Overview

• Chinese Name:大理南涧县无量山桑王节
• English Name: Sangwang Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Nanjian County, Dali
• Location: Nanjian County, Dali

The Sangwang Festival, celebrated by the Yi ethnic minority in Nanjian County, Dali, is one of the most important traditional festivals for the Yi people. This festival is typically held in late autumn and is closely associated with agricultural practices, harvest celebrations, and cultural rituals. The Sangwang Festival is a time for community gathering, acknowledging the fruit of the year’s labor, and expressing gratitude to deities and ancestors.

Origin of the Sangwang Festival

The origins of the Sangwang Festival are deeply connected to the agricultural calendar of the Yi people, marking the end of the harvest season. “Sangwang” is translated to mean “to welcome the god of agriculture,” and the festival is centered around honoring the deities believed to ensure plentiful crops and protect against natural disasters.

In ancient times, it was customary for the Yi people to perform rituals and offer sacrifices to the land and agricultural gods to seek blessings for a good harvest. Over the years, the festival has evolved to encompass not just agricultural celebrations but also cultural performances and various community activities.

Local Activities of the Sangwang Festival

During the Sangwang Festival, a variety of activities take place that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Yi people:

1. Ritual Ceremonies: The festival typically begins with solemn rituals conducted by local religious leaders or elders to honor agricultural deities and ancestors. Offerings, including food, grains, and animals, may be presented as a way to express gratitude and seek blessings for future harvests.
2. Cultural Performances: Traditional songs and dances are vital aspects of the festival. Various groups from the Yi community perform vibrant dances that celebrate their culture and history. These performances often feature colorful costumes and lively music, encouraging audience participation.
3. Feasting and Food Sharing: The Sangwang Festival is characterized by communal feasting. Families and neighbors come together to share traditional dishes, including special foods that have symbolic meanings, signifying abundance and prosperity. Dishes typically include roasted meats, rice, and local specialties that reflect Yi culinary traditions.
4. Sports and Games: Various traditional sports and competitions, such as tug-of-war, horse racing, and archery, are organized during the festival. These activities not only promote physical prowess but also foster community spirit and friendly competition among participants.
5. Collective Blessings: Community members participate in group blessings, where they express their hopes for health, happiness, and abundance in the coming year. This activity strengthens communal bonds and reaffirms cultural identity.
6. Market and Trade Activities: The festival often includes a marketplace where local artisans display and sell traditional handicrafts, agricultural products, and other goods. This not only promotes local economies but also encourages cultural exchanges between vendors and visitors.
7. Storytelling and Sharing Traditions: Elders often share stories, folklore, and legends associated with the Yi people, particularly those related to agriculture and the significance of the Sangwang Festival. This oral tradition plays a crucial role in passing down cultural knowledge to younger generations.
8. Community Gatherings: The Sangwang Festival serves as a crucial opportunity for families and friends to reconnect, strengthen ties, and cultivate a sense of belonging and community.

Overall, the Sangwang Festival in Nanjian County is not just a celebration of the agricultural cycle; it is a vibrant expression of Yi culture, tradition, and community spirit, attracting both locals and visitors who wish to experience the cultural richness of the Yi ethnic minority.

Overview

• Chinese Name:弥渡县千年铁柱踏歌会
• English Name: Ancient Iron Pillar Worship and Dage Festival in Midu County, Dali
• Location: Midu County, Dali

Ancient Iron Pillar Worship and Dage Festival is held in Midu County, local Yi ethnic people worhip Iron Pillar of Nanzhao Kingdom with traditional Dage Festival together. The festival is a unique cultural event celebrated in Midu County, Dali, primarily among the Yi ethnic minority. This festival combines elements of ancient religious rituals, community gatherings, and cultural performances, reflecting the rich heritage of the Yi people and their connection to nature and spirituality.

Origin of the Ancient Iron Pillar Worship

The Ancient Iron Pillar, known locally as “Geda,” is a significant cultural symbol among the Yi people. It is believed to represent strength, stability, and connection to the gods. Worshipping the Iron Pillar is rooted in ancient beliefs and practices that involve honoring deities, ancestors, and the forces of nature that are crucial for agricultural prosperity and community well-being.

The festival is deeply intertwined with pastoral and agricultural cycles, commemorating the relationship between the land, the community, and the divine. The rite of worship typically includes offerings to the Iron Pillar and various ceremonies that seek blessings for a good harvest, health, and happiness.

Local Activities of the Festival

The Ancient Iron Pillar Worship and Dage Festival encompasses a range of activities that highlight the traditions, cultural expressions, and communal spirit of the Yi people:

1. Worship Ceremony: The festival kicks off with a solemn worship ceremony at the site of the Ancient Iron Pillar. Community leaders and shamans perform rituals, making offerings of food, flowers, and incense to seek blessings and express gratitude for past harvests and protection for the future.
2. Dage Singing and Dancing: “Dage” refers to a traditional form of song and dance in the Yi culture, often performed during significant celebrations. The festival features vibrant Dage performances, where participants sing and dance simultaneously, telling stories of their culture, history, and relationship with the land. This lively expression encourages community participation and showcases local talent.
3. Cultural Exhibitions: The festival includes exhibitions of traditional Yi handicrafts, clothing, and agricultural products. Local artisans display their craftwork, allowing visitors to appreciate and purchase beautifully made items, thereby promoting cultural heritage and supporting local economies.
4. Traditional Games and Competitions: Various games and competitions are held to engage attendees and foster community spirit. Traditional sports such as archery, tug-of-war, and races are organized, encouraging participation from different age groups and highlighting the physical skills and teamwork of the community.
5. Food and Feast: No festival is complete without a communal feast. During the Ancient Iron Pillar Worship and Dage Festival, participants gather to share traditional Yi cuisine. Dishes often include roasted meats, rice, and locally sourced vegetables and may feature special foods prepared specifically for the occasion to symbolize abundance and good fortune.
6. Storytelling and Oral Tradition: Elders in the community often share stories and folklore related to the Iron Pillar and the Yi culture. This oral tradition is central to maintaining the community’s identity and passing down historical knowledge and moral lessons to younger generations.
7. Community Bonding Activities: The festival promotes social connections beyond just family ties. Residents of Midu County and neighboring areas come together, strengthening communal bonds through shared experiences, interactions, and new friendships.
8. Market Stalls: Local vendors set up stalls selling various goods, including agricultural products, handicrafts, and snacks. This market atmosphere enhances the festive spirit and provides an essential economic opportunity for local families and artisans.

Basic Introduction

• Chinese Name: 大理祥云县抬老爷
• English Name: Tailaoye Festival in Xiangyun County, Dali
• Location: 大理祥云县下庄镇刘营村/云南驿镇左所村、右所村、前所村/Liuying Village, Xiazhuang Town, Xiangyun County, Dali/Zuosuo Village, Yousuo Village, Qiansuo Village, Yunnanyi Town
• Time: The 15th day of the seventh lunar month every year

Every year on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, grand folk festival activities known as “Carrying the Lord” are held in places such as Xiazhuang Town and Yunnan Yi Town in Xiangyun County. It is said that this tradition has a history of over a hundred years. “Carrying the Lord” encompasses a rich array of traditional cultural elements, including Dongjing ancient music, paper-cutting, paper crafting, bamboo weaving, and straw weaving. Through these activities, it educates future generations to be kind to others, to understand gratitude, and to repay kindness, thereby conveying positive energy to society. The entire event is both ancient and refined, grand yet free from superstition, showcasing a strong regional character.

Local Activities

1. Carrying the Lord Ceremony:

• At the heart of the festival is the “Carrying the Lord” ceremony, where large, ornate palanquins (or shrines) are carried by participants through the streets. This is often done to honor local deities or ancestors.

2. Traditional Music and Performing Arts:

• The festival features performances of traditional music, including Dongjing ancient music, which is a vital part of local cultural identity. Folk dances and theatrical performances may also be held, showcasing the area’s artistic traditions.

3. Ritual Offerings:

• Families prepare elaborate offerings, including food and incense, to present at the event. These offerings are meant to honor ancestors and deities, and they reflect the community’s values of gratitude and respect toward those who have come before them.

4. Craft Exhibitions:

• Various traditional crafts such as paper-cutting, bamboo weaving, straw weaving, and paper crafting are demonstrated and displayed during the festival. Local artisans showcase their skills, and visitors may have the opportunity to participate in workshops.

5. Community Gatherings and Feasts:

• The festival is a time for community bonding. Feasting is a central part of the celebration, where members of the community come together to share meals. Local specialties are often highlighted, allowing participants to enjoy the culinary heritage of the region.

6. Cultural Processions:

• Colorful parades and processions take place, where locals dress in traditional attire, perform dances, and carry traditional instruments. This lively display not only honors the festival’s spiritual significance but also showcases the community’s vibrant culture.

7. Ceremonial Prayers:

• Religious and spiritual leaders may conduct prayers and blessings during the festival, invoking peace and prosperity for the community. This solemn aspect of the event is intertwined with the celebratory activities.

8. Children’s Activities and Games:

• The festival often includes games and activities for children, making it a family-friendly event. These activities might include local games, competitions, and storytelling sessions that highlight local legends and lore.

