在这些重日节日里，端午是被人们特别看中的。Falling on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month，the Double-Fifth Festival，also known as the Duanwu Festial， has more than 20 alternative Chinese names-the chongwu Festival，the Dragon-boat festival，etc. It is a practice for the ancient Chinese to choose the same number of the day and of the month for a festival. A part from the first day of the first lunar month，which is the Spring festival，we have the second day of the second lunar month as the Double-Second Festival， the third day of the third lunar month as the Double-Third Festival，the ninth day of the ninth lunar month as the Double-Ninth Festival. And they are all important Chinese festivals，among which the Double-Fifth Festival is the most significant.关于端午节的起源，历来众说纷纭，莫衷一是，学者们加以归纳，至少也有十种不同说法。这中间，影响最大的，大概是纪念屈原的说法。There are various versions about the orgin of the Double-fifth Festival，and at least ten different ones are sorted out by scholars，among which the most influential version is to honor Qu Yuan.屈原是战国时代的楚国诗人，官居三闾大夫。起初，楚怀王很重用他。后来楚怀王偏信奸臣进谗，没有接受屈原联齐抗秦的主张，反倒被骗到秦国，死在异乡。楚顷襄王又不思振复，将屈原削职放逐，长期流浪在沅湘流域。后来楚国首都郢被秦兵攻破，屈原救国的愿望无法实现，在极度悲愤中，投汨罗江而死。传说屈原投江就是在农历五月初五，那天，楚国人民纷纷划船去救，在江上来回打捞他的尸体，有人还拿出粽子，丢到江中，说是让鱼虾吃了，它们就不会去咬屈大夫的尸体了。有个老医生拿了一坛雄黄酒倒进江里，说是要药晕蛟龙，别让它伤害屈大夫。后来水面上果然浮起一条蛟龙，龙须上还沾着一片屈大夫的衣襟，人们把这条恶龙拖上岸，斩头抽筋，把龙筋缠在小孩的手上、脖子上，据说毒蛇害虫也就不敢伤害小孩了。It is said that Qu Yuan was a poet，and a minister in the State of Chu During the Warring States Period（475BC-221BC）.At first he won the full confidence and respect of his sovereign，King Huai of the Chu State. But later the king was surrounded by jealous self-seekers，so he ignored Qu Yuan’s claim that the State of Chu ought to unite with the state of Qi to fight against the state of Qin. As a result, King Huai was tricked into the State of Qin and died there. King Qingxiang of Chu, the eldest son of King Huai, didn’t take revenge, but dismissed Qu Yuan from office and sent him into exile as a vagrant in the Yuanxiang Valley(area around the present-day Yuanjiang River and Xiangjiang River in Human Province). Later the capital of Chu was captured by the troops from Qin. In great agony, Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Milo River with his wishes to save his beloved country unfulfilled. One legend claims that the day when Qu Yuan drowned himself in the river was the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. The local people rushed in boats to rescue or search for him. Some of them scattered Zongzi (glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves) in the river, hoping to deed fish and shrimps lest they should eat away his body. An old dacter of traditional Chinese Medicine poured the realgar wine into the river to make river dragons drunk, otherwise they would hurt Qu Yuan. Later a river dragon came out of water with pieces of Qu Yuan’s clothes. The people pulled the evil dragon onto the shore, cut its head off and took its tendon out. It is said that the dragon’s tendon could protect children from snakes or pests’ attacks when it was bound around children’s wrists or necks.还有另外一个传说则说,屈原在五月初五投江之后,人们在每年的这一天都要把米装在竹筒里,投到江中祭祀他.有一次,有人梦见屈原.屈原说,多年来你们投的米都让蛟龙吃了.今年你们如果还要投的话,请在竹筒上面塞几张楝树叶子,再用五彩丝线裹粽子,就是这样演变过来的。Another legend says that after Qu Yuan frowned Himself in the river on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month，people threw bamboo tubes with rice inside into the river on that day each year to offer sacrifices to him. One day someone had a dream that the rice thrown in the river had been eaten by river dragons. Qu Yuan told him in the dream that if they were to throw rice again this year，the bamboo tubes should be sealed with bamboo leaves and tied with five-colored threads，which would frighten river dragons away from the rice. Later the local people sacrificed for him in this way，from which rice，wrapped in bamboo leaves and five-colored threads，came to be known as Zongzi.不难看出，这两个传说虽然都以屈原投江为核心，但具体说法却并不态一致。传说提到了端午节的一些风俗活动内容，诸如划龙舟、裹粽子、拴五色丝线、喝雄黄酒等，把它们一概说成是为了纪念屈原，可能也有些附会。不过许多人又都认为这样的传说寄托了民众对伟大爱国主义诗人屈原的追慕和崇敬，表达了民众的美好感情，还是应该珍惜的。屈原的诗歌代表作《离骚》、《九歌》、《天问》等，一向脍炙人口，光照文坛，屈原在诗歌创作上的伟大成就流传千古，以至于有人主张称端午节为“诗人节”。从这一点上说，人们对这方面的传说格外偏爱，也是在情理之中的。It is clear that both legends are based on Qu Yuan’s drowning in the river, but they are somewhat diverse in specific descriptions. The legends involved the activities in the Double-Fifth Festival such as dragon-boat racing, Zongzi wrapping, five-colored-thread binding, and realgar-wine drinking. But it is farfetched that everything was exclusively done for commemorating Qu Yuan. However, many people believe that these legends express people’s respect and reverence for Qu Yuan, the great patriotic poet. His masterpieces are classics in Chinese literature like Lisao, Jiuge and Tianwen. His achievements in Poetic writing are so great that it is claimed that the Double-fifth Festival should be called the Poets’ Festival. So it is reasonable that people have preference for the legends.然而,讨论节日的起源毕竟是一种科学,我们也不能凭感情用事.学者们在这方面的讨论一向十分热闹,归纳起来,大致有以下几种说法,是可以供我们参考的.一说,这是古代江南持龙图腾崇拜民族的祭祖活动纪念日;二说,它起源于三代的兰浴,周代就有朱索桃印饰门、艾人悬户，系五彩缕、持赤灵符等风俗，这些古俗中的巫术行为，都是为了禳灾避邪，而今天端午节的一些做法，正是周代古俗的遗存；三说，春秋战国时，越王勾践在此日操练水军，相沿成俗；四说，纪念介子推；五说，纪念屈原；六说，纪念伍子胥；七说，纪念曹蛾；八说，祭“地腊”，九说，古人将五月初五视作“恶日”，忌讳在此日生子，因此便有了种种禳灾避邪的巫术行为；十说，“夏至”说，说如今端午节吃粽子、竞渡等活动内容，在南北朝的典籍里明明是记录为夏至日的事情，后来不知为什么就移到端午日去了。However，the discussion of the origin of a festival should be scientific rather than emotional. There have been heated discussions among scholars，which can be summed up as folloes. One theory is that the Double-Fifth Festival is the day on which the ethnic groups that worship dragon as a totem sffered sacrifices to their ancestors. Another theory originated from the fragrant thotoughwort bath in the three dynasties of Xia（2070BC-1600BC），Shang（1600BC-1046BC）and Zhou （1046BC-221BC）. In the Zhou Dynasty，people had the custom of decorating the doors with five-colored threads and buttons made of peach wood，hanging wormwood，binding the five-colored threads，and holding the magic figures to bring in good fortune，hoping to eliminate disasters and ward off evil spirits. Traces of the Zhou Dynasty’s custom are easily found in today’s celebrations. The third theory is that the Double-Fifth Festival is the day on which Gou Jian, the king of the State of Yue, drilled his marine troops during the Warring States Period (475BC-221BC), which developed into the present custom. The fourth theory is about the commemoration of Jie Zitui. The fifth is about the commemoration of Qu Yuan. The sixth is about the commemoration of Wu Zixu. The seventh is about Cao Eh. The eighth is about the sacrifice for “Dila”. The ninth is that the ancient Chinese considered the fifth day of the fifth lunar month as an evil day, and it was a taboo to deliver a baby on that day, which evolved into the sorcery of eliminating disasters and warding off evil spirits. The tenth is about the Summer Solstice. The customs of eating Zongzi, dragon-boat racing, etc. were all activities for the Summer Solstice recorded in the classic books in the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420BC-581AD). But no one knows why they were adopted as the activities of the Double-Fifth Festival.这样的讨论自然还可继续下去,我们不可能一下子就做出十分精确的结论.不过至少我们已经可以有这样一种印象:端午节风俗的形成,有一个历史积淀的过程,并非一蹴而就.一般认为,端午节正值季节转换,虫毒蠢动,疫病滋生,我们的祖先试图用种种巫术行为禳解它,辟邪逐疫,以祈求人们在这一年里能够平安。这大概是后世端午节许多风俗习惯的原始意义吧。Similar discussions are naturally continuous，so we cannot come to a definite conclusion at once. But we have at least the impression that the formation of the Double-Fifth Festival’s customs is a historic accumulation, not accomplished overnight. It is generally believed that the Double-Fifth Festival is high time for the change of the seasons, in whichinsects are crawing and diseases are spreading rampantly. So our ancestors attempted to drive away evils and dispel diseases, pleading to be safe and sound in the coming year, which is the original intention of the later custom of the Double-Fifth Festival.端午节的风俗活动,花样特别多,在不同的时空里,又会有所嬗变,大致归纳起来,主要有龙舟竞渡、吃粽子、插艾蒿、喝雄黄酒、拴五色丝线、佩戴香袋、悬挂钟馗像等。The Double-Fifth Festival has a great variety of activities，which have evolved through different times and in different places，mainly involving dragon-boat racing，eating Zongzi，hanging wormwood，drinking realgar wine，binding five-colored thread，wearing a scent bag，hanging a portrait of Zhong Kui，etc.龙舟竞渡，历来是深受各地民众喜爱的节日活动。据闻一多考证，四千五百多年前的江南吴越水乡，就已经有了这种风俗。古代文献中所记叙的龙舟竞渡，往往还伴随着祭祀与巫术。时至今日，我们所见到的就已经是一项完全有益于身心健康的文娱体育活动了。从中传达出来的万众一心、奋斗拼搏的精神和昂扬向上的朝气，感染着每一个人，激励着每一个人。正因为如此，世界上凡是华人聚居的地方，往往便会有龙舟竞渡的精彩表演。1980年起，赛龙舟已经被列入我国的体育比赛项目，每年都要举行“屈原杯”龙舟赛。端午风俗的魅力，由此可见一斑。The Dragon-boat race is always a popular festival event in all parts of China. According to Wen Yiduo’s survey, it came into existence in the Wu Yue water-bound towns in the south of China more than 4500 years ago. The description of a dragon-boat race in ancient literature was associated with sacrifice and witchcraft. Up till now, what we can see is a complete recreational event beneficial to the health of the body and the mind. The spirit of being united as one and exerting all one’s strength and the enthusiasm with high morale affects and inspires everyone. It is due to this that where there are Chinese, there are wonderful performances of dragon-boat races. From the 1980s on, the dragon-boat race is on the list of China’s sports competition events. Qu Yuan Cup Dragon-Boat Race is held every year to present its charm.粽子，是端午节的节令食品。不过如今它已不仅限于在端午节食用，它甚至漂洋过海到了世界上的许多国家，成为有着浓郁乡土情趣的中餐美食。据说，早在春秋时代，便已有筒粽和角黍，前者是把米放在竹筒里密封烤熟，后者是用茭白叶包黍米成牛角状煮熟。以后历代演变，便有了许许多多的样式。据说清代乾隆帝吃了“九子粽”，赞不绝口，还为它赋过诗呢。把九只大小不一样的粽子串在一起，用九种颜色的丝线扎成，就成了馈赠亲友的一份好礼。旧时民间往往用来象征早生贵子、多子多福。除此之外，裹粽子用的米和里边的馅心，各地也往往不尽相同，北京的小枣粽、山东的黄米粽、上海的猪油夹沙粽、嘉兴的鲜肉粽、陕西的蜂蜜凉粽、四川的椒盐粽……都是名声在外，值得一尝的。Zongzi is the festival dood traditionally sered during the Double-Fifth Festival. Zongzi is not only food for the Double-Fifth Festlval in China, but also has traveled over the seas and oceans to many countries in the world and becomes a delicious Chinese food with a strong Chinese Flavor. It is said that as early as the Spring and Autumn Period(770BC-476BC),Tongzong and Jiaoshu came into existence. The former was made of rice in the bamboo tubes and air-tightly baked while the latter was made of the broomcorn millet covered with wild rice leaves in cow-horn shapes and steamed. With the evolution over many dynasties, Zongzi is seen in various shapes with a variety of fillings. After eating it, Emperpor Qianlong in Qing Dynasty(1644AD-1911AD) spoke highly of the Jiuzi Zong and even wrote a poem about it. A cluster of nine Zongzi of different sizes on a string tied with nine-color threads was the right gift for ralatives and friends, symbolizing that the earlier to have a son the better it was for a couple’s life, and the more children the couple would have, the happier the couple would be. Besides, its rice and fillings are different in different places, for example, Beijing’s Zongzi with fillings of little dates, Shangdong’s with fillings of yellow rice, Shanghai’s with fillings of lard and pasty red bean, Jiaxing’s with fillings of fresh meat, Shanxi’s cold Zongzi with fillings of haney and Sichuan’s with fillings of pepper-salt. They are all well-known and tasty.