Basin Introduction

• Chinese Name: 大理永平县彝族二月八打歌节
• English Name: Eryueba or February 8th Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Yongping County, Dali
• Location: Yongping County, Dali Prefecture

The Eryueba Festival, also referred to as the Er Yue Ba Festival, is a vibrant cultural celebration observed by the Yi ethnic minority, particularly in regions like Yongping County. This festival, which typically takes place on the 8th day of the second lunar month, is deeply rooted in the agricultural traditions, mythology, and cultural practices of the Yi people. Here’s an overview of the Eryueba Festival, highlighting its significance, customs, and local activities.The Eryueba Festival is an essential celebration for the Yi ethnic minority in Yongping County, blending agricultural practices, spiritual beliefs, and cultural expressions. Through rituals, communal meals, music, dance, and various activities, the festival enriches the community’s cultural identity and strengthens social ties. It is a time of joy, reflection, and gratitude, marking the resilience and traditions of the Yi people as they embrace the arrival of spring and the agricultural season ahead.

Origins of the Eryueba Festival

The Eryueba Festival has its origins in ancient Yi agricultural rituals and is closely associated with the lunar calendar. It celebrates the arrival of spring, marking a new agricultural cycle and the start of the sowing season. Historically, the festival served as a way for the Yi people to express gratitude for a good harvest and to pray for a prosperous crop yield in the coming year.

The name “Eryueba” translates to “Eighth Day of the Second Month,” which indicates its timing on the lunar calendar. It is also linked to various mythological stories and legends that are integral to Yi culture, including tales of creation and the importance of nature.

Significance of the Festival

1. Agricultural Celebration: The Eryueba Festival is primarily an agricultural celebration that marks the beginning of the planting season. It emphasizes the Yi people’s connection to the land and their reliance on successful harvests for their livelihoods.
2. Cultural Identity: The festival provides an opportunity for the Yi people to express their rich cultural heritage through traditional rituals, music, dance, and clothing. It reinforces community bonds and cultural pride.
3. Spiritual Observance: The festival features spiritual elements, including rituals to honor ancestors, deities, and nature. This reflects the Yi people’s deep-rooted beliefs in animism and respect for the natural world.

Local Activities and Customs

The Eryueba Festival in Yongping County is characterized by a variety of activities and customs that reflect the traditions and values of the Yi community:

1. Ritual Offerings: The festival often begins with ceremonies where offerings are made to ancestors and nature spirits, accompanied by prayers for a good harvest. Rice, wine, and livestock (such as chickens or pigs) might be included in these offerings.
2. Traditional Music and Dance: Music and dance play a central role in the celebrations. Local Yi communities come together to perform traditional songs and dances, often wearing colorful ethnic clothing. These performances not only celebrate cultural heritage but also serve as a form of storytelling, passing down traditions through generations.
3. Culinary Traditions: Food is an essential part of the Eryueba Festival. Families prepare special dishes using locally sourced ingredients. Traditional Yi cuisine includes various meats, vegetables, and unique preparations such as “crossing the bridge noodles” and roasted meats. Sharing meals among friends and family fosters community spirit.
4. Games and Competitions: The festival may include traditional games and competitions, such as archery, tug-of-war, and other sports that encourage community participation and friendly rivalry.
5. Market Activities: In some villages, local markets may pop up during the festival, where vendors sell handmade crafts, traditional clothing, and local agricultural products. This creates a lively atmosphere and supports local economies.
6. Fireworks and Celebrations: Fireworks are often a part of the festivities, symbolizing joy and the warding off of evil spirits. The nights may be filled with the sounds of celebration, laughter, and community bonding.
7. Visiting Ancestor Graves: Some families may take the time to visit the graves of their ancestors, paying respects and honoring their memory as part of the festival’s spiritual observance.

Basic Introduction

• Chinese Name: 大理永平县端午花街
• English Name: Duanwu Huajie Festival in Yongping County, Dali
• Location: Yongning County, Dali Prefecture

The Duanwu Huajie Festival, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival or Duanwu Festival, is a traditional celebration that holds significant cultural importance in China, including in Yongping County of Dali Prefecture. This festival typically takes place on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar and is celebrated by various ethnic groups, including the Han Chinese and several minority communities. While the festival has its origins in Chinese folklore and history, local customs and practices in Yongping reflect the unique cultural heritage of the region.