9. Fireworks and Lantern Displays:

• At night, the festivities may culminate in fireworks and lantern displays, symbolizing the light guiding spirits and adding to the joyous atmosphere of the celebration.

Overview

Chinese Name: 大理祥云县东山彝族乡傈僳族拼火节
English Name: Pinhuo Festival of Lisu Ethnic Minority in Xiangyun County, Dali
Location: 祥云县东山彝族乡小庄子村委会老里么村/Laolime Village, Xiaozhuangzi Village Committee, Dongshan Yi Ethnic Township, Xiangyun County

PinHuo Festival(拼火节) is held every year in Laolimo（老里么） Village, Xiaozhuangzi(小庄子) Village Committee, Dongshan（东山） Yi Nationality Township, Xiangyun（祥云） County. It has a history of several hundred years. According to legend, in ancient times, Lisu ancestors of today’s Laolimoers, in order to escape the war, moved and settled in the remote Laolimo, leading a hard life of farming and hunting. Because of the small number of people and the harsh living environment, every time the tribe hunts its prey, the prey must be, year after year, divided equally in the back mountains among men, women and children. In order to commemorate this tradition, every year on the eighth day of February in the lunar calendar, people gather together for dinner by bringing their most delicious dishes. Later, it gradually evolved into the traditional Lisu festival of PinHuo Festival.

What attracts people most are not only delicious foods for the festival with hundreds of history. The local dancing for praying with rich national characteristics and extremely mysterious stunt performances are the real tourism feast.

Dancing to Praying for Blessings from Door to Door

Introduction

About 9 a.m. on the day of the festival, the DuanGon（端公）, a person with special skills designated by villagers, begins organizing more than 10 men in the village to dance door-to-door to pray for blessings。

When the prayer team goes to the doors of each house, after firing firecrackers, the hosts will hide in the room to welcome the Duangong. The prayers begin dancing in each room and searching for people hiding inside. Once they find the middle-aged man, they will put a wooden knife around his neck, tie the man up with a chain, apply a layer of soot on his face, and then drag the middle-aged man to the courtyard to dance. At this time, the Duangong distributes the host’s prepared five-grain, melon seeds, candy and other things. After the blessing, the middle-aged who was tied up could move around. Finally, the prayer team goes to another family to dance to pray for blessings again.

The Amazing Unique Stunt

The 3:00 P.M is the busiest hour in the mountains behind the laolimo. Everyone begins to taste food and sing while dancing all night long. The mountains behind the laolimo are now the coliseum of the Lisu people from the surrounding area. Some perform couples’ duets, some sing love songs to the opposite sex, some people dance in a circle, Some show their unique acrobatics here.

The most notable thing on the stage is the ancient unique stunt of Mao Guocai（毛国才）, the inheritor of intangible cultural heritage.His performance include putting hands in the oil pan, eating burning charcoal, licking a red plough with fire。

On the stage, two villagers carry out a pot with pliers. Under the pot is a red charcoal fire, and in the pot the oil sparks. After the pot is put in place, Mao GuoCai puts his hand in the pot and pulls some items out of it。Then he takes out burning charcoals and eats it with relish. Just as the audience is amazed at it, Mao Guocai’s next move is even more incredible. Only after the staff hands over the fiery iron plough does Mao sticks out his tongue and licks it.

According to his introduction, these special skills were taught by his father, and now he has also taught them to his son. For the intangible cultural heritage, the only people can perform the stunt in the village are from his family only. When asked about the know-how of it, his answer is that the know-how does exist as that of magic, but wound not allowed to be taught to others not from his family.

Chinese Version: http://news.ifeng.com/gundong/detail_2013_03/27/23562312_0.shtml

Overview

• Chinese Name:大理祥云县米甸镇傈僳族祭龙会
• English Name: Dragon Worship Festival (Jilonghui) of Lisu Ethnic Minority in Xiangyun County, Dali
• Location: Dragon Worship Festival in Xiangyun County is held in Lilame Village of Midian Town.

The Dragon Worship Festival is an important cultural event celebrated by the Lisu ethnic minority in Xiangyun County, Dali, Yunnan Province, China. This festival is typically held in the summer, often around the time of the summer solstice, and it is deeply rooted in the Lisu people’s agricultural practices and spiritual beliefs.

Introduction to the Festival

The Dragon Worship Festival is a celebration that expresses gratitude to the dragon, which is considered a symbol of rain and fertility in Lisu culture. It is believed that by worshiping the dragon, the Lisu people can ensure a good harvest and pray for abundant rainfall. The festival combines elements of animism, ancestor worship, and agricultural rituals.

Local Activities and Celebrations

During the Dragon Worship Festival, several unique activities and ceremonies take place, including:

1. Ritual Ceremonies: The festival typically begins with rituals conducted by local shamans. They perform prayers and blessings to call upon the dragon, asking for rain and a prosperous farming season. Offerings, which may include rice, fruits, and other items, are presented at altars set up for the dragon.
2. Cultural Performances: Traditional music and dance are integral parts of the festival. Lisu people perform folk dances and songs, often wearing colorful traditional costumes. These performances celebrate the culture and heritage of the Lisu community.
3. Dragon Parades: Some areas may hold dragon parades, where participants create elaborate dragon puppets or costumes. This lively and colorful display symbolizes the dragon’s power and its connection to water and agriculture.
4. Sports and Games: Traditional sports and games are organized, fostering community spirit and enjoyment. Activities may include races, tug-of-war, and various traditional games that showcase strength and agility.
5. Feasting: Food plays a central role in the festival. Families come together to prepare and share traditional dishes, which often feature local ingredients. This communal sharing of food enhances the festive atmosphere and strengthens social bonds.
6. Social Gatherings: The festival serves as a significant social occasion for the Lisu people, providing an opportunity for communities to come together, forge relationships, and celebrate their identity.

The Dragon Festival in Lilame Village of Midian Town in Xiangyun County, Dali

On March 8, the second day of the second lunar month, the village comes alive with the Dragon Festival, known as “祭龙会” (Jì lóng huì) or “Dragon Worship Festival” in the Lisu language. The festival is celebrated with much enthusiasm and is believed to bring rain and blessings for the year. The village is adorned with festive decorations, and the villagers are busy preparing for the celebrations, including setting up the venue, slaughtering chickens and sheep, and making other arrangements for the guests.

The Dragon Festival is a traditional ritual held before the agricultural activities of the year begin, where the community prays for favorable weather, bountiful harvests, and general prosperity and safety. It combines rich agricultural culture, unique ethnic customs, and entertainment, and has been widely recognized and celebrated for many years.

Activities and Events:

1. Morning Rituals:
   • Venue Preparation: Cleaning the site and arranging for the celebration.
   • Rituals: Traditional Lisu ceremonies and offerings are performed by the ritual priest.
2. Festival Traditions:
   • Dragon Worship: The festival involves worshipping the dragon, believed to bring rain and blessings.
   • Activities: Includes erecting the dragon pole, climbing the heavenly ladder, taking mud baths, and traditional farming methods like slash-and-burn.
3. Cultural Performances:
   • Artistic Performances: Local and regional amateur art troupes perform various traditional songs and dances, including “Reed Pipe Dance,” “Lisu Folk Tunes,” and others.
   • Fashion Show: A display of traditional Lisu costumes, showcasing vibrant and diverse attire.
4. Evening Festivities:
   • Campfire Party: An energetic celebration with traditional songs, dances, and a lively campfire gathering.

Festival Significance:

The Dragon Festival has evolved from a local village celebration into a multi-ethnic cultural event, showcasing the rich traditions and vibrant culture of the Lisu people. It represents the unity and harmony of the local community and highlights the region’s prosperity and cultural richness.

Local Hospitality:

The Lisu people are known for their hospitality and warmth. Visitors are greeted with traditional Lisu wine and songs, reflecting the community’s genuine friendliness and eagerness to share their culture.

Visit Li Lame Village:

The Dragon Festival, held annually on March 11, offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural traditions of the Lisu people. The festival promises an engaging blend of traditional rituals, cultural performances, and community celebrations. Li Lame Village warmly invites visitors to join in the festivities and experience the lively and welcoming spirit of the Lisu community.

Festival Schedule:

• 13:00 – 14:30: Rituals, dragon pole erection, ladder climbing, and mud bathing.
• 15:00 – 16:00: Stage performances and group singing.
• 20:00 – 21:30: Campfire party and social gathering.

The Lisu people eagerly await your visit, extending their warm hospitality through traditional customs, music, and dance.

With a history of hundreds of years, Kaishan Festival(开山节)is Miao ethnic minority’s traditional festival which is passed on from generation to generation. In 2016, Kaishan Festival was listed as the county-level intangible cultural heritage reserve of Xiangyun County (祥云县). Kaishan Festival is held in Liziqing Miao Ethnic Village, Daying Village Committee, Hedian Town in Xiangyun County(祥云县禾甸镇大营村委会李子箐苗寨).

Audio-visual Feast

When you step into the Miao ethnic village, the etiquette you firstly get is the fragrant wine and enthusiastic toasting song. Beautiful Miao ethnic ladies will give you enthusiasm dyed with lantanas to show blessing and friendship for guests. The hanging basket feast(吊篮宴) will provide you with a chance to taste original ecology snacks of Miao ethnic village and feel lively spring coming from the high mountain.