旧时的端午节，家家户户都会在 门口挂艾草，插菖蒲。俗语说：“蒲剑斩千妖，艾旗招百福。”有的地方还会在艾草下面挂一个大蒜头。还有的地方，在艾草、菖蒲、大蒜之外，再加榴花、龙船花，俗称“天中五端”。总之，当年这样做，都是有些巫术意味的，人们以为这些玩意儿可以祛鬼祛邪。不过也有人指出，其实艾和菖蒲一类植物中大多含有芳香油，可以杀虫防病。端午时节，天气转热，容易引发多种疾病，家家户户挂艾草，插菖蒲，还是有些实际功用的。有的人家在这一天还要用苍术、白芷来烟熏内室，它的效用也就更加显而易见了。Families hung wormwood and calamus on the door for the traditional Double-Fifth Festival in ancient times. There is an old saying that calamus could chop monsters like a sword and wormwood could bring about blessings like a flag. Under the wormwood hangs a head of garlic in some places. Besides wormwood hangs ahead of garlic, there are pomegranate flowers and Morningstar lilies. They are known as the five plants in the world. In short, all the activities in the past involved witchcraft to dispel ghosts and evils. However, it has been pointed out that wormwood and calamus contain volatile oil, which can be used to kill insects and avoied diseases. Around the Double-Fifth Festival, with the weather turning warmer, people are more likely to be infested with diseases, so it is somewhat practical to hang wormwood and calamus on the door. Some families even use herbs like atractlodes roots and angelica roots to smoke their room to good effect. 如果进一步引申，人们在这一天喝雄黄酒，拴五色线，佩戴香袋，说到底也是这么回事。民间传说《白蛇传》就提到，白娘娘是在端午节这天，一时大意，喝了雄黄酒，才不得不显露了原形的。人们历来以为，雄黄酒可以祛邪。医生却告诉我们，雄黄酒有毒，最好不要饮用。不过拿来外用，却有消毒的功效。So it is easy to see that drinking realgar wine, binding five-colored thread, and wearing scent bags are just for the same reason. It is mentioned in the folktale, The Story of the White Snake, that the white snake was so negligent in drinking realgar wine that her original form was revealed. People always believe that realgar wine can drive away evils, but doctors say that it is poisonous and undrinkable. If applied externally, it has the effect of disinfection.正因为历来都以为端午节是“恶日”，这一天会有许多邪恶和晦气袭来，人们为了对付它们，便要动用巫术。用今天的话来说，就是实施某种象征法的祛崇行为。比如有的地方用大红纸剪蜈蚣、蝎子、壁虎、蜘蛛、毒蛇的形状，称为“五毒”，贴在室内，表示镇压。给小孩子戴虎头帽，穿五毒衣、五毒裤，佩戴香袋，拴五色丝线，都是为了祛崇。有的地方还要在端午节吃“五黄”，指的是雄黄酒、黄鳝、黄鱼、黄瓜、咸鸭蛋，据说也是如此。The Double-Fifth Festival is always regarded as anevil day on which evils and bad luck abound, so people have to use witchcraft to deal with them. In today’s wording, it is a kind of symbolic practice to drive away evils. For example, in some places, the red paper-cuts are posted indoors for the repression of the evils in the shape of a centipede, a scorpion, a house lizard, a spider and a poisonous snake called five poisons. To dress a child in a tiger-like cap, a coat and trousers with the patterns of the five poisons and a five-color thread is also to drive away evils. In some places people eat Five Yellows, like realgar wine, finless eel, yellow croaker, cucumber and salted duck eggs for the same reason.悬挂钟馗的目的，就更加直露。古人以为钟馗是捉鬼的能人，在家里挂上他的像，妖魔鬼怪就不敢进来了。传说钟馗是个进士，有一年考中状元。皇帝嫌他长得太丑，要把他赶出金栾殿。钟馗暴跳如雷，当场自杀，死后就成了捉鬼的神灵。奈何桥的守桥小鬼又化作蝙蝠，为他做向导。又说，钟馗死后，他的同乡好友杜平为他安葬。钟馗为了感恩，把妹妹嫁给了杜平。当年有一幅《钟馗嫁妹》图，在民间是十分流行的。It is much easier to find out the purpose of hanging a portrait of Zhong Kui. The ancient Chinese thought that Zhong Kui was capable of eliminating ghosts and demons, and hanging his portrait up in their homes could keep off evil spirits. According to legend, Zhong Kui took the examinations required to enter government services and got number one in the exams. But the Emperpor thought he was so ugly that he was driven out of the imperial palace. Furious, Zhong Kui killed himself and became the spirit of catching ghosts. The ghost who was changed from a bat and guarded the Naihe Bridge worked for him as a guide. Another saying is that his town fellow, Du Ping buried him after his death. Zhong Kui married off his little sister to Du Ping in return. The Picture of Zhong Kui Marrying off his Sister was very popular at that time.不过有学者却指出，钟馗是虚构出来的。古代有终葵，也就是用来打击妖魔鬼怪的大木棒。后人以讹传讹，把终葵衍变成了钟馗，前后的读音则是一样的。作为一种节日风俗，钟馗捉鬼给人们留下了很深的印象。钟馗的画和有关钟馗的传说故事、戏曲小说，更加异彩纷呈、引人入胜。这样一个貌丑而心美，对鬼凶而对人善的艺术形象，则是很值得我们珍惜的。However, some scholar have pointed out that Zhong Kui is a fictional image. In ancient times there was a big stick called Zhong Kui which was used to fight against evils and demons. With the descendants passing on the message incorrectly, the two Chinese characters changed but the pronunciation remains the same. The festival custom that Zhong Kui catches ghosts is impressive. The pictures, legends, traditional operas, and novels relating to Zhong Kui are various and appealing. The artistic image of his ugliness in appearance but beauty in heart, his ferocity to ghosts but kindness to man is very valuable to us.满庭芳园文化有限公司CEO：伍颖（洋百合仙子）笔名：伍泰洋CEO of Full Flowers Garden Culture Company: Wuying(Western lily faery) Pen name: Wutaiyang2008.6.23.编辑于 2022-06-07 12:44传统文化中国传统节日中国传统赞同 6添加评论分享喜欢收藏申请
8 Fascinating Ethnic Minority Festivals In China You Had No Idea Even Existed
8 Fascinating Ethnic Minority Festivals In China You Had No Idea Even Existed Looking for a last minute departure: save up to $960 on one of our March and April trips. Guides US$ CHOOSE CURRENCY US$ € £ AU$ CA$ NZ$ Culture Trips Rail Trips Private Trips Offers Guides 8 Fascinating Ethnic Minority Festivals in China You had No Idea even Existed Dali (大理) | © Tom Thai/Flickr Jessica Larson-Wang 27 February 2017 Copy Link Facebook Email Twitter Pinterest You’ve heard of Chinese New Year, but have you ever heard of Butter Lamp Festival or Torch Festival? These eight ethnic minority festivals highlight the diversity of China’s celebratory traditions, and participating in any of them will add a unique and unforgettable dimension to any visit to China. 1. Dao Gan Jie (Lisu) Share Add to Plan Copy Link Facebook Email Twitter Pinterest When: 7th-8th day of 2nd month of the lunar calendar Where: Tengchong and Longling counties, Yunnan Dao Gan festival is held every year by the Lisu people to commemorate the official, Wang Ji, who, in the Ming dynasty, was a great hero to the Lisu. Although ethnically Han himself, Wang Ji helped to train young Lisu men to be skilled fighters and helped the Lisu defend their lands from invaders. Wang Ji lived among the Lisu for many years and taught them new agricultural techniques as well as military skills. Unfortunately, Wang Ji was poisoned after being framed for the crime of treason, and the Lisu commemorate his death with this festival, which is much more exciting than the somber history suggests. On Dao Gan festival Lisu participate in fire walking, in which they walk barefoot over hot burning coals, an activity called “xia huohai,” or “entering the fire-sea,” and sword climbing. Sword climbing, or “shang daoshan,” “ascending the sword mountain,” involves Lisu men competing to climb up ladders made of knives attached to bamboo poles. This is performed barefoot and without gloves, and the first person to reach the top of the ladder will do acrobatic tricks at the top and then set off fireworks before climbing back down. This heart-stopping performance is a must see for visitors to Lisu areas.Tengchong, Baoshan, Yunnan, China Sword Climbing | © tare/nipic.com MuNaoZongGe Festival (Jingpo) When: 15th day of the first month of the lunar new year Where: Dehong prefecture, Yunnan province MuNao ZongGe festivities are centered around large and intricate group dances involving thousands of people. Shamans lead various groups into ceremonial standoffs between leaders of different Jingpo groups. Each step is important, and only the most skillful dancers will be chosen to participate. During this time Jingpo people come from all over Yunnan to the festival grounds. The best place to see this festival in action is JieGao, just outside of the city of Ruili, in Dehong prefecture, Yunnan province. MuNaoZongGe Festival | © sanqingqing/nipic.com 2. Torch Festival (Yi) Share Add to Plan Copy Link Facebook Email Twitter Pinterest When: 24th day of 6th month of the lunar calendar (usually mid August) Where: Chuxiong, Yunnan, Daliangshan, Sichuan While typically considered a Yi festival, Torch Festival is actually celebrated by a large number of minority people, including the Bai. The festival celebrates the legend of Atilaba, a giant who chased away a plague of locusts by using trees as torches. In the villages, families will light torches in their homes, making sure every corner of the home receives light, and then they will take torches outside and light the fields. Torch Festival usually culminates in a massive bonfire, which always involves singing, dancing, and of course, lots of drunken merrymaking.Chuxiong, Yunnan, China Torch Festival | © 武定锦志广告/nipic.com 3. Water Splashing Festival (Dai) Share Add to Plan Copy Link Facebook Email Twitter Pinterest When: April Where: Xishuangbanna Various water festivals are held throughout Southeast Asia, all having their roots in Buddhist purification rituals. In China the Dai celebrate the Water Splashing Festival, which is essentially the same festival as the more well-known Laotian and Thai festival of Songkran (ethnic Dai people are scattered throughout China, Laos, and Thailand). Although the festival is religious in nature, modern celebrations have a decidedly more playful tone. In the Dai cities of Jinghong and Mengla, expect to get blasted by waterguns or splashed by teenagers wielding large basins of water, waiting for the right moment to soak visitors. In much the same spirit as India’s Holi festival, Water Splashing festival is an excuse to get wild and get wet, and it couldn’t come at a better time, as April is one of the hottest months of the year in Xishuangbanna.Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China Songkran | © Takeaway/Wikimedia commons Third Month Street Festival (Bai) When: The fifteenth day of the third month of Lunar New Year Where: Dali The Third Month festival is actually celebrated by several different ethnic groups, but the festival of the Bai ethnicity in Dali is by far the most well known. A large outdoor market is erected at the foot of the Cangshan Mountain selling just about everything imaginable. Merchants come from all over China to take part, and there is food (of course), handicrafts, tea, musical instruments, and even livestock. This festival is important to the local economy and much anticipated by locals and visitors alike. The festival has grown in popularity over the years and festival day can be quite crowded, but the Third Month Street Festival is nonetheless an unforgettable experience, and one could quite literally spend a whole day wandering among the various stalls and still probably not cover all of them! Dali, Yunnan Province, China | © Jo Schmaltz/Flickr 4. Nadaam (Mongolian) Share Add to Plan Copy Link Facebook Email Twitter Pinterest When: July Where: Inner Mongolia Naadam is a festival with a long history, dating back at least as far as the Mongol Empire, when Genghis Khan made the traditional celebration an official Mongolian holiday. Naadam is centered around the “three manly sports” of wrestling, horse racing, and archery. However, no Naadam celebration would be complete without traditional Mongolian song and dance, and of course, lots of delicious Mongolian food! Naadam takes place in high summer, when the grasslands are a beautiful verdant green, stretching on as far as the eye can see. Although the best Naadam celebrations in the world are held in Mongolia proper, Chinese Inner Mongolia has a very large Naadam celebration is near Hohhot, in Gegentala grasslands.Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China Horse Race| © Paulo Fassina/Flickr Butter Lamp (Tibetan） When: 15th day of the 1st month of the Tibetan calendar, usually February/March Where: Tibet, Qinghai, Western Sichuan, Northwestern Yunnan The Butter Lamp festival is the final festival in a larger Tibetan holiday called Monlam, which celebrates the miracles of the Buddha, and also the culmination of the Tibetan holiday season that begins with Losar, the Tibetan New Year. Of all of these festivals, Butter Lamp Festival is perhaps offers the most interesting. Worshippers light thousands of small butter oil lamps which symbolize the light of Buddhism and its victory over ignorance. As well as lighting lamps, Tibetan Buddhists also create intricate butter carvings of the Buddha, and of flowers, animals, and other Buddhist symbols. Lighting hundreds of butter lamps | © sundar1/Wikimedia commons 5. Lusheng Festival (Miao) Share Add to Plan Copy Link Facebook Email Twitter Pinterest When: 16th day of the first lunar month Where: Guizhou, Kaili The Lusheng festival is the most famous festival of the Miao (Hmong) ethnic minority group, and while the Lusheng festival is celebrated wherever there are Miao people, the largest and most well-known Lusheng celebration is in Kaili, Guizhou province. A lusheng is a bamboo woodwind instrument with a versatile range, making it the perfect instrument to accompany a wide variety of traditional activities such as Miao dancing and acrobatics. Not surprisingly, the Lusheng festival celebrates this instrument. Miao people will come from surrounding villages and gather together in the Lusheng arena, wearing their finest ethnic costumes, including silver headdresses for the women. The women dance to the music played by the men and festivities also include bullfighting and horse racing. Song and dance are often part of the traditional courtship rituals of the Miao, and the Lusheng festival is a great time for young Miao ladies to meet eligible young Miao men, while also enjoying the celebration.Kaili, Qiandongnan, Guizhou, China China Langde Lusheng Players| © Anja Disseldorp/Flickr KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD? Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in. 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People of Gelao ethnic group celebrate "Maolong Festival" in SW China's Guizhou-Xinhua
People of Gelao ethnic group celebrate "Maolong Festival" in SW China's Guizhou 新华网 Editor: huaxia 2024-02-21 07:50:09 People watch a dragon dance competing event during the "Maolong Festival" of Gelao ethnic group in Shiqian County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Feb. 20, 2024. The festival, as a folk activity for people of the Gelao ethnic group to celebrate the Spring Festival and lantern festival, is listed as one of the national intangible cultural heritages in 2006. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)Local people perform dragon dance during the "Maolong Festival" of Gelao ethnic group in Shiqian County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Feb. 20, 2024. The festival, as a folk activity for people of the Gelao ethnic group to celebrate the Spring Festival and lantern festival, is listed as one of the national intangible cultural heritages in 2006. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)An aerial drone photo shows a view of the "Maolong Festival" of Gelao ethnic group in Shiqian County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Feb. 20, 2024. The festival, as a folk activity for people of the Gelao ethnic group to celebrate the Spring Festival and lantern festival, is listed as one of the national intangible cultural heritages in 2006. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)Local people perform dragon dance during the "Maolong Festival" of Gelao ethnic group in Shiqian County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Feb. 20, 2024. The festival, as a folk activity for people of the Gelao ethnic group to celebrate the Spring Festival and lantern festival, is listed as one of the national intangible cultural heritages in 2006. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)Local people perform dragon dance during the "Maolong Festival" of Gelao ethnic group in Shiqian County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Feb. 20, 2024. The festival, as a folk activity for people of the Gelao ethnic group to celebrate the Spring Festival and lantern festival, is listed as one of the national intangible cultural heritages in 2006. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)An aerial drone photo shows people watching dragon dance performance during the "Maolong Festival" of Gelao ethnic group in Shiqian County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Feb. 20, 2024. The festival, as a folk activity for people of the Gelao ethnic group to celebrate the Spring Festival and lantern festival, is listed as one of the national intangible cultural heritages in 2006. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)A dragon dance performance is staged during the "Maolong Festival" of Gelao ethnic group in Shiqian County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Feb. 20, 2024. The festival, as a folk activity for people of the Gelao ethnic group to celebrate the Spring Festival and lantern festival, is listed as one of the national intangible cultural heritages in 2006. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)Local people perform dragon dance during the "Maolong Festival" of Gelao ethnic group in Shiqian County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Feb. 20, 2024. The festival, as a folk activity for people of the Gelao ethnic group to celebrate the Spring Festival and lantern festival, is listed as one of the national intangible cultural heritages in 2006. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)People participate in a dragon dance parade during the "Maolong Festival" of Gelao ethnic group in Shiqian County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Feb. 20, 2024. The festival, as a folk activity for people of the Gelao ethnic group to celebrate the Spring Festival and lantern festival, is listed as one of the national intangible cultural heritages in 2006. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)People participate in a dragon dance parade during the "Maolong Festival" of Gelao ethnic group in Shiqian County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Feb. 20, 2024. The festival, as a folk activity for people of the Gelao ethnic group to celebrate the Spring Festival and lantern festival, is listed as one of the national intangible cultural heritages in 2006. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)A child holds a dragon toy during a parade of "Maolong Festival" of Gelao ethnic group in Shiqian County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Feb. 20, 2024. The festival, as a folk activity for people of the Gelao ethnic group to celebrate the Spring Festival and lantern festival, is listed as one of the national intangible cultural heritages in 2006. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)Local people perform dragon dance during the "Maolong Festival" of Gelao ethnic group in Shiqian County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Feb. 20, 2024. The festival, as a folk activity for people of the Gelao ethnic group to celebrate the Spring Festival and lantern festival, is listed as one of the national intangible cultural heritages in 2006. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)
People of Gelao ethnic group celebrate "Maolong Festival" in SW China's Guizhou
Famous Ethnic Festivals for Minorities in China
Famous Ethnic Festivals for Minorities in China
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Ethnic Group Festivals
The Double Third Festival
The Double Thrid Festival is an ancient Chinese zhuang people s traditional festival celebrated on the third day of the third lunar month in Chinese calendar. It is also known as the Shangsi Festival in west.The zhuang people have always being loving and good at singing, they hold several singing galas every year and the double third festival is the biggest ones each year. During the festival people would cook five-colored rice and colorful eggs to eat and celebrate.the most important thing to do on this is to go to court participating the singing matches.Many traders of course seeking this days as a great time for sell given that almost everyone would come to the court for celebrating. The youth men and women would join the singing match to meet new friends or lovers while the married ones with their kids and the elderly could spend all day strolling in the busy market for shopping and fun.after the singing there are some games for those young people to play with providing them a chance to exchange gifts with their newly met right guys of girls. This holiday is also celebrated in Korea and Japan as well.