The Duanwu Huajie Festival in Yongping County is a rich cultural celebration that embodies the values of loyalty, family, and community spirit. Through traditional activities such as dragon boat racing, zongzi preparation, and cultural performances, the festival not only pays homage to Qu Yuan but also serves as an important occasion for the local community to come together, celebrate their heritage, and pass down traditions to future generations. This festival is a beautiful blend of historical significance and local customs, showcasing the vibrant cultural landscape of Yongping County and the Yi ethnic community’s contributions to the broader tapestry of Chinese festivals.

Origins of the Duanwu Festival

The Duanwu Festival commemorates the life and death of Qu Yuan, a famous poet and statesman from the ancient state of Chu during the Warring States period. Qu Yuan is celebrated for his patriotism and integrity, and his tragic story of loyalty to his country has become central to the festival’s themes. According to legend, upon hearing that his state had been conquered, Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Miluo River. Local people, to honor him and prevent fish from eating his body, raced their boats to search for him, tossing rice dumplings (zongzi) into the water as offerings.

Significance of the Festival

1. Cultural Heritage: The Duanwu Huajie Festival is an essential celebration that reflects Chinese cultural values, including loyalty, sacrifice, and respect for tradition. In Yongping County, these values are interwoven with local customs and practices, enriching the festival’s significance.
2. Culinary Traditions: One of the festival’s most iconic features is the preparation and consumption of zongzi, sticky rice dumplings filled with various ingredients, wrapped in bamboo leaves. The variety of fillings can reflect regional tastes and culinary traditions.
3. Community Bonding: The festival serves as an opportunity for families and communities to come together, strengthening social ties and fostering a sense of belonging.

Local Activities and Customs

In Yongping County, the Duanwu Huajie Festival features a mix of traditional customs and local practices, making it a unique celebration:

1. Dragon Boat Racing: While dragon boat racing is a core feature of the Duanwu Festival throughout China, activities may vary in Yongping based on local traditions. In some communities, friendly boat races can take place on local rivers or lakes, promoting community spirit and teamwork.
2. Zongzi Preparation: Families often come together to prepare zongzi, choosing fillings like meat, beans, nuts, or sweet ingredients. This culinary activity is a social event that strengthens familial bonds and preserves culinary traditions.
3. Ritual Ceremonies: In accordance with local customs, special rituals may be performed to honor Qu Yuan and invoke blessings for a good harvest, health, and general well-being for the community. These rituals could include offerings to ancestors and nature spirits.
4. Cultural Performances: The festival may include traditional music, dance performances, and other forms of cultural expression that showcase local talent and heritage.
5. Games and Competitions: Communities may organize various games and competitions, such as traditional sports or recreational activities, which add an element of fun and competition to the celebrations.
6. Wearing Herbal Sachets: Another unique aspect of the festival is the practice of wearing herbal sachets. These small pouches filled with herbs and medicinal plants are believed to ward off evil spirits and disease, reflecting the festival’s connection to health and protection.
7. Community Gathering: The Duanwu Festival fosters community gatherings where people come together to enjoy food, socialize, and celebrate their shared heritage. Local markets may also feature festive goods and traditional crafts.

Basic Introduction

• Chinese Name: 大理永平县博南文化节
• English Name: Bonan Culture Festival in Yongping County, Dali
• Location: Yongning County, Dali Prefecture

The Bonan Culture Festival is a vibrant celebration held by the Bonan ethnic minority in Yongping County of Dali Prefecture. This festival showcases the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and values of the Bonan people, who are one of the lesser-known ethnic groups in China. The festival not only serves as a way to preserve and promote Bonan culture but also as an opportunity for community bonding and cultural exchange.