Time

Kaishan Festival of Miao Ethnic Minority is held in Liziqing Miao Ethnic Village in Xiangyun County on January 15 of lunar calendar every year .

Holding Place

Liziqing Miao Ethnic Village, Daying Village Committee, Hedian Town（禾甸镇大营村委会李子箐苗寨）

Li Zijing Village Miao “Mountain Opening Festival”

Overview:

The “Mountain Opening Festival” is a traditional Miao ethnic celebration that has been passed down through generations, with a history of over a hundred years. In 2016, it was included in the intangible cultural heritage list of Xiangyun County.

According to legend, the Miao people, who migrated for thousands of years and struggled against harsh natural conditions, once lived by hunting in remote mountain areas. On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, Li Zijing Miao Village celebrates the festival with a ceremony to honor their ancestors and mark the beginning of a year’s labor and hunting activities. During the festival, the Miao people erect a mountain god altar, play traditional reed pipes, and gather from all directions to sing, dance, and drink sweet wine. They pray for a good harvest, favorable weather, and safe and successful hunting for the year.

Welcome Ceremony:

• Welcome Gate: The distinctive entrance gate for the festival.
• Unique Pouring Method: Traditional way of serving drinks.
• Welcome Wine: Sweet Miao wine served to guests.
• Friendly Miao Women: Warm greetings from local Miao women.
• Toast Songs: Traditional songs performed to celebrate.
• Festive Atmosphere: The lively scene of the welcome event.

Mountain Opening Ceremony:

• Ceremony Site: The location where the rituals are performed.
• Ritual Activities: Various traditional rites conducted during the festival.
• Ritual Items: Objects used in the ceremonial practices.
• Miao Men with Bows and Crossbows: Traditional weapons used in rituals.
• Unique Ritual Methods: Traditional Miao practices during the festival.

Festival Performances:

• Passionate Speeches: Enthusiastic addresses by festival organizers.
• Miao Host: Emcee with traditional Miao flair.
• Simple and Rustic Setting: Traditional and down-to-earth festival atmosphere.
• Beautiful Miao Dances: Elegant dances performed by the Miao people.
• Miao Songs: Emotional performances of Miao folk songs.
• Singing and Dancing: Joyful participation by the villagers.
• Inspirational Stories: Stories of resilience, including those of disabled Miao girls.
• Mountain Songs: Traditional mountain songs performed.
• Children’s Dance Performances: Energetic dance acts by local children.
• Miao Fashion Show: Display of traditional Miao clothing.
• Community Dancing: Enjoying the afternoon with group dances.

Hunting Activities:

• Hunting Grounds: The areas where hunting takes place.
• Hunters: Miao men engaged in hunting.
• Start of the Hunt: The beginning of the hunting activities.
• Successful Hunts: Hunters showcasing their successful catches.
• Return and Sharing: Sharing the results of the hunt with the community.
• Tasty Results: Tempting results of the hunting effort.

Daily Life and Production:

• Field Work: Farming and agricultural activities.
• Oxen Plowing: Use of oxen in agricultural work.
• Collecting Firewood: Miao women returning with firewood.
• Hardworking Miao Women: Depictions of daily labor and diligence.

Experience Li Zijing Village:

In Li Zijing Miao Village, the “Mountain Opening Festival” retains its traditional charm, reflecting the Miao people’s ideals and pursuits for life and their environment.

Charming Li Zijing Village:

• Pine Needle Roads: Pine needles lining the village paths.
• Red Lanterns and Ancient Homes: Traditional decorations and architecture.
• Organic Eggs: Fresh, locally produced eggs.
• Mountain Beauty: The scenic beauty of the surrounding mountains.
• Miao Girls: Traditional Miao attire and accessories.
• Grass Stacks: Unique styles of traditional grass storage.
• Miao Costumes: Elegant traditional clothing.
• Miao Headgear: Intricate Miao headpieces.
• Kind Miao Elderly: Warm and welcoming elder villagers.
• Miao Youth: Stylish young Miao men.
• Traditional Beauty: The inherent beauty of Miao culture and attire.

Li Zijing Village is like a precious pearl, nestled on the eastern side of Daying Village in Hedian Town, Xiangyun County. The mountains, waters, and people here embody a poetic charm. The trees, wind, and air offer a lingering, irresistible comfort.

Visiting Li Zijing is like opening a magical book, where every visitor and reader will find their own story. The beauty here is a blend of misty and rustic elements, from leisurely chess games under trees to enjoying wine among flowers and savoring tea in courtyards.

Walking through Li Zijing, immerse yourself in the century-old history of the Miao people and their timeless grace. The warm and hospitable Li Zijing Village always welcomes you!

Overview

• Chinese Name: 祥云县禾甸镇大营村白族赶灯会
  English Name: Gndenghui Festival in Xiangyun County, Dali
• Location: Xiangyu County, Dali
• Time: the tenth day of the first lunar month every year

The ‘Lantern Festival’ is a traditional festival that has been passed down through generations in the Daying community of Hedian Town, Xiangyun County. It is solemnly held on the tenth day of the first lunar month each year in the natural village of Daying, and it is said to have a history of over a hundred years. The Lantern Festival is a folk tradition formed by the villagers of Daying through long-term agricultural labor and life customs, with the main content being the traditional Spring Festival lantern activities, and using traditional folk songs, dances, music, and material exchanges as its medium.

Through the Lantern Festival, it brings safety and peace, harmonious weather for crops, bountiful harvests, and prosperity for livestock to the people of Daying. It also brings a year of good fortune, safety, and luck to the visitors who participate in the festival. The Lantern Festival has become a gathering that integrates history, culture, economy, and art. As it undergoes the restoration and development of ethnic historical culture, it is being passed down and promoted, becoming more and more grand each year, transforming into a paradise for national unity and harmony.

The Local Activities:

1. Lantern Displays: One of the primary attractions of the festival is the display of colorful lanterns. Participants create and decorate various types of lanterns, some of which are quite elaborate, to showcase their craftsmanship and creativity.
2. Traditional Performances: The festival features a rich array of cultural performances, including traditional music, dance, and theater. Local artists often perform folk songs and dances that reflect the heritage and customs of the Yi and Bai ethnic groups, which are prominent in the region.
3. Food Stalls: Food plays a significant role in the Gndenghui Festival. Local vendors set up stalls offering a variety of traditional snacks and dishes. It’s a great opportunity for visitors to sample regional delicacies such as rice dumplings and other festive foods.
4. Games and Competitions: Various games and competitions are organized as part of the festivities. These may include traditional sports, tug-of-war, and other interactive activities that involve community participation.
5. Candle Lighting and Prayers: Many participants light candles or lanterns to symbolize the dispelling of darkness and the welcoming of good fortune. People often make wishes for the coming year during this time.
6. Cultural Exhibitions: The festival may include exhibitions showcasing local arts and crafts, customs, and traditions, allowing visitors to gain insight into the rich cultural heritage of the area.
7. Social Gatherings: The Gndenghui Festival serves as an important social event for the local community. Families and friends gather to celebrate together, fostering a sense of unity and togetherness.

Overview

• Chinese Name:大理祥云县米甸镇自羌朗村彝族尝新节
• English Name: Changxin Festival or New Rice Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Xiangyun County, Dali
• Location: Boluo Village of Ziqianglang Village of Midian Town in Xiangyun County, Dali/祥云县米甸镇自羌朗村菠萝村

The New Rice Festival, celebrated by the Yi ethnic minority in Xiangyun County, Dali, is an important cultural event that marks the harvest of new rice. This festival typically occurs in late autumn, after the rice harvest has been completed, and it serves as an occasion for the community to express gratitude for the harvest and celebrate their agricultural accomplishments. Here’s an overview of its origin and local activities:

Origin

The New Rice Festival has deep agricultural roots and is closely tied to the cycle of rice farming, which is a critical part of Yi culture and livelihood. Historically, the festival was established as a way for the Yi people to give thanks to nature and ancestral spirits for providing a bountiful harvest, and to pray for continued prosperity and good fortune in the future. The festival also reflects the Yi people’s respect for nature and agricultural traditions.

Local Activities

The New Rice Festival is marked by a variety of vibrant activities and rituals that demonstrate the rich cultural heritage of the Yi people:

1. Ritual Offerings: On the first day of the festival, families prepare offerings to their ancestors, including special dishes made from the newly harvested rice. This ritual is a way to honor and show gratitude to ancestors for their blessings.
2. Rice Cooking Competitions: One of the highlights of the festival is the competition for the best rice dishes. Families showcase their culinary skills by preparing traditional dishes made from new rice. This is not just about food but also about community pride and tradition.
3. Cultural Performances: The festival features various traditional performances, including folk songs, dances, and music. These performances often depict the daily life, struggles, and joys of the Yi people, and they foster a sense of community and cultural identity.
4. Traditional Clothing: Participants often wear traditional Yi clothing, which is colorful and beautiful. This not only enhances the festive atmosphere but also celebrates their unique cultural heritage.
5. Social Gatherings and Feasting: The New Rice Festival is a time for families and friends to come together. Large communal feasts are held where everyone shares food, laughter, and stories, reinforcing social bonds and community ties.
6. Games and Competitions: Various traditional games and competitions are organized, often involving both physical and skill-based activities. These games foster a spirit of friendly competition and community engagement.
7. Corn and Rice Planting Ceremonies: In some areas, the festival also includes rituals related to the planting of corn, expressing the hope for abundance in future harvests.