The Sho Dun Festival
The Sho Dun Festival is a traditional festival held among Zang people in Lhasa Tibet,China.it can be traced back as early as 11 century.in zang language it means yogurt festival. In budda religion, the monks are not allowed to go out in a certain period of time until in summer when the festival is coming, so the lay people would give some yogurt for the monks who come out from the temple on those days.In the 17th century,the time of Qing dynasty,many famous play troupes had started to go to Lhasa to perform some shows for people to have a good time during the festivals.Therefore, it actually started as a festival for yogurt feast then become a time for drama show and dancing display.It usually lasts 4 to 5 days, during the festival, people in Lhasa would wear their colorful tradition suits to go to street to watch those dance plays and performers. When it comes to the afternoon, people would go to their friends and relatives’ houses for a visit and celebrating together.When anyone come to your house on these days, the hosts are supposed to sing several songs to put the guests in a mood for a good banquet. Over the meal, everyone would sing and dance and have a great time. The grounds of the Norbulingka would be filled with partying groups and state-run troupes and everywhere would be decorated with colored hanging rugs and printed canvas and people would linger around late at night around bonfires singing and dancing.From 2004,to make it easier for tourist to visit,the municipal government of Lhasa have decided to hold the yogurt festival on 18th of august every year yet remain the old transitional of display the Buddha statues activity of this festival on the same old date which is the last day of the zang calendar according to the tradition .
The Water-splashing Festival
The Water-Splashing Festival is the most significant festival among the Dai people in China and also the most widely participated festival by all kinds of people with diversified backgrounds in Yunnan province. The water-splashing festival is actually the new year of the Dai people according to their calender, it generally lasts 3 to 7 days and falls in the middle of April in modern calender.
The festival originated form a myth tale in ancient time. The legend went this: there was a evil demon lived near the Dai village and take seven of the most pretty girls from the village for his kept wives, and the seven girls in doing a good thing for their whole village and get their freedom back, had decided to kill the demon by themselves.using their outstanding wisdom and brave heart they finally cut his throat but when they had chopped his head , everywhere his head dropped, there were a big fire lighted up, so the girls pick the head immediately to stop the disaster.They took turns to hold his head and each one hold for a year.and every year when they change turns, the girls and other villages keep splashing water on the girls to prevent fire and to wash up the tiredness and bad luck off the girls.
Today, in those tourist cities in Yunnan province the water-splashing festival has become a much more well participated party among tourists .yet among those traditional Dai people, they would remain to wear their most beautiful clothes and take a bow of fresh water to splash on their loved ones to celebrate.With all the other activities such as boat racing and singing and dancing going on. The water-splashing festival is really a big event.
Torch Festival
The Torch Festival or Fire Festival is the biggest festival celebrated among the yi people in southwest china like Yunnan Guizhou and Sichuan province.it is also celebrated by other ethnic groups of the region such as the Bai, Naxi, Jinuo and Luhu people. It falls on the 24th or 25th day of the sixth month in Chinese calendar .lasting for three days, every Yi people would light up a bonfire in front of their house and celebrate it by holding wrestling matches, horse racing, dance shows .The purpose of lighting fires is used to drive away disease and bad energy and celebrate for a good coming harvest
Legend of the torch festival
The festival is said to have originated in memory of a hero in ancient times. The legend goes that there was a hero called Heitibala. He was respected by the Yi people very much for his brave heart and the uprightness of his behaviour. His lover was a beautiful girl called Nizhangazhi unfortunately, in a fit of jealousy of his beautiful girlfriend, the ‘strength god’, had decided to hold a wrestling match with him and was hoping to kill him and win his beautiful lover. But in the end, the god got himself killed during the wrestling match. So the god king was furious with anger and had decided to release thousands upon thousands of locusts to ruin their crops to create a famine. In protecting their crops, Heitibala lead his villagers to light up torches to burn away all the locusts, and finally they saved their crops but Heitibala died from all his efforts and become a big mountain and Nizhangazhi turned into the mountain flowers sitting next to him. Therefore in memory of this brave hero, people light up torches every year on this day which is the 24th of sixth month of the year, to pray for a good harvest.There are also many other legends about the origin of the Torch Festival, all of them have the purpose of offering a blessing or sacrifice to and wish for a harvest.
Lusheng Festival
Lusheng Festival is the most well celebrated festival among the Miao ethnic people which live mainly in Human and Guizhou provinces in China. Unlike the other festivals having certain dates,the lucheng festival often celebrated by different groups of Miao people at different times, but it mainly starts from the beginning of the ninth lunar month to the first lunar month of next year.it generally would last 4 to 5 days.Starting with a ritual conducted by a very honorable man of their group,people would go out to a big plat plot with their most beautiful dresses all kinds of sliver accessories singing and dancing while the man would playing lusheng which is ethnic instruments invented by their people in the first place.
Nadam Fair
Nadam Fair is traditional fair among inner mongolian people in north China.Nadam in mongolian language means entertainment and games.Every year during July and August when the great grass land in the inner mongalia turns into a vast green plain with beautiful flowers dotting on it. People would hold horse racings,wrestling matches,roping horses matches and archery matches. One whoever wins the match will be treated like a hero indeed.meanwhile during the fair, the mongolian girls would dress up their traditional dresses and dancing and singing. The Nadam fair has been added into the national culture intangible heritage list by the state council on 20th May, 2006.
Chinese Festivals
Chinese Spring FestivalChinese Valentine's DayDragon Boat FestivalTomb-sweeping DayThe Double Ninth FestivalThe Lantern FestivalThe Mid-Autumn FestivalChinese Public Holidays CalendarEthnic Group Festivals
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The Miao Minority, History, Customs and Festivals of Miao Minority
The Miao Minority, History, Customs and Festivals of Miao Minority
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Chinese Ethnic Groups
Miao Minority
Written by Candice SongUpdated Nov. 13, 2023
Miao ethic group in Qiandongnan Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou province
The Miao ethnic minority group population has grown extensively in South China (including Guizhou, Yunnan, Guangxi, Sichuan, Hunan, Hubei, and Hainan provinces) and surrounding SE Asian countries like Thailand and Vietnam. The majority of the Miao people living in China are located in Guizhou province. There are over four million Miao people living in Guizhou.
Miao people are also scattered all over the world. The Miao diaspora has also reached countries like? France, Canada, and Australia. Many Miao people can also be found in the United States of America.
Guizhou Province is often referred to as the Miao homeland. Southeastern Guizhou Dong and Miao Autonomous Prefecture is the major base of the Miao population. The Miao population accounts for over 25 percent of the people living in the southeastern Guizhou region.
Tai County is home to the largest concentration of Miao people in the world. Their number composes 97 percent of the total population of the county. Other Miao people are spread all over the other counties in the province.
The majority of Miao people live in areas in the mountains that are away from cities. They also prefer to live with their own people rather than those of other ethnicities.
Miao Customs
The Miao people are great observers of etiquette. They are also very hospitable and pay respect to their guests. When people visit their homes, families will often kill a chicken to provide poultry for their guests to eat. They also try their best to entertain guests.
Miao people are very hospitable.
Those who have come from far-off places are given a special drink called horn spirit. This is an alcoholic drink served to pay respect to guests.
The poultry ceremony is also a common custom in Miao households. A chicken head is given to the senior member attending the celebration. The leg is given to the youngest person attending. Another common custom is the sharing of a poultry heart. Either a duck or chicken is killed, and its heart is presented to the guest. The senior member of the household presents the heart using a chopstick. The person carefully picks up the heart and presents it to their guest. In return, the guest must share the heart with the person who presented it to them.
People who cannot tolerate alcoholic drinks and fatty meat can excuse themselves from this undertaking. The host will not look down on their request. This is much better than eating too much. Over-eating is regarded as a great insult to a Miao host.
The marriage customs of every ethnic group are unique. Those who are interested in learning more about Miao marriage ceremonies can visit the Guizhou Museum of Marriage Customs of Ethnic Minorities.
Another custom observed by the Miao people is the use of glutinous rice cake. This is prepared, cooked and eaten whenever a man and woman fall in love. They are also used during Valentine's Day as an expression of admiration,and Miao boys and girls exchange rice cakes at any time to show their affection. After they exchange rice cakes, a mandarin duck is drawn as a token of their love.
Weddings involve eating glutinous rice cake with dragon and phoenix drawings. Couples are also required to drink horn cup (jiao bei) spirits using special cups for the occasion. This is done by crossing their wrists (linking drinking arms) and drinking from their own cups.
Miao Festivals
The Lusheng Festival
Miao people are playing lusheng, a reed-pipe wind instrument on Lusheng Festival, a traditional festival of Miao minority.
Miao people hold a number of festivals throughout the year. The Lusheng Festival is celebrated from the 16th to the 20th day of the first lunar month (February or early March) in the Kaili area of Guizhou province. This is considered to be the most influential festival that the Miao people celebrate because of its immense popularity in Yunnan, Guizhou and Sichuan provinces. This is also the grandest festival celebrated by the Miao people.
Traditional music can also be enjoyed all throughout a stay with the Miao. The Lusheng is a traditional instrument made of bamboo. Many Miao people are excellent Lusheng players, and they are often happy to serenade tourists. Tourists will get to enjoy great music and lots of dancing during festive gatherings.
The Sisters' Meal Festival
The Sisters' Meal Festival is another favorite among the Miao in Taijiang and Jianhe counties. This is similar to Valentine's Day. It is also the oldest Asian Valentine's Day celebration. It is celebrated from the 16th to the 18th of the third month of the lunar calendar (usually in April).
Miao New Year
Miao people are celebrating New Year Festival.
The Miao people celebrate their own New Year's Day. It falls during the tenth month of the lunar calendar (late October or November). This is the most important festival for the Miao ethnic group. It symbolizes the start of something new and fruitful. However, the holiday does not have an exact date. The date of New Year's Day is only revealed two months prior to the celebration.