The Bonan Culture Festival in Yongping County is a vibrant demonstration of the Bonan people’s rich cultural identity and agricultural heritage. Through music, dance, culinary traditions, rituals, and communal activities, the festival serves to strengthen community bonds and preserve the cultural legacy of the Bonan ethnic minority. In a rapidly changing world, such festivals play a crucial role in maintaining cultural diversity and promoting understanding among different communities. The Bonan Culture Festival not only celebrates the past but also reinforces the ongoing connection between the Bonan people and their land, traditions, and each other.

Origins of the Festival

The Bonan people, primarily residing in Yunnan and parts of Gansu Province, have a distinct cultural identity characterized by their unique customs, language, and agricultural practices. The Bonan Culture Festival is often tied to agricultural cycles, celebrating harvests and the interconnectedness of their community and land. The exact timing of the festival can vary, but it typically falls during the harvest season, when the community comes together to express gratitude for the year’s yield.

Significance of the Festival

1. Cultural Identity: The Bonan Culture Festival is crucial for fostering a sense of identity and pride among the Bonan people. It serves as a means of transmitting cultural knowledge, stories, and traditions to younger generations.
2. Celebration of Harvest: The festival emphasizes appreciation for the earth and nature, celebrating the end of a fruitful agricultural season. It reflects the Bonan people’s agricultural heritage and their reliance on farming for sustenance.
3. Community Cohesion: The festival reinforces social ties within the Bonan community, promoting unity and collaboration through shared activities, rituals, and celebrations.

Local Activities and Customs

The Bonan Culture Festival features a variety of activities and customs that highlight the unique heritage of the Bonan people:

1. Traditional Music and Dance: Music and dance are central to the celebration. Traditional Bonan songs and dances are performed, often featuring vibrant costumes and elaborate choreography. These performances are not only entertaining but also tell stories that are significant to Bonan culture.
2. Ritual Offerings: During the festival, community members may perform rituals to honor ancestors and nature spirits. These ceremonies can include offerings of food, flowers, and other items, reflecting respect for the natural world and the ancestors who came before them.
3. Culinary Traditions: Traditional Bonan cuisine plays a key role in the festival. Families often prepare special dishes using locally sourced ingredients, showcasing the flavors and cooking methods unique to Bonan culture. Sharing food is a vital part of the celebration, reinforcing community bonds.
4. Games and Competitions: Various traditional games and competitions may be organized during the festival, involving activities that commemorate Bonan cultural practices. These could include sports contests, folk games, and other festivities that foster camaraderie and enjoyment.
5. Cultural Exhibitions: The festival might include exhibitions or displays of Bonan handicrafts, clothing, and art, providing an opportunity for the community to showcase its artistic heritage and craftsmanship.
6. Community Feasts: Large communal meals are often held, where participants gather to share food and stories. This fosters a sense of community and strengthens social relationships.
7. Pilgrimages and Outdoor Activities: Some festivals may include walking or pilgrimage to significant natural sites or sacred locations, emphasizing the Bonan people’s connection to their environment and spirituality.

Overview

• Chinese Name: 大理永平县挡路节
• English Name: Danglu Festival in Yongping County, Dali
• Location:  Shanyang Town of Yongping County, Dali Prefecture

The Danglu Festival, celebrated by the Yi ethnic minority in Yongping County of Dali Prefecture is a vibrant and culturally rich event that highlights the traditions, values, and communal spirit of the Yi people. This festival is an important aspect of the cultural calendar in the region, providing a platform for social gatherings, religious ceremonies, and the celebration of agricultural practices.

The Danglu Festival in Yongping County is a vibrant celebration that embodies the rich cultural heritage of the Yi people. Through performances, rituals, communal meals, and traditional games, the festival serves to honor the agricultural lifestyle of the Yi community while promoting social cohesion and cultural expression. By commemorating the harvest and reinforcing communal ties, the Danglu Festival plays an essential role in preserving the identity and traditions of the Yi ethnic group in Yongping County. It stands as a testament to the importance of cultural diversity and the vitality of local customs in contemporary society.

Origins of the Danglu Festival

The Danglu Festival typically coincides with the harvest season and is deeply rooted in agricultural customs. It marks a time of gratitude to the earth and nature for the bountiful harvest. The festival also serves as a way to honor ancestors and the spirits of nature, reflecting the Yi people’s connection to their land and traditional beliefs.