Short Introduction of the Festivtal

• Chinese Name: 大理祥云县祥城镇白龙潭村傈僳族七人节
• English Name: Qiren Festival of Lisu Ethnic Minority in Xiangyun County, Dali
• Location: Bailongtan Village of Xiangcheng Town in Xiangyun County, Dali

Every year on the seventh day of the first lunar month, the traditional festival of the Lisu ethnic group is celebrated in Cunde Village, Xiangcheng Town—known as the “Qiren Festival” (Seven People Festival).

The origin of the “Qiren Festival” comes from the Lisu people’s primitive understanding of the relationship between heaven, earth, and humanity.

Starting from the first day of the lunar new year each year, the Lisu people categorize the elements of nature and the ecological chain as follows: one day, two earth, three pigs, four cows, five goats, six horses, seven people, eight grains, nine beans, ten wheat… This reflects the folk concept that “food is the primary necessity of the people.” The Lisu people celebrate the seventh day of the first lunar month as the birthday of all humans, a tradition that has been passed down to this day, forming the unique “Qiren Festival.”

Activities during the Festival

The “Qiren Festival” features a rich variety of activities, including ancestral worship, traditional performances of extraordinary skills such as “Walking on the Knife Mountain” and “Crossing the Fire Sea,” exhibitions of ethnic costumes and dances, singing duels, and traditional pine needle banquet gatherings. Lisu people from the local area as well as from Yongping County, Fengyi Town in Dali City, Chuxiong, Baoshan, Lijiang, and other places come together to celebrate this festive occasion.

People from various ethnic groups around the Bailongtan area, as well as guests and tourists from both domestic and international locations, also join in the joyous festival activities.

During the traditional song and dance performances, a total of 18 exciting ethnic music and dance programs such as “Zhi Pei Duo,” “Qi Ben Gua Qi Qi,” and “Zhi Pei Ma Duo Ge Ma Sa” fill the venue with a joyful atmosphere.

The highlight of the event is undoubtedly the traditional Lisu skills performances featuring “Walking on the Knife Mountain” and “Crossing the Fire Sea.” The atmosphere is both tense and enthusiastic, as the audience is captivated by the bravery of the Lisu warriors, leading to continuous cheers and applause.

Basic Introduction of the Festival

• Chinese Name: 大理漾濞县傈僳族爬刀杆
• English Name: Knife-ladder-climbing Festival of Lisu Ethnic Minority in Yangbi County, Dali
• Location: Yangbi County, Dali

The Knife-Ladder-Climbing Festival of the Lisu ethnic minority, celebrated in Yangbi County of Dali Prefecture, is a unique and vibrant cultural event that reflects the traditions, values, and communal spirit of the Lisu people. Here’s a closer look at the festival, including its origins, significance, and local activities.The Knife-Ladder-Climbing Festival is not just an intense display of bravery; it is a vibrant celebration of Lisu culture, spirituality, and community spirit in Yangbi County. Through its rich traditions and activities, the festival nurtures a sense of belonging, preserves cultural identity, and fosters resilience among the Lisu people. By coming together to celebrate this unique event, the community honors its past while looking forward to a prosperous future.

Origin of the Festival

The origins of the Knife-Ladder-Climbing Festival can be traced back to ancient agricultural practices and folk traditions of the Lisu ethnic group. The festival is believed to stem from early rituals related to farming, harvest celebrations, and ancestor worship, embodying the community’s connection to nature and their reliance on agricultural prosperity.

Historically, the knife ladder was created as a symbol of bravery; it represents overcoming challenges and fears. The practice of climbing the knife ladder has evolved from a rite of passage for young men into a broader communal celebration that honors courage and resilience. The festival typically occurs during the harvest season, serving as both a celebration of the year’s agricultural successes and a way to ensure continued favor from spiritual forces.

Significance of the Festival

1. Cultural Identity: The Knife-Ladder-Climbing Festival is a critical expression of Lisu cultural heritage. It solidifies the Lisu people’s unique identity and strengthens their community bonds.
2. Rite of Passage: Climbing the knife ladder is a significant rite of passage for young men, symbolizing their transition into adulthood and their readiness to assume responsibilities within the community.
3. Spiritual Beliefs: The festival holds spiritual significance by honoring ancestors and local deities, seeking blessings for safety, health, and a prosperous harvest.
4. Community Cohesion: The festival fosters a sense of belonging and solidarity among the Lisu people, bringing families and communities together.

Local Activities

The Knife-Ladder-Climbing Festival features a variety of traditional activities that celebrate Lisu culture and community. Key activities include:

1. Knife Ladder Climbing: The centerpiece of the festival, participants climb the knife ladder—a structure made of wooden planks affixed with sharp knives. Climbing the ladder is a test of courage and agility, and those who succeed are celebrated as heroes within the community.
2. Ritual Offerings: Community members make offerings to ancestors and deities, including food, wine, and incense, to seek blessings for safety, well-being, and agricultural success.
3. Traditional Performances: The festival is alive with traditional music and dance performances. Participants wear colorful Lisu costumes while performing folk songs and dances that tell stories of their heritage and values.
4. Competitions and Games: The festival often includes various competitions, such as tug-of-war, wrestling, and archery, which highlight traditional skills and foster friendly rivalries among community members.
5. Culinary Celebrations: Traditional Lisu food plays an essential role in the festival, with families preparing and sharing local delicacies. The festive atmosphere is enriched by communal feasts where people enjoy traditional dishes, reinforcing social bonds.
6. Community Gatherings: The festival serves as a significant social gathering, allowing families and community members to connect, share experiences, and reinforce their cultural ties.
7. Cultural Education: The Knife-Ladder-Climbing Festival also provides an opportunity for cultural preservation and education, as elders share stories, customs, and traditional knowledge with younger generations.

Chinese Name:大理漾濞县鸡街乡彝族手工刺绣
English Name: Yi Embroidery in Jijie Town of Yangbi County, Dali

The Yangbi Yi Ethnic Group Embroidery (大理漾濞彝族刺绣) is an essential cultural symbol of the Yi ethnic people in Yangbi County (漾濞县), Dali (大理), located in Yunnan Province (云南省). It stands out for its long history, distinctive stitching techniques, vibrant colors, and culturally significant designs. In June 2017, it was officially listed as part of the fourth batch of intangible cultural heritage projects in Yunnan Province (云南省). This recognition reflects the significant cultural value and artistic excellence of the craft.

Cultural and Artistic Significance of Yangbi Yi Embroidery

The embroidery of the Yangbi Yi ethnic group is not merely ornamental; it carries deep cultural meanings and showcases extraordinary craftsmanship. Its unique charm lies in the intricate design and the meanings embedded in the patterns.

Key Features and Applications

The Yi ethnic group (彝族) is known for its colorful and detailed embroidered garments. The most notable feature of Yangbi Yi embroidery is its extensive application in women’s clothing and various accessories such as bags, back wraps, and shoes. Every aspect of a traditional Yi woman’s attire is embellished with this embroidery, including the hat, clothing, apron, belt, trousers, and shoes. These pieces are not simply clothing items; they are wearable art that expresses a blend of the aesthetic beauty and the culture of the Yi people.

Themes and Patterns

The embroidery is rich with patterns that reflect both natural elements and cultural symbolism. Common motifs include:

• Nature-inspired designs: Flowers, birds, and the sun are among the most frequent subjects in the embroidery.

• Symbolic patterns: The “continuous wealth” pattern (富贵不断头), which represents prosperity, is commonly used. This design is typically found on the belts, collars, and tobacco pouches of the Yi people, symbolizing endless good fortune and harmony.

• Geometric motifs: These include cloud patterns and diamond shapes, which are often featured in the traditional embroidery.

The embroidery not only serves as a form of decoration but also symbolizes the values and wishes of the people, reflecting their deep connection to nature, spiritual beliefs, and hopes for a prosperous future.

Cultural Value and Aesthetic Appeal

The colorful threads used in the embroidery stand out due to their vividness and vibrancy. The craftsmanship is highly appreciated for its delicacy and beauty. The result is a series of functional and decorative items that are loved by people not only for their practical use but also for their visual charm. These embroidered pieces hold ethnic significance and cultural pride while also having substantial practical value as clothing and accessories.

The cultural impact of Yangbi Yi embroidery extends beyond everyday life; it is a key marker of identity for the Yi people, showcasing their cultural depth and aesthetic preferences. Moreover, the embroidery pieces often reflect the values of family, honor, and community.

The Preservation and Market Expansion of Yangbi Yi Embroidery

In recent years, Yangbi Yi embroidery has transitioned from traditional uses to reach broader markets, gaining attention far beyond its geographic origins. This shift has been accompanied by efforts to protect and promote the craft, making sure it retains its unique characteristics while adapting to modern-day demands.