The New Year Festival is very popular among the Miao people. As a matter of fact, this is the biggest festival in Guizhou and Laishan provinces. Tourists who are visiting the province can enjoy various shows that embody Miao customs. They can also see different attractions come to life during the festival. Miao women and girls dress up in traditional costumes and there are large parades. Tourists can take pictures with people in costume and get to know the different stories behind every symbol.
Other festive attractions also include horse racing and bullfights, and the best spirits offered by the Miao population.
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Zhuang-National Song Festival of the Zhuang Ethnic Group
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Travel Guide
Guilin
Zhuang Nationality Song Festival
Written by Candice SongUpdated Jul. 19, 2023
Celebrated: Apr. 18
Location: Guilin
Zhuang Girls are singing and dancing in beautiful clothes.
The Zhuang Nationality Song Festival, also known as Gexu Festival (歌圩节) and Gepo Festival (歌婆节), is held in the third day of the third month of the Chinese lunar year. On this day, the Zhuang people all head to a certain place to sing songs together.
It is a festival celebrated by the Zhuang Minority in two separate parts: day and night. The daytime celebrations consist chiefly of singing matches in the fields, and the main nighttime events include singing production songs, seasonal songs, historical songs, and pan songs (盘 for seven female singers and two violas).
Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Government has been developing the Zhuang Nationality Song Festival as a regional culture and art festival.
History
The Zhuang Nationality Song Festival originates from a festival of sacrifices and folk song and dance in the Clan Tribes Age. With the development of society, the sacrificial activity gradually ebbed away, and now is an activity which focuses on communication by singing songs. The songs are not only a medium to pass on Zhuang culture, but also a collection of happy love stories of Zhuang girls and boys. This festival is important to every Zhuang person and their family.
the Big Banyan Tree
There are many romantic legends associated with the Zhuang Nationality Song Festival.
The most popular one is "choosing a son-in-law by singing matches". There once was a beautiful girl who was very good at singing. Her father, an old singer himself, wanted to chose a young man who was good at singing to be his son-in-law. Young men came from different places and all gathered in a certain place to compete using their singing skills. Thus the Singing Fair, or Song Festival, was formed.
The most romantic one is the love story of Liu Sanjie (the Zhuang "Goddess of Songs") and A Niu. Liu Sanjie was a beautiful girl who was very good at singing and very righteous. One day, when she was collecting wood on the mountainside, the landlord cut her vine, and Liu Sanjie fell off the cliff. Fortunately, Liu Sanjie didn't die, and she met A Niu. And they were engaged under Yangshuo's big banyan tree when Liu Sanjie threw ann embroidered love ball to A Niu. Thus the famous love song "Vine and Tree" spread.
Activities
There are many interesting activities during the Zhuang Nationality Song Festival, including eating, singing, and the most special activity, throwing xiuqiu. People dress up in their most beautiful national costume to attend this festival. The charming dancing and singing always attracts many people.
Xiuqiu
Before the festival, girls are busy preparing xiuqiu (绣球 /sshyoh-chyoh/ 'embroidered balls'). On the day young men and women dress in their best clothes. Men hold precious gifts, while women take along their Xiuqiu. Some youths carry a statue of Liu Sanjie on their shoulders and sing in antiphonal (often question-and-answer) style. Girls pile their colorful embroidery on shelves, waiting for boys to come. A xiuqiu is a kind of love token thrown to men by Zhuang girls.
Singing in Antiphonal Style
Young men and women are divide into two teams, male and female, and they sing live in antiphonal style (对歌 duige /dway-ger/). The songs are composed on the spot: someone from one team sings a call or question, and someone from the opposing team sings a response. If a girl thinks that a boy is her Mr. Right, she throws him an embroidered ball (xiuqiu). The boy will tie his gift on the ball and return the ball if he likes the girl as well. In this way they are matched.
Five-Colored Rice
Zhuang people make wuse fan (五色饭 /woo-ser fan/), five-colored rice cooked with different vegetables, colored red, yellow, black, purple, and white. Five-colored rice means good luck and good harvest.
Painted Eggs
A young man takes a painted egg (彩蛋 caidan /tseye-dan/) to touch the painted egg held in a young woman's hand. If the woman doesn't like the man, she will hold her egg and won't let the man touch it with his painted egg. If she likes the man, she will let him. After the egg shell bursts, they will eat the painted eggs together, and thus they will begin a happy relationship.
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If you are going to Guilin to watch the Zhuang Nationality Song Festival, why not combine your visit with one of China Highlight's Guilin Tours, or contact us to design a tour according to your requirements?
Alternatively, you can take a taxi to watch the performance by yourself. We kindly offer this information to help you:
Location: Lujia Village (鲁家村 Lǔjiācūn /loo-jyaa-tswnn/) is on the west bank of the Peach Blossom River, about 4 km (2½ mi) northwest of central Guilin.
From Guilin Liangjiang Airport: 33 km (21 miles) northeast, 50 minutes, 70 yuan (12 USD) by taxi
From Guilin Railway Station: 7 km (5 miles) northwest, 15 minutes, 20 yuan (4 USD), by taxi
From Guilin Bus Station: 7 km (5 miles) northwest, 15 minutes, 20 yuan (4 USD), by taxi
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2017-February-5
Duan Festival: The World’s Longest Festival
PEOPLE of the Shui ethnic group, with a total population of about 340,000, mainly live in southern and southeastern Guizhou Province. A small number also live in western Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
Engaging mainly in agriculture, the Shui people have developed their own language, both oral and written, and a special calendar. The Shui calendar divides the year into four seasons and 12 months, basically in line with the traditional lunar calendar widely used in China. The biggest difference is that the year of the Shui calendar starts with the ninth Chinese lunar month and ends with the eighth.
Villagers dressed in traditional costumes celebrate the Duan Festival.
The Duan Festival is the Shui New Year celebration, starting from the 12th month of the Shui calendar, or the eighth month of the lunar calendar. Their grandest festival, it lasts 49 days, to accommodate as many as seven branches of the community’s celebration of the festival. The seven (once nine) branches follow a fixed order of celebration, which must be strictly followed.
The Duan Festival celebrates harvest and also makes offerings to ancestors. In 2006, the Duan Festival was listed in the first group of China’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
Traditions
The origins of the Duan Festival closely relate to the history of the Shui. They used to live in Guangdong Province and Guangxi Autonomous Region, but for some reason had to move northward. Following a leader named Gong Deng, they eventually settled in Sandu (now a Shui autonomous county). Different branches of this community spread around the Sandu area, and promised to meet three years later.
The Duan Festival was listed in the first group of China’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2006.
At the end of the third year, everyone returned to Gong Deng’s house, bringing with them crops, vegetables, and fruits. They sang, shared food and drink, and beat drums, celebrating their reunion and their new lives. They then made it a convention to gather together and celebrate at the end of each year. Gradually this became the Duan Festival annual gathering.
As the festival nears, the whole county is infused with excitement and joy. Each household is busy with preparations – thorough cleaning of homes, pounding of rice, making rice wine, grinding tofu, and catching fish.
On New Year’s Eve, family members gather for reunion dinners and the solemn ritual of revering ancestors. On a square dinner table, tableware is placed for each member of the family, but the total settings should be an odd number. Close to the shrine are placed a plate of “fish stuffed with leeks,” one of sticky rice, and several of fruits. Eight empty chairs are placed around the table, awaiting the return of the souls of ancestors.
When everything is prepared, all family members sit together to enjoy dinner. Youngsters and children in groups then visit each house to ring in the New Year by beating drums hung in the courtyard.
Around midnight, the eldest male in the family leads all members to enjoy the food offered to ancestors, and replenishes cups with wine and tea as new offerings. The eldest female in the family sets a special offering table by the staircase for souls with nowhere to go or “hungry ghosts,” allowing the children to enjoy these offerings.
Early morning on New Year’s Day, elders of the family first taste those food offerings. Then freshly cooked fish stuffed with leeks and sticky rice are placed on the altar, and cups are refilled with tea and wine. The whole house brims with a festive atmosphere.
Fish Stuffed with Leeks
According to the Duan Festival tradition, vegetarian dishes are served on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day until the horse race is over. The exception, however, is fish stuffed with leeks, which is also a must for offerings as well for serving guests.
Fish stuffed with leeks is the most famous Shui dish. Each family prepares as much as 30 to 50 kg of fish for the Duan Festival. It is said that this dish is to pay tribute to ancestors who had little food during their long migration.
Cooking this fish is delicate work. First the fish is cut into two, the insides cleaned, and red chili, leeks and guangcai (a wild vegetable) are placed inside. Then the two halves are put together and wrapped in straw. The fish can be stewed, steamed, or braised, the last the most popular method.
The leeks and guangcai are put at the bottom of a ceramic urn, and then a layer of chilies, followed by a layer of fish, with some homemade rice wine sprinkled on the fish. This entire layering process is repeated until the pot is full, and a wooden or bamboo lid is then placed over it.
At the same time, a big iron wok is readied on the stove. It is filled with water, some seasoning is added, and a wooden frame is placed in the wok. The urn is placed on the frame, and the wok and urn are covered by a wooden barrel. It takes about 12 hours to complete the braising.
Wild leeks are also considered a common medicinal ingredient by the Shui, mixed with other herbs, to treat such traumas as fractures, bleeding, bruises, and other injuries. Another remedy is to chop wild leeks and stew them with egg to kill roundworm. Containing Vitamin A, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and high in cellulose, wild leeks can regulate and stimulate the stomach, while stimulating the appetite. Along with the nutritional value of the fish itself, fish stuffed with leeks is a very healthy dish.
Horse Racing
The horse race, the climax of the Duan Festival, is held after lunch on New Year’s Day.
The event always takes place on a chosen hillside, which is called the Duan Slope or New Year Slope. People from every village flock to it, making the race a great opportunity for romance.
The horse race is the climax of the Duan Festival.
A simple ancestor worshiping ritual is held before the horse race. It is performed by a respected elder who, holding a full cup of wine, prays for a safe race as well as good weather and harvests in the new year. After the ritual, the elder mounts a horse and rides around, marking the start of the race.
The race is unique for its “jostling.” When the starting gun goes off, dozens of horses race forward at the same time to the top of the slope. The riders spur their horses with whips, accompanied by cheers and applause from the onlookers. There are no judges appointed for the race; instead, everyone is the judge. They all hail the rider that is fastest and best, and regard him as the hero of the day.