Cultural Preservation and Efforts

To protect and promote Yangbi Yi embroidery, Yangbi County (漾濞县) has made significant investments in research and documentation, ensuring that this craft is passed down through the generations. Comprehensive records have been created to preserve the techniques, patterns, and the history of this embroidery art form.

Simultaneously, there is a push to innovate the craft by incorporating modern designs and everyday applications. This balance between preserving tradition and modernizing the craft has led to wider popularity and greater demand, particularly from the younger generation, which values both the artistic beauty and cultural heritage of the embroidery.

A Family Legacy

One of the key figures in the preservation of this embroidery is Ji Zhenlin (吉珍林), a master embroiderer from Jijie Township (鸡街乡) in Yangbi County (漾濞县). Ji Zhenlin is part of a long lineage of Yi embroidery masters, being the sixth-generation inheritor of her family’s craft. Over the years, she has taught over one hundred students, passing down the techniques and philosophy of Yi embroidery. Her contribution to preserving and passing on the craft has been vital in ensuring its continued existence.

Today, Ji Zhenlin is mentoring the next generation, including her grandson, Zhang Qicheng (张启诚), who is a post-2000 generation Yi embroidery practitioner. With Ji Zhenlin’s guidance, Zhang Qicheng has become a recognized intangible cultural heritage inheritor in Yangbi County (漾濞县). He has expanded the traditional craft by creating the Yi Embroidery Experience Hall (彝族刺绣体验馆), where visitors can engage with the craft through hands-on experiences and cultural immersion.

Expansion into Modern Markets

In addition to the non-heritage experience center, Zhang Qicheng has expanded his business by opening multiple experience halls in Yangbi County (漾濞县), Shimen Pass Scenic Area (石门关景区), Dali Ancient City (大理古城), and Xizhou Ancient Town (喜洲古镇). These centers provide tourists with the chance to learn about the history, significance, and techniques of Yi embroidery and even try their hand at creating their own embroidered items.

His embroidery company has also employed over 200 full-time or part-time embroiderers, many of whom are local women, empowering them economically while helping to sustain the cultural heritage. Products from the embroidery company have been sold to major urban centers, including Beijing (北京), Shanghai (上海), and Guangzhou (广州), further establishing Yi embroidery as an admired cultural export.

Embroidery Techniques and Methods

The process of creating a piece of Yi embroidery is highly intricate and involves multiple stages. Embroiderers must learn to observe nature and the environment, as many patterns are inspired by the world around them.

The Embroidery Process

To create a piece of embroidery, the following steps are typically involved:

1. Design: Observation of the world around them and sketching patterns, often inspired by nature, animals, and daily life.

2. Paper Cutting: Preparing a template for the embroidery design.

3. Flower Attachment: Applying the prepared design onto fabric.

4. Sewing: Using various stitches to bring the design to life.

5. Edge Stitching: Ensuring all edges of the embroidery are neatly finished.

6. Final Touches: Additional embellishments like beads or threads may be used to enhance the design.

72 Stitching Methods

There are 72 different stitching methods, such as Sash Needle Stitch, Bao Needle Stitch, Staircase Stitch, and Breast Milk Stitch, all of which have been passed down orally over generations. These techniques are integral to the craft, contributing to the rich variety of designs and the complexity of the embroidery.

The process can take anywhere from one day to a year to complete, depending on the size and detail of the piece.

Invitation to Explore Yi Culture

The Yangbi Yi people (漾濞彝族) invite those interested in rural tourism and cultural exploration to experience the unique culture of the Yi ethnic group. Visitors can engage with this vibrant tradition, learn about its historical roots, and appreciate the beauty and cultural richness of Yi embroidery.

Yi embroidery is not just a craft; it is an essential part of Yi culture and Yunnan’s (云南省) intangible heritage. Through the work of master embroiderers like Ji Zhenlin (吉珍林) and Zhang Qicheng (张启诚), this ancient art form continues to thrive and evolve, ensuring its cultural significance for generations to come.

The Yi ethnic group is one of the major ethnic minorities in southwestern China, with a rich and ancient history. They primarily reside in Yunnan, Sichuan, Guizhou provinces, and the northwestern part of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The Yi people generally exhibit a dispersed settlement pattern with small clusters.

In Sichuan, the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture and counties like Shilin Yi Autonomous County and Luquan Yi and Miao Autonomous County are significant areas of Yi concentration. Additionally, Yi populations are sporadically distributed from the Dadu River in the north to the Yunnan border in the south, the Wu River in the east, and the Lancang River in the west. In these regions, Yi communities often intermingle with Han Chinese and other ethnic minorities.

The List of Ethnic Festivals in Yunnan

Outside China, there are also over 30,000 Yi people residing in countries such as Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Vietnam alone has more than 10,000 Yi individuals.

The Yi ethnic group celebrates numerous traditional festivals, each serving different social functions. Some of the most prominent Yi festivals include:

1. Kai Xin Jie (开新街): This is a traditional festival of the Yi people in Eshan, Yunnan. It occurs on the first market day after the first day of the Lunar New Year. In the past, after a ritual to worship the gods on the night of New Year’s Eve, families refrained from visiting each other until the Lantern Festival (on the second or third day of the Lunar New Year). People wear new clothes on Kai Xin Jie and play various ancient and unique musical instruments. They perform dragon dances, shrimp dances, lion dances, and colorful boat lantern dances, accompanied by lively drum dances. The festival begins with the sounding of ground cannons followed by speeches from respected elders wishing for a prosperous year with abundant harvests. Various cultural performances and entertainment activities are held throughout the day and evening, including bonfires and continued dancing and singing.
2. Gu Niang Jie (姑娘节): Also known as the “Girls’ Street Festival,” this festival is celebrated by Yi girls in Jinping, Yunnan, on the first market day after Chinese New Year. Besides Yi girls, Yao, Miao, and Hani girls also participate. The main activities include hand-in-hand circle dances showcasing their youth and beauty. One of the distinctive features of Gu Niang Jie is the trading of goods. Yi girls sell mountain products and medicinal herbs they bring, then buy lace, silk thread, and silver jewelry. During these transactions, young men often compete to pay for the girls’ purchases, singing local tunes such as “Long time no visit to the bustling street, the bamboo hat and fan are lined up. What does sister want? Quickly buy, sister buys bamboo hat, brother pays.” It’s a time for young men and women to express their affections openly. As the sun sets, along the returning market paths, love songs fill the air as couples revel in joy and sweetness.
3. Bai Gu Ye Jie (拜姑爷节):
   • Location and Date: Celebrated in Eshan, Yunnan, on the second day of the Lunar New Year.
   • Customs: This festival is organized at the village level. It involves bringing back to the village all the young women who have married out of the village in the past three to five years, along with their husbands (referred to as “Gu Ye”). Each household sends large red invitations to the Gu Ye, and the village organizes lion dances, dragon lanterns, flower drum teams, and large-headed monks to visit each household and pay respects. The Gu Ye must welcome the procession with firecrackers and offer candies and pastries. Some villages also gather all the Gu Ye for a collective worship session, where they display their wisdom and talents. During this gathering, various high-yield crop seeds are often displayed. Bai Gu Ye Jie is said to have a history of over a hundred years.
4. Sai Zhuang Jie (赛装节):
   • Location and Date: Held in Yongren County, Yunnan, on the fifteenth day of the Lunar New Year.
   • Legend and Customs: Legend has it that in ancient times, two brave and industrious brothers lived happily with their fellow villagers as skilled hunters. When the village elders prepared to arrange marriages for them, they requested clever and skilled brides. Thus, on the fifteenth day of the Lunar New Year, the village elders gathered all the young women to compete in costume-making. The brothers selected their preferred brides based on their craftsmanship. The festival is named “Sai Zhuang Jie” (Costume Competition Festival). During the festival, the young women wear self-made splendid costumes, showcasing their beauty and skill. The winner of the costume competition becomes the target of admiration and pursuit for young men.
5. Hei Jing Deng Hui (黑井灯会):
   • Location and Date: Celebrated in Mouping County, Yunnan, on the fifteenth day of the Lunar New Year.
   • Customs: Hei Jing area is known for salt production. The highlight of the festival is the “dragon dance” with nine sections symbolizing the nine wells of saltwater, hoping for a prosperous salt industry. Other activities include drumming, tribute offerings, matchmakers, water shows, lion dances, marriage customs, and profit celebrations. The finale is the “He Jing Tai Ping” with two colored cloud lanterns, salt lamps, white crane lamps, and carp lamps forming the shape of a well. This symbolizes peace and prosperity in the salt industry.
6. Ba Wu Jie (巴乌节):
   • Location and Date: Celebrated in Dongshan and Xishan areas of Heqing County, Yunnan, on the fifteenth day of the Lunar New Year.
   • Customs: “Ba Wu” means “to fetch” in the Yi language, symbolizing the celebration of successful hunting and the hope for future bountiful hunting seasons. In the past, every time the village caught game, they would perform the “Ba Wu” dance. During the festival, hunters present the head of the game to the organizers or commanders, and the skin to the hunter who killed the game. The meat is handed to the officiating “Abu” for roasting over a sacrificial fire. The festival has evolved into a traditional event held at regular intervals. Today, Ba Wu festivities include vibrant dances and songs. Women dress in animal skins or feathers of various beasts and birds, imitating their movements and sounds. Hunters, armed with bows and spears, surround the “prey” to demonstrate hunting actions. Activities during the festival also include dragon lantern dances, lion dances, and crane dances.
7. Er Yue Qi (二月七):
   • Location and Date: Celebrated in Juntun Town, Eshan Yi Autonomous County, Yunnan, on the seventh day of the second lunar month.
   • Origin and Customs: This festival originated around the end of the Ming Dynasty. Its purpose is to pray for the protection and well-being of all infants and children in the town. Before the festival, three finely crafted sedan chairs are prepared: two with roofs for carrying the statues of the Holy Mother and the Earth God, and one with a seat for the Wealth God. On the evening of the sixth day of the lunar month, a senior official retrieves three small statues from the Shrine of the Holy Mother to place them on the main altar of the temple, a ritual known as “Nuan Shou” (Warming Longevity).
   • On the morning of the seventh day, all children born in the past year in Juntun Town are dressed in festive attire by their parents. They carry a “jia,” a bamboo frame decorated with two small flags, on their shoulders. Each child is also handed a pair of male and female chickens. They proceed to the shrine of the Bodhisattva, where they receive blessings. The children take down the flags from the “jia” and the frame is then burned. The parents then take the children and chickens home, where the chickens are cooked and offered in gratitude at the Shrine of the Holy Mother. After fulfilling their vows, people start welcoming the deities. Juntun Town is divided into four sections, each taking turns to lead the procession. The procession includes the “Taixiang Old Man,” who carries lit incense sticks, followed by sedan chairs carrying the deities and various lanterns. Only men who married in the current year or the previous year can carry the sedan chairs, dressed neatly in traditional attire. The festival activities continue until the fifteenth day of the lunar month when the deities are returned to the Shrine of the Holy Mother.
8. Cha Hua Jie (插花节):
   • Location and Date: Celebrated among the Xiong Yi ethnic group in Chuxiong, Yunnan, on the eighth day of the second lunar month.
   • Legend and Customs: This festival commemorates a legendary figure named Mi Yilu. Long ago on Mount Tanhua, Mi Yilu, known for her singing and embroidery skills, encountered a fierce wolf while tending sheep. A brave and skilled young hunter named Chao Leluo saved her and the flock. In gratitude, Mi Yilu gave Chao Leluo a snow-white azalea flower. They fell in love and lived happily. However, a local chieftain abducted young girls from various villages to serve in his celestial garden. Mi Yilu, angered by this injustice, decided to save her sisters. On the eighth day of the second lunar month, she adorned her hair with poisonous flowers and infiltrated the chieftain’s garden, pretending to marry him. She poisoned him by putting the flowers in his wine, sacrificing herself in the process. Chao Leluo returned from hunting to find Mi Yilu dead, and his tears stained the azalea flowers red. To honor Mi Yilu’s courage and sacrifice, Yi people from villages within a radius of dozens of miles gather on Mount Tanhua every year on the eighth day of the second lunar month. They collect fresh flowers and decorate doorways, tree sides, village entrances, animal sheds, plows, and farming tools. This tradition has been passed down through generations to this day.
9. 二月八 (February 8th):
   • Location and Date: Celebrated annually on the eighth day of the second lunar month, lasting for three days.
   • Origin and Customs: This festival commemorates a legendary Yi ethnic hero named Mikou who displayed exceptional intelligence in defeating powerful enemies during a critical moment. During the festival, all men from the village gather at the oldest and tallest tree near the village, known as the Mikou Tree. Each household offers a bowl of rice, a piece of salt, tea, and wine as a tribute to Mikou. The festival includes various recreational activities such as singing, wrestling, and swinging on swings. These activities serve both as entertainment and as a way to honor the hero Mikou and reinforce communal bonds.
10. 赛歌会 (Sai Ge Hui):
    • Location and Date: Celebrated among the Lalu branch of the Yi ethnic group in Yuanjiang County, Yunnan, on the Ox Day of the second lunar month.
    • Origin and Customs: Sai Ge Hui is a traditional singing competition and gathering held annually. The event takes place on a flat area outside the village where several bonfires are lit. People sit around the fires and wait for the sound of the reed-pipe instrument called “lusheng” to signal the beginning of the competition. Skilled singers and dancers then enter the circle and perform dances accompanied by the lusheng. Spectators cheer and clap to encourage the performers. Following the group performances, there is a male-female duet singing competition where young men and women sing to each other. This is a traditional way for young people to express affection and courtship openly in front of the community. If a pair of singers mutually agree to continue their relationship, they leave the circle holding hands, signaling their romantic commitment. If not, they gracefully decline through their songs. The event can last for several days until no one remains to compete, marking its conclusion with celebrations and communal dances.
11. 护山节 (Hu Shan Jie)Location and Date: Hu Shan Jie is a traditional festival of the Yi ethnic group in Xilonglin. It is celebrated annually on the third and fourth days of the third lunar month.Origin and Customs: During Hu Shan Jie, it is prohibited for anyone to go up the mountains to cut trees or gather firewood, or to drive livestock to graze on the mountains. Each village organizes a “hunting” activity, typically involving young people. Participants dress up as animals and appear before the “hunters” in the evening. The “hunters” use bamboo cannons as their weapons. After the “hunt,” celebratory activities take place with everyone gathering around fires to sing and dance until dawn.
12. 搭清节 (Da Qing Jie)Location and Date: Da Qing Jie is a festival of the Yi ethnic women in Baishui District, Qujing City, Yunnan. It is celebrated on the first Ma Day of the third lunar month.Origin and Customs: On this day, all household chores are handled by men. Women dress up and bring food to the dense mountains nearby. They dig fire pits, make fires, and cook meals. After the meals are prepared, everyone sits on the ground. They first offer wine to the elder women and then serve food to the young girls. Afterwards, they enjoy their meal while singing folk tunes until the moon is high in the sky. Finally, they leave, taking care of the elderly and children. Nearby Han women are also invited to participate in this festival.
13. Valentine’s Day (情人节)Yi Valentine’s Day is a traditional folk festival of the Bai Yi people, a branch of the Yi ethnic group in Napo County, Guangxi. It is held annually in the third lunar month and serves as a day for expressing love. Typically, young men give white sugar cakes to the young women, while the young women give pure glutinous rice to the young men. The Bai Yi people hold white in high regard, symbolizing purity of heart and sincerity in love by giving each other these white foods.
14. Mouding March Festival(牟定三月会)The Mouding March Festival is a traditional celebration of the Yi people in Chuxiong, Yunnan. It is held annually on the fourteenth day of the third lunar month and lasts for three to five days. During the festival, not only do Yi people from various places in Chuxiong gather, but people from neighboring Bai, Hui, Tibetan, Miao, and Han ethnic groups also travel from afar to join the festivities in Mouding. Every year during the March Festival, the county town of Mouding is filled with the sound of gongs and drums, and the air is thick with the smoke of firecrackers, creating a lively and jubilant atmosphere. People join hands and dance the Yi folk dance, the “Left Foot Dance,” in a circle.There are various stories about the origins of the March Festival. One story is that it commemorates Li Wenxue, a Yi uprising leader from Ailao Mountain. Another story tells of a dragon pond outside Mouding City, where a dragon caused storms, floods, and destruction of crops and livestock every year in the third and fourth lunar months. The county magistrate advised the villagers to burn several pounds of charcoal by the pond on the twenty-eighth day of the third month. At the magistrate’s signal, they threw the red-hot charcoal into the pond and then filled it with mud and stones. The villagers celebrated the victory over the dragon by dancing and singing on the filled pond, thus commemorating the triumph over the dragon.
15. Clothing Festival(服装节)The Clothing Festival is a traditional celebration of the Yi ethnic group in Sandaishan, Dayao County, Yunnan, held annually on the 28th day of the third lunar month. During the festival, women don a variety of splendid costumes. The festival showcases an array of exquisite embroidery, featuring motifs of birds, animals, flowing water, clouds, mountain flowers, and wild grasses, all skillfully crafted by Yi women.According to legend, a long time ago, there was a smart and beautiful girl named Amini in Sandaishan. She made a garment imitating the feathers of a golden pheasant, with intricate patterns and vibrant colors that surpassed the clothes made by the craftsmen hired by the chieftain. Forced by the chieftain, Amini transformed into a golden pheasant and flew away. The people commemorate her by holding the Clothing Festival. During the festival, girls wear several sets of beautiful clothes to win honor. At night, they dance and sing joyfully, and young men come to find the talented girls they admired during the day.
16. Chuan Hui Festival(串会节)The Chuan Hui Festival is a traditional festival of the Yi ethnic group in Yangbi County, Yunnan, held on the 29th day of the third lunar month. During the festival, people gather to hold singing and dancing activities in the courtyard. A dancing team is formed, dancing around three bonfires, accompanied by the sound of four reed pipes. The dance is paired with antiphonal singing, creating a lively atmosphere.
17. Jiao Gong FestivalKnown in the Yi language as “Konggao,” meaning a day of celebration, the Jiao Gong Festival is a traditional festival of the Yi people in Napo County, Guangxi. The festival dates vary by location, with some places celebrating on the third day of the fourth lunar month. This festival is a day to worship ancestors, the land, and mountain gods. People reenact scenes from ancient Yi wars and daily life. The festival is led by hereditary hosts who recite the history of their people, perform the Golden Bamboo Dance, sing antiphonal songs, drink, and feast. The Golden Bamboo Dance is particularly important and lasts for two days. Before the dance, a pig head is used to worship the ancestors, and then the “Magaong” leads the dance, with everyone following the rhythm of reed pipes and bronze drums.According to legend, a long time ago, Yi leader Jiugong lost a battle and was forced to hide in a golden bamboo forest. He cleverly set the bamboo leaves on fire to confuse the enemy, who then retreated in fear. Jiugong, grateful for the golden bamboo’s help, planted a cluster of golden bamboo in the village square and led his people in dancing and singing around it in the fourth lunar month. Over time, ancestor worship and storytelling were added to the celebrations, evolving into the established festival.
18. Sha Hu Bi Festival(跳公节)The Sha Hu Bi Festival is a traditional festival of the Yi people in Longjie, Weishan, Yunnan. “Sha Hu Bi” means “small spring tasting new” in the Yi language. The festival takes place in mid-April of the lunar calendar, after the wheat harvest. During the festival, each household makes offerings to the ancestors using wheat flour and sugar, glutinous rice, and walnuts, dipping them in honey. Married women return to their natal homes with walnuts, celebrating the small spring harvest with family and friends, and inviting elders and relatives to taste the new produce.
19. Duyang Festival (都阳节)The Duyang Festival is a traditional festival celebrated by the Yi ethnic group in the Leibo area of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, along the Jinsha River. It falls on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month each year. This festival symbolizes unity and friendship between the Yi and Han ethnic groups.Legend has it that in ancient times, during an extremely hot year, a severe epidemic broke out in a Yi village. People were terrified. Upon hearing about this, Han people living by the river brought wormwood, mugwort, and realgar collected during the Dragon Boat Festival up the mountain. They used these medicinal herbs to treat the wounds of the elderly and cleanse the bodies of the sick with realgar wine. Within a few days, everyone recovered from their illnesses. In gratitude, the Yi people prepared generous gifts and descended the mountain to thank their Han brothers. The Han people explained to them that the herbs used during the Dragon Boat Festival could cure many diseases and ward off evil spirits. From then on, the Yi people also began celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival. Since the Dragon Boat Festival is also known as Duanwu Festival, it is called “Duyang Festival” in Yi language.