After the race, friends and relatives return home to enjoy fish stuffed with leeks. It is a sleepless night full of drinking, dance, song, and the beating of drums everywhere. This joyous and harmonious atmosphere lasts for the entire festive period.
The Duan Festival, with its distinctive folk features, is the world’s longest. The horse race is a unique traditional event for the Shui people, rarely seen in other parts of the country. Many other such festive activities as the bullfighting dance, drum dance and antiphonal singing add even more color to the festival.
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Duan Festival: Shui ethnic group's greatest carnival of the year - CGTN
Duan Festival: Shui ethnic group's greatest carnival of the year - CGTN
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14:49, 18-Oct-2019
Duan Festival: Shui ethnic group's greatest carnival of the year
Updated
16:41, 18-Oct-2019
By Song Shen
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People in Sandu Shui Autonomous County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, gathered on Thursday for a grand daylong celebration of the Duan Festival which included folk-custom rituals, horse racing and antiphonal chorus performances.The Duan Festival, the Shui ethnic minority group's most important event of the year, starts in the twelfth month and ends in next year's second month of the Shui calendar (around September to the end of October in the Gregorian calendar), making it the longest festival in China. It celebrates the harvest and the coming the new year.
The elders from several Shui villages sit at the table of zodiac for traditional rituals as part of the the Duan Festival in Sandu Shui Autonomous County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, October 17, 2019. /CGTN Photo
The elders from several Shui villages sit at the table of zodiac for traditional rituals as part of the the Duan Festival in Sandu Shui Autonomous County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, October 17, 2019. /CGTN Photo
Sandu Shui Autonomous County, located in the southeast of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, is the largest habitation of Shui people in China. More than a half of Shui population live there. From September the villagers began to prepare for the Duan, and this year's principal celebration fell on October 17.This Thursday, a series of traditional rituals were held to worship Shui gods and placate the villagers' ancestors. Attired in traditional Shui clothes and sparkling silver accessories, the performers danced to the classical melodies played by a local Shui-style orchestra, with traditional instruments such as reed pipes, bronze drums and suonas.
Girls in traditional ethnic Shui clothes during Duan Festival celebrations in Sandu Shui Autonomous County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, October 17, 2019. /CGTN Photo
Girls in traditional ethnic Shui clothes during Duan Festival celebrations in Sandu Shui Autonomous County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, October 17, 2019. /CGTN Photo
The elders brought sacrifices to the altar and distributed the newly brewed wine to the young. While people indulged in local delicacies, the choir took the stage.Next, it was the time for the breathtaking horse races. In the past two months, the county's race course had already witnessed several rounds of horse races that had qualified 150 horses and more than 100 jockeys in the final match.
Jockeys dash through the horse racing course during Sui ethnic groups' Duan Festival celebrations in Sandu Shui Autonomous County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, September 23, 2019./ CGTN Photo
Jockeys dash through the horse racing course during Sui ethnic groups' Duan Festival celebrations in Sandu Shui Autonomous County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, September 23, 2019./ CGTN Photo
The final was full of excitement. On the muddy course, the horses galloped at top speed and the hunks on the saddles skillfully reined their equine partners to force other competitors to tumble and fall. In deafening clamor and laughter, spectators also jostled for space and cheered on the jockeys.Horses bear great significance in Shui culture due to the ethnicity's own history of frequent migrations as well as the mountainous geography of their contemporary settlements. Horse racing during the festival becomes a special occasion where Shui people display their gratitude to the stock.
The final of the horse racing match during Sui ethnic group's Duan Festival celebrations in Sandu Shui Autonomous County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, October 17, 2019. /CGTN Photo
The final of the horse racing match during Sui ethnic group's Duan Festival celebrations in Sandu Shui Autonomous County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, October 17, 2019. /CGTN Photo
Another highlight of this year's Duan Festival is that 100 embroiders with their own threads and tools lined up at the local square to give the onlookers a spectacular show of an ancient craftmanship called horsetail embroidery.This handicraft's raw materials include horsetail hair and silk thread. The two are intertwined to present another unique, resilient, durable, and colorful thread for the horsetail embroidery. Natural oils in the horsetail hairs serve as a lasting maintenance for the luster of the surrounding silk threads, fixing the color of the embroidery in a primitive but clever way.
A local woman makes horsetail embroidery in Sandu Shui Autonomous County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, October 1, 2019. /CGTN Photo
A local woman makes horsetail embroidery in Sandu Shui Autonomous County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, October 1, 2019. /CGTN Photo
Video by Song Shen, Bai LinyongVideo edited by Yu Yingtian(Cover Image: A grand gathering of Shui ethnic group's Duan Festival celebration in Sandu Shui Autonomous County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, October 17, 2019. / CGTN Photo)
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People of Gelao ethnic group celebrate "Maolong Festival" in SW China's Guizhou-Xinhua
People of Gelao ethnic group celebrate "Maolong Festival" in SW China's Guizhou-Xinhua
People of Gelao ethnic group celebrate "Maolong Festival" in SW China's Guizhou 新华网 Editor: huaxia 2024-02-21 07:50:09 People watch a dragon dance competing event during the "Maolong Festival" of Gelao ethnic group in Shiqian County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Feb. 20, 2024. The festival, as a folk activity for people of the Gelao ethnic group to celebrate the Spring Festival and lantern festival, is listed as one of the national intangible cultural heritages in 2006. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)Local people perform dragon dance during the "Maolong Festival" of Gelao ethnic group in Shiqian County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Feb. 20, 2024. The festival, as a folk activity for people of the Gelao ethnic group to celebrate the Spring Festival and lantern festival, is listed as one of the national intangible cultural heritages in 2006. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)An aerial drone photo shows a view of the "Maolong Festival" of Gelao ethnic group in Shiqian County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Feb. 20, 2024. The festival, as a folk activity for people of the Gelao ethnic group to celebrate the Spring Festival and lantern festival, is listed as one of the national intangible cultural heritages in 2006. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)Local people perform dragon dance during the "Maolong Festival" of Gelao ethnic group in Shiqian County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Feb. 20, 2024. The festival, as a folk activity for people of the Gelao ethnic group to celebrate the Spring Festival and lantern festival, is listed as one of the national intangible cultural heritages in 2006. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)Local people perform dragon dance during the "Maolong Festival" of Gelao ethnic group in Shiqian County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Feb. 20, 2024. The festival, as a folk activity for people of the Gelao ethnic group to celebrate the Spring Festival and lantern festival, is listed as one of the national intangible cultural heritages in 2006. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)An aerial drone photo shows people watching dragon dance performance during the "Maolong Festival" of Gelao ethnic group in Shiqian County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Feb. 20, 2024. The festival, as a folk activity for people of the Gelao ethnic group to celebrate the Spring Festival and lantern festival, is listed as one of the national intangible cultural heritages in 2006. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)A dragon dance performance is staged during the "Maolong Festival" of Gelao ethnic group in Shiqian County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Feb. 20, 2024. The festival, as a folk activity for people of the Gelao ethnic group to celebrate the Spring Festival and lantern festival, is listed as one of the national intangible cultural heritages in 2006. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)Local people perform dragon dance during the "Maolong Festival" of Gelao ethnic group in Shiqian County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Feb. 20, 2024. The festival, as a folk activity for people of the Gelao ethnic group to celebrate the Spring Festival and lantern festival, is listed as one of the national intangible cultural heritages in 2006. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)People participate in a dragon dance parade during the "Maolong Festival" of Gelao ethnic group in Shiqian County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Feb. 20, 2024. The festival, as a folk activity for people of the Gelao ethnic group to celebrate the Spring Festival and lantern festival, is listed as one of the national intangible cultural heritages in 2006. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)People participate in a dragon dance parade during the "Maolong Festival" of Gelao ethnic group in Shiqian County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Feb. 20, 2024. The festival, as a folk activity for people of the Gelao ethnic group to celebrate the Spring Festival and lantern festival, is listed as one of the national intangible cultural heritages in 2006. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)A child holds a dragon toy during a parade of "Maolong Festival" of Gelao ethnic group in Shiqian County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Feb. 20, 2024. The festival, as a folk activity for people of the Gelao ethnic group to celebrate the Spring Festival and lantern festival, is listed as one of the national intangible cultural heritages in 2006. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)Local people perform dragon dance during the "Maolong Festival" of Gelao ethnic group in Shiqian County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Feb. 20, 2024. The festival, as a folk activity for people of the Gelao ethnic group to celebrate the Spring Festival and lantern festival, is listed as one of the national intangible cultural heritages in 2006. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)
People of Gelao ethnic group celebrate "Maolong Festival" in SW China's Guizhou
8 Fascinating Ethnic Minority Festivals In China You Had No Idea Even Existed