    On this day, every household hangs wormwood and mugwort in front of their doors. Children wipe their faces with realgar wine, and young men and women pack zongzi, bring wine, and dried meat, and head to the picturesque mountain meadows for recreational activities such as wrestling, horse racing, bull fighting, sheep fighting, and dancing.

20. Horse Racing Festival(赛马节)The Horse Racing Festival is a traditional festival of the Yi ethnic group in Weining, Guizhou, celebrated annually on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month. People bring their meticulously bred and trained horses to the racecourse. The main criterion for the race is speed, and the first horse to reach the designated finish line wins. The festival attracts large crowds and is filled with fervent excitement.
21. Herb Picking Festival(采药节)The Herb Picking Festival is a Yi ethnic festival in the Xiaoliangshan area of Yunnan, celebrated annually on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month. The main activity of the festival is gathering and selling medicinal herbs. At dawn, people of all ages carry herb hoes and baskets, heading to high mountains, deep valleys, and low gullies to collect various herbs. Some families also take the herbs they collect to the market to sell. The local Yi people believe that herbs collected on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month have the best medicinal effects.
22. Ji Gong Festival(祭公节)The Ji Gong Festival is a traditional festival of the Yi ethnic group in Longlin, Guangxi. It is held annually from the 16th to the 19th day of the 5th lunar month. On the 16th, people gather at the three-way intersection of major roads to worship their ancestors and pray for abundant crops and the safety of people and livestock. Legend has it that long ago, the oppressive rule threatened the survival of the Yi ancestors. On the 16th day of the 5th lunar month, they bravely fought against enemies several times larger, and their leader sacrificed himself after being seriously injured. To commemorate him, people have gathered at the intersection every year on the 16th day of the 5th lunar month, passing down the tradition from generation to generation. The Ji Gong Festival is celebrated for four days. On the first day, people participate only in worship activities; on the following three days, they visit relatives and friends, celebrating together. During this time, young men and women dress in their finest attire, gather in public places, play reed pipes, dance, and enjoy the festive atmosphere with people of all ages from the village.
23. 斗牛节 (Dou Niu Jie)The Yi ethnic group excels in raising and engaging in bullfighting. Annually, on the first day of the sixth lunar month, the Yi people hold bullfighting competitions. During this festival, bulls are first grouped and then the strongest among them compete for the championship. The owner of the defeated bull honors the victorious bull by hanging a red silk cloth on it as a gesture of congratulations. The festival also features lively singing and dancing activities. Young men and women dress in festive attire and dance joyfully to the accompaniment of the sanxian, while singing with abandon.
24. 底拉 (Di La)Di La is a traditional religious festival among the Yi ethnic group in Yuanjiang County, Yunnan. It is celebrated annually on the sixth day of the sixth lunar month. During this festival, the villagers collectively slaughter cattle and each household sacrifices chickens. Fruits such as peaches, pears, and pomegranates are prepared as offerings. Following this, an ancestor worship ceremony takes place. People hang various fruits on their doors and arrange offerings of wine and meat. They burn incense, light candles, kneel, and perform the rituals of worship, praying for the ancestors to bless humans and livestock with safety and prosperity in agriculture. After the rituals, people celebrate with feasting, singing, and dancing until they disperse happily.
25. 剪羊毛节 (Jian Yang Mao Jie)In the households of Yi ethnic pastoralists in Liangshan, Sichuan, there is an annual festival known as Jian Yang Mao Jie, which falls in mid-June of the lunar calendar. During this festival, both Yi men and women ascend Huangmao Ridge in Liangshan to shear sheep, creating a spectacular scene.
26. Fire Torch Festival(火把节)The Fire Torch Festival is a traditional festival of the Yi ethnic group, typically held around June 24th in Sichuan and Yunnan, and around early June 6th in Guizhou according to the lunar calendar. It is deeply rooted in the worship of fire and includes significant folk customs such as offering sacrifices to gods and fields, praying for a fruitful harvest, and warding off evil spirits.During the festival, in some regions, villages collectively slaughter livestock to offer sacrifices to the gods, while in others, each household brings chickens to the fields to worship the land gods. In Liangshan Yi areas during the Fire Torch Festival, everyone rushes home to have a reunion dinner. Before dinner, they sacrifice chickens to their ancestors and afterwards perform the torch lighting ceremony.

    During the ceremony, the head of each household lights a torch made from dry bitter bamboo poles, which illuminates every corner of the house from above. They recite prayers such as “burn away all inauspicious things, may the family be safe, crops plentiful, and livestock thriving.” They then proceed through the cattle and sheep pens, joining the procession of torches in the village. Afterward, people gather around blazing bonfires to enjoy singing and dancing.

    The festival features lively collective dances such as Dage and Mile from Weishan, Axisitao Yue from Yiliang, Datiao from Chuxiong, Dasanxian from Lounan, Luozuowu from Honghe, and Duoluohe from Liangshan. Today, the Fire Torch Festival has evolved to include a variety of entertainment activities such as bullfighting, wrestling, horse racing, beauty contests, singing competitions, dances, archery, and more. Some areas also engage in commercial trade activities.

    The night of the Fire Torch Festival in Yi ethnic villages is extraordinarily beautiful and enchanting, as described in ancient poetry: “Clouds scatter, the red sun inclines towards the mountain, torches shimmering and competing, like myriad lotus flowers blooming in a bustling market under the starry sky.”