8 Fascinating Ethnic Minority Festivals In China You Had No Idea Even Existed Looking for a last minute departure: save up to $960 on one of our March and April trips. Guides US$ CHOOSE CURRENCY US$ € £ AU$ CA$ NZ$ Culture Trips Rail Trips Private Trips Offers Guides 8 Fascinating Ethnic Minority Festivals in China You had No Idea even Existed Dali (大理) | © Tom Thai/Flickr Jessica Larson-Wang 27 February 2017 Copy Link Facebook Email Twitter Pinterest You’ve heard of Chinese New Year, but have you ever heard of Butter Lamp Festival or Torch Festival? These eight ethnic minority festivals highlight the diversity of China’s celebratory traditions, and participating in any of them will add a unique and unforgettable dimension to any visit to China. 1. Dao Gan Jie (Lisu) Share Add to Plan Copy Link Facebook Email Twitter Pinterest When: 7th-8th day of 2nd month of the lunar calendar Where: Tengchong and Longling counties, Yunnan Dao Gan festival is held every year by the Lisu people to commemorate the official, Wang Ji, who, in the Ming dynasty, was a great hero to the Lisu. Although ethnically Han himself, Wang Ji helped to train young Lisu men to be skilled fighters and helped the Lisu defend their lands from invaders. Wang Ji lived among the Lisu for many years and taught them new agricultural techniques as well as military skills. Unfortunately, Wang Ji was poisoned after being framed for the crime of treason, and the Lisu commemorate his death with this festival, which is much more exciting than the somber history suggests. On Dao Gan festival Lisu participate in fire walking, in which they walk barefoot over hot burning coals, an activity called “xia huohai,” or “entering the fire-sea,” and sword climbing. Sword climbing, or “shang daoshan,” “ascending the sword mountain,” involves Lisu men competing to climb up ladders made of knives attached to bamboo poles. This is performed barefoot and without gloves, and the first person to reach the top of the ladder will do acrobatic tricks at the top and then set off fireworks before climbing back down. This heart-stopping performance is a must see for visitors to Lisu areas.Tengchong, Baoshan, Yunnan, China Sword Climbing | © tare/nipic.com MuNaoZongGe Festival (Jingpo) When: 15th day of the first month of the lunar new year Where: Dehong prefecture, Yunnan province MuNao ZongGe festivities are centered around large and intricate group dances involving thousands of people. Shamans lead various groups into ceremonial standoffs between leaders of different Jingpo groups. Each step is important, and only the most skillful dancers will be chosen to participate. During this time Jingpo people come from all over Yunnan to the festival grounds. The best place to see this festival in action is JieGao, just outside of the city of Ruili, in Dehong prefecture, Yunnan province. MuNaoZongGe Festival | © sanqingqing/nipic.com 2. Torch Festival (Yi) Share Add to Plan Copy Link Facebook Email Twitter Pinterest When: 24th day of 6th month of the lunar calendar (usually mid August) Where: Chuxiong, Yunnan, Daliangshan, Sichuan While typically considered a Yi festival, Torch Festival is actually celebrated by a large number of minority people, including the Bai. The festival celebrates the legend of Atilaba, a giant who chased away a plague of locusts by using trees as torches. In the villages, families will light torches in their homes, making sure every corner of the home receives light, and then they will take torches outside and light the fields. Torch Festival usually culminates in a massive bonfire, which always involves singing, dancing, and of course, lots of drunken merrymaking.Chuxiong, Yunnan, China Torch Festival | © 武定锦志广告/nipic.com 3. Water Splashing Festival (Dai) Share Add to Plan Copy Link Facebook Email Twitter Pinterest When: April Where: Xishuangbanna Various water festivals are held throughout Southeast Asia, all having their roots in Buddhist purification rituals. In China the Dai celebrate the Water Splashing Festival, which is essentially the same festival as the more well-known Laotian and Thai festival of Songkran (ethnic Dai people are scattered throughout China, Laos, and Thailand). Although the festival is religious in nature, modern celebrations have a decidedly more playful tone. In the Dai cities of Jinghong and Mengla, expect to get blasted by waterguns or splashed by teenagers wielding large basins of water, waiting for the right moment to soak visitors. In much the same spirit as India’s Holi festival, Water Splashing festival is an excuse to get wild and get wet, and it couldn’t come at a better time, as April is one of the hottest months of the year in Xishuangbanna.Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China Songkran | © Takeaway/Wikimedia commons Third Month Street Festival (Bai) When: The fifteenth day of the third month of Lunar New Year Where: Dali The Third Month festival is actually celebrated by several different ethnic groups, but the festival of the Bai ethnicity in Dali is by far the most well known. A large outdoor market is erected at the foot of the Cangshan Mountain selling just about everything imaginable. Merchants come from all over China to take part, and there is food (of course), handicrafts, tea, musical instruments, and even livestock. This festival is important to the local economy and much anticipated by locals and visitors alike. The festival has grown in popularity over the years and festival day can be quite crowded, but the Third Month Street Festival is nonetheless an unforgettable experience, and one could quite literally spend a whole day wandering among the various stalls and still probably not cover all of them! Dali, Yunnan Province, China | © Jo Schmaltz/Flickr 4. Nadaam (Mongolian) Share Add to Plan Copy Link Facebook Email Twitter Pinterest When: July Where: Inner Mongolia Naadam is a festival with a long history, dating back at least as far as the Mongol Empire, when Genghis Khan made the traditional celebration an official Mongolian holiday. Naadam is centered around the “three manly sports” of wrestling, horse racing, and archery. However, no Naadam celebration would be complete without traditional Mongolian song and dance, and of course, lots of delicious Mongolian food! Naadam takes place in high summer, when the grasslands are a beautiful verdant green, stretching on as far as the eye can see. Although the best Naadam celebrations in the world are held in Mongolia proper, Chinese Inner Mongolia has a very large Naadam celebration is near Hohhot, in Gegentala grasslands.Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China Horse Race| © Paulo Fassina/Flickr Butter Lamp (Tibetan） When: 15th day of the 1st month of the Tibetan calendar, usually February/March Where: Tibet, Qinghai, Western Sichuan, Northwestern Yunnan The Butter Lamp festival is the final festival in a larger Tibetan holiday called Monlam, which celebrates the miracles of the Buddha, and also the culmination of the Tibetan holiday season that begins with Losar, the Tibetan New Year. Of all of these festivals, Butter Lamp Festival is perhaps offers the most interesting. Worshippers light thousands of small butter oil lamps which symbolize the light of Buddhism and its victory over ignorance. As well as lighting lamps, Tibetan Buddhists also create intricate butter carvings of the Buddha, and of flowers, animals, and other Buddhist symbols. Lighting hundreds of butter lamps | © sundar1/Wikimedia commons 5. Lusheng Festival (Miao) Share Add to Plan Copy Link Facebook Email Twitter Pinterest When: 16th day of the first lunar month Where: Guizhou, Kaili The Lusheng festival is the most famous festival of the Miao (Hmong) ethnic minority group, and while the Lusheng festival is celebrated wherever there are Miao people, the largest and most well-known Lusheng celebration is in Kaili, Guizhou province. A lusheng is a bamboo woodwind instrument with a versatile range, making it the perfect instrument to accompany a wide variety of traditional activities such as Miao dancing and acrobatics. Not surprisingly, the Lusheng festival celebrates this instrument. Miao people will come from surrounding villages and gather together in the Lusheng arena, wearing their finest ethnic costumes, including silver headdresses for the women. The women dance to the music played by the men and festivities also include bullfighting and horse racing. Song and dance are often part of the traditional courtship rituals of the Miao, and the Lusheng festival is a great time for young Miao ladies to meet eligible young Miao men, while also enjoying the celebration.Kaili, Qiandongnan, Guizhou, China China Langde Lusheng Players| © Anja Disseldorp/Flickr KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD? Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in. Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special. Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together. Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family. We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future. Winter Sale Offers on Our Trips Incredible Savings Find Out More X TRAVEL LOCATIONS Africa Asia Azores Bali Costa Rica Croatia Ecuador Egypt Europe Georgia Greece Guatemala Italy Japan Mexico Morocco Portugal Scotland South America South Korea Sri Lanka Taiwan Thailand Turkey United Kingdom VIDEOS Video Library TRAVEL GUIDES Africa Antarctica Asia Caribbean Central America Europe Middle East North America Pacific South America CONTACT US Get in Touch Advertise & Partner Careers Freelance Jobs Responsible travel THE COMPANY About Us The Content Team Our App DE&I Sitemap FOLLOW US Facebook Twitter Pinterest Instagram Youtube Linkedin LEGAL Privacy Policy Terms of Use Cookie Policy Branded Content Policy Booking Terms and Conditions Culture Trip uses an independent third party trust account held by PT Trustees Limited in accordance with the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations. CUSTOMER SERVICE US: +1 (678) 967 4965 | UK: +44 (0)1630 35000 tripssupport@theculturetrip.com © Copyright 2024 The Culture Trip Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Edit article Debug Post ID: 1135826 Sponsored? No View Payload8 Fascinating Ethnic Minority Festivals In China You Had No Idea Even Existed
8 Fascinating Ethnic Minority Festivals In China You Had No Idea Even Existed Looking for a last minute departure: save up to $960 on one of our March and April trips. Guides US$ CHOOSE CURRENCY US$ € £ AU$ CA$ NZ$ Culture Trips Rail Trips Private Trips Offers Guides 8 Fascinating Ethnic Minority Festivals in China You had No Idea even Existed Dali (大理) | © Tom Thai/Flickr Jessica Larson-Wang 27 February 2017 Copy Link Facebook Email Twitter Pinterest You’ve heard of Chinese New Year, but have you ever heard of Butter Lamp Festival or Torch Festival? These eight ethnic minority festivals highlight the diversity of China’s celebratory traditions, and participating in any of them will add a unique and unforgettable dimension to any visit to China. 1. Dao Gan Jie (Lisu) Share Add to Plan Copy Link Facebook Email Twitter Pinterest When: 7th-8th day of 2nd month of the lunar calendar Where: Tengchong and Longling counties, Yunnan Dao Gan festival is held every year by the Lisu people to commemorate the official, Wang Ji, who, in the Ming dynasty, was a great hero to the Lisu. Although ethnically Han himself, Wang Ji helped to train young Lisu men to be skilled fighters and helped the Lisu defend their lands from invaders. Wang Ji lived among the Lisu for many years and taught them new agricultural techniques as well as military skills. Unfortunately, Wang Ji was poisoned after being framed for the crime of treason, and the Lisu commemorate his death with this festival, which is much more exciting than the somber history suggests. On Dao Gan festival Lisu participate in fire walking, in which they walk barefoot over hot burning coals, an activity called “xia huohai,” or “entering the fire-sea,” and sword climbing. Sword climbing, or “shang daoshan,” “ascending the sword mountain,” involves Lisu men competing to climb up ladders made of knives attached to bamboo poles. This is performed barefoot and without gloves, and the first person to reach the top of the ladder will do acrobatic tricks at the top and then set off fireworks before climbing back down. This heart-stopping performance is a must see for visitors to Lisu areas.Tengchong, Baoshan, Yunnan, China Sword Climbing | © tare/nipic.com MuNaoZongGe Festival (Jingpo) When: 15th day of the first month of the lunar new year Where: Dehong prefecture, Yunnan province MuNao ZongGe festivities are centered around large and intricate group dances involving thousands of people. Shamans lead various groups into ceremonial standoffs between leaders of different Jingpo groups. Each step is important, and only the most skillful dancers will be chosen to participate. During this time Jingpo people come from all over Yunnan to the festival grounds. The best place to see this festival in action is JieGao, just outside of the city of Ruili, in Dehong prefecture, Yunnan province. MuNaoZongGe Festival | © sanqingqing/nipic.com 2. Torch Festival (Yi) Share Add to Plan Copy Link Facebook Email Twitter Pinterest When: 24th day of 6th month of the lunar calendar (usually mid August) Where: Chuxiong, Yunnan, Daliangshan, Sichuan While typically considered a Yi festival, Torch Festival is actually celebrated by a large number of minority people, including the Bai. The festival celebrates the legend of Atilaba, a giant who chased away a plague of locusts by using trees as torches. In the villages, families will light torches in their homes, making sure every corner of the home receives light, and then they will take torches outside and light the fields. Torch Festival usually culminates in a massive bonfire, which always involves singing, dancing, and of course, lots of drunken merrymaking.Chuxiong, Yunnan, China Torch Festival | © 武定锦志广告/nipic.com 3. Water Splashing Festival (Dai) Share Add to Plan Copy Link Facebook Email Twitter Pinterest When: April Where: Xishuangbanna Various water festivals are held throughout Southeast Asia, all having their roots in Buddhist purification rituals. In China the Dai celebrate the Water Splashing Festival, which is essentially the same festival as the more well-known Laotian and Thai festival of Songkran (ethnic Dai people are scattered throughout China, Laos, and Thailand). Although the festival is religious in nature, modern celebrations have a decidedly more playful tone. In the Dai cities of Jinghong and Mengla, expect to get blasted by waterguns or splashed by teenagers wielding large basins of water, waiting for the right moment to soak visitors. In much the same spirit as India’s Holi festival, Water Splashing festival is an excuse to get wild and get wet, and it couldn’t come at a better time, as April is one of the hottest months of the year in Xishuangbanna.Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China Songkran | © Takeaway/Wikimedia commons Third Month Street Festival (Bai) When: The fifteenth day of the third month of Lunar New Year Where: Dali The Third Month festival is actually celebrated by several different ethnic groups, but the festival of the Bai ethnicity in Dali is by far the most well known. A large outdoor market is erected at the foot of the Cangshan Mountain selling just about everything imaginable. Merchants come from all over China to take part, and there is food (of course), handicrafts, tea, musical instruments, and even livestock. This festival is important to the local economy and much anticipated by locals and visitors alike. The festival has grown in popularity over the years and festival day can be quite crowded, but the Third Month Street Festival is nonetheless an unforgettable experience, and one could quite literally spend a whole day wandering among the various stalls and still probably not cover all of them! Dali, Yunnan Province, China | © Jo Schmaltz/Flickr 4. Nadaam (Mongolian) Share Add to Plan Copy Link Facebook Email Twitter Pinterest When: July Where: Inner Mongolia Naadam is a festival with a long history, dating back at least as far as the Mongol Empire, when Genghis Khan made the traditional celebration an official Mongolian holiday. Naadam is centered around the “three manly sports” of wrestling, horse racing, and archery. However, no Naadam celebration would be complete without traditional Mongolian song and dance, and of course, lots of delicious Mongolian food! Naadam takes place in high summer, when the grasslands are a beautiful verdant green, stretching on as far as the eye can see. Although the best Naadam celebrations in the world are held in Mongolia proper, Chinese Inner Mongolia has a very large Naadam celebration is near Hohhot, in Gegentala grasslands.Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China Horse Race| © Paulo Fassina/Flickr Butter Lamp (Tibetan） When: 15th day of the 1st month of the Tibetan calendar, usually February/March Where: Tibet, Qinghai, Western Sichuan, Northwestern Yunnan The Butter Lamp festival is the final festival in a larger Tibetan holiday called Monlam, which celebrates the miracles of the Buddha, and also the culmination of the Tibetan holiday season that begins with Losar, the Tibetan New Year. Of all of these festivals, Butter Lamp Festival is perhaps offers the most interesting. Worshippers light thousands of small butter oil lamps which symbolize the light of Buddhism and its victory over ignorance. As well as lighting lamps, Tibetan Buddhists also create intricate butter carvings of the Buddha, and of flowers, animals, and other Buddhist symbols. Lighting hundreds of butter lamps | © sundar1/Wikimedia commons 5. Lusheng Festival (Miao) Share Add to Plan Copy Link Facebook Email Twitter Pinterest When: 16th day of the first lunar month Where: Guizhou, Kaili The Lusheng festival is the most famous festival of the Miao (Hmong) ethnic minority group, and while the Lusheng festival is celebrated wherever there are Miao people, the largest and most well-known Lusheng celebration is in Kaili, Guizhou province. A lusheng is a bamboo woodwind instrument with a versatile range, making it the perfect instrument to accompany a wide variety of traditional activities such as Miao dancing and acrobatics. Not surprisingly, the Lusheng festival celebrates this instrument. Miao people will come from surrounding villages and gather together in the Lusheng arena, wearing their finest ethnic costumes, including silver headdresses for the women. The women dance to the music played by the men and festivities also include bullfighting and horse racing. Song and dance are often part of the traditional courtship rituals of the Miao, and the Lusheng festival is a great time for young Miao ladies to meet eligible young Miao men, while also enjoying the celebration.Kaili, Qiandongnan, Guizhou, China China Langde Lusheng Players| © Anja Disseldorp/Flickr KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD? Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in. Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special. Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together. Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family. We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future. Winter Sale Offers on Our Trips Incredible Savings Find Out More X TRAVEL LOCATIONS Africa Asia Azores Bali Costa Rica Croatia Ecuador Egypt Europe Georgia Greece Guatemala Italy Japan Mexico Morocco Portugal Scotland South America South Korea Sri Lanka Taiwan Thailand Turkey United Kingdom VIDEOS Video Library TRAVEL GUIDES Africa Antarctica Asia Caribbean Central America Europe Middle East North America Pacific South America CONTACT US Get in Touch Advertise & Partner Careers Freelance Jobs Responsible travel THE COMPANY About Us The Content Team Our App DE&I Sitemap FOLLOW US Facebook Twitter Pinterest Instagram Youtube Linkedin LEGAL Privacy Policy Terms of Use Cookie Policy Branded Content Policy Booking Terms and Conditions Culture Trip uses an independent third party trust account held by PT Trustees Limited in accordance with the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations. CUSTOMER SERVICE US: +1 (678) 967 4965 | UK: +44 (0)1630 35000 tripssupport@theculturetrip.com © Copyright 2024 The Culture Trip Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Edit article Debug Post ID: 1135826 Sponsored? No View PayloadZhuang-National Song Festival of the Zhuang Ethnic Group
Zhuang-National Song Festival of the Zhuang Ethnic Group
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Travel Guide
Guilin
Zhuang Nationality Song Festival
Written by Candice SongUpdated Jul. 19, 2023
Celebrated: Apr. 18
Location: Guilin
Zhuang Girls are singing and dancing in beautiful clothes.
The Zhuang Nationality Song Festival, also known as Gexu Festival (歌圩节) and Gepo Festival (歌婆节), is held in the third day of the third month of the Chinese lunar year. On this day, the Zhuang people all head to a certain place to sing songs together.
It is a festival celebrated by the Zhuang Minority in two separate parts: day and night. The daytime celebrations consist chiefly of singing matches in the fields, and the main nighttime events include singing production songs, seasonal songs, historical songs, and pan songs (盘 for seven female singers and two violas).
Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Government has been developing the Zhuang Nationality Song Festival as a regional culture and art festival.
History
The Zhuang Nationality Song Festival originates from a festival of sacrifices and folk song and dance in the Clan Tribes Age. With the development of society, the sacrificial activity gradually ebbed away, and now is an activity which focuses on communication by singing songs. The songs are not only a medium to pass on Zhuang culture, but also a collection of happy love stories of Zhuang girls and boys. This festival is important to every Zhuang person and their family.
the Big Banyan Tree
There are many romantic legends associated with the Zhuang Nationality Song Festival.
The most popular one is "choosing a son-in-law by singing matches". There once was a beautiful girl who was very good at singing. Her father, an old singer himself, wanted to chose a young man who was good at singing to be his son-in-law. Young men came from different places and all gathered in a certain place to compete using their singing skills. Thus the Singing Fair, or Song Festival, was formed.
The most romantic one is the love story of Liu Sanjie (the Zhuang "Goddess of Songs") and A Niu. Liu Sanjie was a beautiful girl who was very good at singing and very righteous. One day, when she was collecting wood on the mountainside, the landlord cut her vine, and Liu Sanjie fell off the cliff. Fortunately, Liu Sanjie didn't die, and she met A Niu. And they were engaged under Yangshuo's big banyan tree when Liu Sanjie threw ann embroidered love ball to A Niu. Thus the famous love song "Vine and Tree" spread.
Activities
There are many interesting activities during the Zhuang Nationality Song Festival, including eating, singing, and the most special activity, throwing xiuqiu. People dress up in their most beautiful national costume to attend this festival. The charming dancing and singing always attracts many people.
Xiuqiu
Before the festival, girls are busy preparing xiuqiu (绣球 /sshyoh-chyoh/ 'embroidered balls'). On the day young men and women dress in their best clothes. Men hold precious gifts, while women take along their Xiuqiu. Some youths carry a statue of Liu Sanjie on their shoulders and sing in antiphonal (often question-and-answer) style. Girls pile their colorful embroidery on shelves, waiting for boys to come. A xiuqiu is a kind of love token thrown to men by Zhuang girls.
Singing in Antiphonal Style
Young men and women are divide into two teams, male and female, and they sing live in antiphonal style (对歌 duige /dway-ger/). The songs are composed on the spot: someone from one team sings a call or question, and someone from the opposing team sings a response. If a girl thinks that a boy is her Mr. Right, she throws him an embroidered ball (xiuqiu). The boy will tie his gift on the ball and return the ball if he likes the girl as well. In this way they are matched.
Five-Colored Rice
Zhuang people make wuse fan (五色饭 /woo-ser fan/), five-colored rice cooked with different vegetables, colored red, yellow, black, purple, and white. Five-colored rice means good luck and good harvest.
Painted Eggs
A young man takes a painted egg (彩蛋 caidan /tseye-dan/) to touch the painted egg held in a young woman's hand. If the woman doesn't like the man, she will hold her egg and won't let the man touch it with his painted egg. If she likes the man, she will let him. After the egg shell bursts, they will eat the painted eggs together, and thus they will begin a happy relationship.
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Travel Essentials
If you are going to Guilin to watch the Zhuang Nationality Song Festival, why not combine your visit with one of China Highlight's Guilin Tours, or contact us to design a tour according to your requirements?
Alternatively, you can take a taxi to watch the performance by yourself. We kindly offer this information to help you:
Location: Lujia Village (鲁家村 Lǔjiācūn /loo-jyaa-tswnn/) is on the west bank of the Peach Blossom River, about 4 km (2½ mi) northwest of central Guilin.
From Guilin Liangjiang Airport: 33 km (21 miles) northeast, 50 minutes, 70 yuan (12 USD) by taxi
From Guilin Railway Station: 7 km (5 miles) northwest, 15 minutes, 20 yuan (4 USD), by taxi
From Guilin Bus Station: 7 km (5 miles) northwest, 15 minutes, 20 yuan (4 USD), by taxi
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