27. Gan Hua Festival赶花节Gan Hua Festival is a traditional festival of the Leisu branch of the Yi ethnic group, celebrated at the junction of Eshan, Xinping, and Shuangbai counties in Yunnan. The festival occurs twice a year, on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month and the 15th day of the seventh lunar month. According to legend, a Han Chinese girl fell in love with a Leisu young man, but they faced persecution due to their different ethnic backgrounds. They chose to commit suicide together on the peak of Daxi Mountain by the Green Juice River. To commemorate this couple, people started holding singing and dancing activities on the grassy slopes of Daxi Mountain. Over time, more and more people joined, gradually making it a traditional festival of the Leisu people. Dancing and entertainment are the main activities of the Gan Hua Festival, where people dance freely, wishing for the happiness and eternal love of the young and prosperity of crops, free from pests, and a bountiful harvest.
28. La Ma Festival拉麻节La Ma Festival, “拉麻” in Yi language meaning to celebrate the bull deity, is a traditional festival of the local Yi people. It is held on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month at the Hoanuodong in the mountains between Heqing and Jianchuan counties in Yunnan.Above the cave entrance, there is a rock wall shaped like a bull’s head, believed to be the incarnation of a bull. Early in the morning of the festival day, people converge here from all directions, carrying white chestnut leaves and offering food on the altar beneath the stone. They then shout, “Awaken, Bull King!” and pile the white chestnut leaves inside the cave. An elderly and respected person ignites them, and people gather around the bonfire to sing and dance. Later, they perform the La Ma ritual on the grassy lawn outside the cave: a fire is lit in the center, someone wearing a bull-headed mask and palm-fiber clothing acts as the Bull King, mimicking various movements of a bull around the fire. Another person holds a bamboo tube symbolically milking the bull’s belly for good luck. Others dance and sprinkle grains towards the Bull King while onlookers applaud, hoping to catch the Bull King. The Bull King evades capture, and then a shepherd, dressed in a felt hat shaped like a winnowing basket and wearing a sheepskin jacket, enters with a group of girls dancing with flower wreaths. The girls dance around the Bull King, hanging flower garlands and bouquets on him. Then, they carry the Bull King in a sedan chair made of green pine to visit various villages, bringing blessings and happiness. In the evening, each village lights seven bonfires in the central flat area, where people gather around to blow ox horns and beat ox-hide drums, performing dances celebrating plowing and harvesting to thank the bull deity. Each household also conducts a separate ceremony to celebrate the bull: the head of the household first ignites the fire pit, and family members add four matches in a cross shape by seniority. The hostess places a basket containing various grains in front of the fire pit, ties four short bundles of rice straw at the four corners of the basket with red thread, lights a pair of candles on the basket beam, and places some offerings. The host slaughters a red rooster, dripping chicken blood into the basket, and sticks three strands of chicken feathers on the basket beam. Then, the entire family walks around the bull pen chanting, “Long live the bull, long live the people, and may there be a bountiful harvest,” while the hostess posts a “Lucky Picture” of a plowing bull with a pair of boys and girls on the bull pen door. Finally, the whole family sits on the ground outside the bull pen to dine together, feeding the bull some glutinous rice cakes to share in the joy with the bull.
29. Changxin Festival尝新节Changxin Festival is a traditional festival of the Yi ethnic group in the Lu Ming area of Xiangyun County, Dali Prefecture, Yunnan. It takes place around the time of the rice harvest on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month each year. Before the festival, relatives and friends are invited to participate. The hosts prepare abundant food, and some even slaughter sheep. Before tasting the new rice, freshly harvested rice is paired with dishes such as chicken and lamb to offer sacrifices to ancestors and gods, expressing gratitude and praying for good weather and peace in the coming year. During the meal, guests and hosts toast each other. Guests praise the host’s diligence and wish for a prosperous harvest in the coming year, while the host expresses thanks for ancestral blessings and the help of relatives and friends. When eating the new rice, the elders are served first, followed by children, and then everyone eats together.
30. Yi New Year彝年Yi New Year is a traditional festival of the Yi ethnic group in both Greater and Lesser Liangshan, celebrated annually on an auspicious day in the tenth lunar month. Before Yi New Year, people gather firewood and prepare food, and meticulously raise the New Year pig. During the three days of the festival: On the first day, “Lighting Fireworks,” in the early morning, gentle smoke signals invite ancestral spirits home to celebrate with descendants. “Slaughtering the New Year Pig” involves all villagers, young and old (except for the hostess staying at home), joyfully following the expert butcher, “Weng Seregu,” to slaughter the New Year pig house by house, following the village’s hierarchy. “Songmu,” or offering sacrifices, involves cooking and offering parts of the pig liver and meat, which the male host takes to the altar above the fire pit to pray for a bountiful harvest and safety in the coming year. On the second day, children play games like “Weng Xina Guge,” while young men and women gather in festive attire to sing and dance to instruments like the mouth string, moon lute, and huqin, engaging in entertainment activities such as horse racing, swinging, wrestling, and arm wrestling. Middle-aged men visit each other to exchange New Year greetings, while women remain at home to entertain guests. On the third day, “Sending Ancestors Off,” people rise early to offer hot meals to send ancestral spirits back to their realm, providing money (dry food) for the journey, symbolizing oats poured into the livestock trough to feed the spirit horses. During this ritual, the male host prays for ancestral blessings for family safety, a bountiful harvest, and thriving livestock in the coming year.
31. Xinmi Festival新米节Xinmi Festival is a traditional festival of the Yi ethnic group in Eshan and Weishan, Yunnan. It is typically held after the autumn harvest on an auspicious day in October each year. During Xinmi Festival, daughters who have married and sons who have established their own families bring new rice and other gifts back to their parents to express gratitude for their upbringing and to share in the harvest’s bounty with them. This festival is usually observed privately by each family. While enjoying the new rice, people also wish for favorable weather and better crops in the coming year. In some places, friends are also invited to join the feast, and some prepare colored rice cakes made from new rice to distribute to relatives and neighbors.

32. Singing Ox Festival颂牛节

    Singing Ox Festival is a traditional festival of the Yi ethnic group in the northwestern mountainous regions of Yunnan. It is held annually on the day of the winter solstice. According to legend, this day marks the occasion when celestial oxen descended to serve humanity, thus activities are held to praise the oxen’s contributions. On this day, all households gather their working oxen onto the grassy field in front of Ox God Cliff. Twelve pine poles are erected on the field, adorned with various grains hung from red silk threads. At the center lies a large winnowing basket containing models of oxen made from potatoes (representing yellow cattle) and radishes (representing water buffaloes). These “oxen” have legs made of sorghum stalks or corn husks, eyes made of sorghum or corn kernels, wheat spikes for horns, and maize cakes and chopped oat stalks serve as their fodder. The festivities commence with an elder singer leading the way, as participants lead their oxen adorned with red silk around the winnowing basket, singing praises of the oxen’s contributions, commending those who diligently care for them, and celebrating those who have had good harvests in the past year. Finally, based on their performances, the elder singer rewards the “oxen” and “fodder” to their respective owners. The fodder is immediately used to feed the oxen, while the “oxen” are carried in colorful “ox sedan chairs” as everyone parades through villages and hamlets. The ox models are then placed as treasures in their respective household shrines.

    33.Mizhi Festival密枝节

    Mizhi Festival is a traditional festival of the Yi ethnic group in Guishan of Runan and Maitreya West Mountain in Yunnan Province, typically held around the 11th day of the twelfth lunar month. Each village has a dense forest called “Mizhi Forest”. During this festival, men from each village slaughter sheep and proceed to the sacred forest to worship the Mizhi deity, recite sacred scriptures, drive away epidemics, and pray for prosperity in both human and animal life, abundant harvests, and fertile crops. The sheep meat is distributed to households for further sacrificial offerings, and upon their return to the village, they chant “Hagou, Hagou” to warn those who do not abide by village rules or violate moral standards. The festival in Haiyi Village of Guishan District has distinctive characteristics. The festival schedule includes: Driving away evil spirits from the male Mizhi forest on the day of the winter solstice, performing sacrifices to the male Mizhi deity on the day of the Rat, driving away evil spirits from the female Mizhi forest on the day of the Tiger, and performing sacrifices to the female Mizhi deity on the day of the Rabbit. On the day of the Dog, there is hunting, and on the day of the Dog, villagers entertain each other by inviting guests.

    34.Lao Nian Festival 老年节

    Lao Nian Festival is a traditional festival of the Yi ethnic group in Shanta and Longjie areas of Weishan County, Yunnan, celebrated annually on New Year’s Eve. Before the festival, every household slaughters pigs and chickens, grinds tofu, makes noodles, brews white wine, and prepares festive foods. On the festival day, every household decorates with lanterns, door gods, couplets, and plants a tall pine tree with three or four branches in the center of the courtyard, known as “Heaven and Earth Pavilion.” A bundle of pine needles is tied to the trunk, and incense sticks are inserted into the pine needles. Below the tree, a table is set up with lamps representing the altar of Heaven and Earth, and offerings of pig heads and chickens are placed. Another pine tree, named “Mishi,” representing the stable deity, is planted on the rear wall of the house. Sacrifices are offered to the stable deity to pray for the prosperity of livestock. After worshiping the deities of Heaven, Earth, and the stable, ancestors are worshipped. In the evening, each family seals their doors with red paper, which is only opened on the second day of the lunar year when the young boys from other families come to “step on the door.” During the festival in Longjie, Yi people also spread pine needles inside and outside the hall. Yi people in Shanta bring their married daughters back home before the festival. At midnight, families gather for a reunion feast. The parents tell family stories and tales to their children throughout the night, known as “guarding the year.” Children aged five or six stand on the threshold to measure their growth rate.

    35.Yang Nian羊年

    Yang Nian is a traditional festival among the Yi ethnic group in Mouding, Yunnan. It is celebrated every Lunar New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, where local Yi people raise sheep for the New Year. In this region, every household raises sheep, and people hold sheep in high regard.

    On Lunar New Year’s Eve, couplests are pasted on the sheep pen, and the sheep are fed with a special New Year’s meal made from a mixture of sorghum, millet, wheat flour, and other grains. During New Year’s Eve, the elders sing ancient songs about the origin of sheep to the younger generation.

    On New Year’s Day, families bring food, set off firecrackers, and gather at the sheep pen to dine together with the sheep, feeding them their favorite tree leaves. After the Yang Nian festival, the sheep are driven to the hillsides for grazing on an auspicious day.

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