Significance of the Festival

1. Cultural Identity: The Danglu Festival is a vital expression of Yi cultural identity, showcasing their unique customs, music, dance, and folklore. It strengthens the community’s sense of belonging and pride in their heritage.
2. Harvest Celebration: As an agricultural festival, it symbolizes the end of the harvest and the community’s appreciation for the fruits of their labor. It reflects the importance of agriculture in the daily lives of the Yi people.
3. Community Bonding: The festival fosters social cohesion and collaboration among community members, as people come together to participate in various activities that reinforce relationships and collective identity.

Local Activities and Customs

Several unique activities and customs characterize the Danglu Festival, making it a lively and engaging celebration:

1. Cultural Performances: Traditional Yi music and dance are central to the festival. Performances often feature colorful costumes, rhythmic movements, and songs that reflect Yi folklore and stories. This aspect of the festival is crucial for preserving and showcasing the community’s artistic heritage.
2. Ritual Offerings: Rituals are performed to honor ancestors and nature spirits, involving offerings such as food, fruits, and other goods. These ceremonies express gratitude for the harvest and seek blessings for future prosperity.
3. Traditional Feasts: Central to the Danglu Festival is the communal meal, where families and community members share traditional dishes. These feasts highlight local culinary traditions, emphasizing dishes made from fresh harvest ingredients.
4. Games and Competitions: Traditional sports and games may be organized as part of the festivities, fostering a sense of camaraderie and friendly competition among participants. Activities could include tug-of-war, races, and other folk games.
5. Fashion and Attire: Participants often wear traditional Yi clothing during the festival, showcasing the intricate designs and workmanship characteristic of Yi textiles. The colorful attire adds to the festive atmosphere.
6. Craftsmanship Exhibitions: The festival may include displays of traditional crafts, such as weaving, embroidery, and metalwork. This serves as an opportunity for artisans to showcase their skills and for community members to appreciate their cultural craftsmanship.
7. Social Gatherings: The festival is an opportunity for families and community members to come together, exchange stories, and strengthen social ties. It promotes a sense of togetherness and shared identity.

Chinese Name: 诺邓古村祭孔活动
English Name: Confucius Memorial Ceremony in Nuodeng Village of Yunlong County, Dali
http://ylx.gov.cn/view/front.article.articleView/13078/32/797.html

Shimen Ancient Town of Yunlong County is one of the Best Tourist Attractions and Top Things to Do when travel to Dali, it introduces the main scenic spots, address, entrance tickets booking, The best time to visit, How to Get there, the highlights, facts, history, photos, visiting routes, travel tips, tour maps of Shimen Ancient Town of Yunlong County.
Chinese Name:大理云龙县石门镇
English Name: Shimen Town of Yunlong County, Dali
http://ylx.gov.cn/view/front.article.articleView/10351/32/805.html

Chinese Name: 大理云龙县白族舞蹈力格高
English Name: Ligegao Dance of Bai Ethnic Minority in Yunlong county, Dali
http://yn.people.com.cn/n2/2016/0420/c372454-28182522.html
http://ylx.gov.cn/view/front.article.articleView/7840/32/805.html

Nuodeng Ham (诺邓火腿) is one of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Yunnan,  famous for its making process, falvor and high quality.

History:

The history of Nuodeng Ham began in Tang Dynasty and became prosperous in Song Dynasty. It was also called Salt-Mud Ham(盐泥火腿), due to its special making method. It is said that The King of Nanzhao(南诏) once traveled to Nuodeng(诺邓), found that Nuodeng Ham was pickled in salt and mud, he was surprised a lot. Then he was impressed by its ruddy colour and amazing taste, he praised it endlessly. So, Nuodeng Ham became a royal tribute at that time.

Location:

Nuodeng Ham comes from Yunlong County, Dali(大理州云龙县), which known as the Healthy Mountain City(健康山城). The vast mountain forest pasture in this county provides excellent conditions for the growth of Nuodeng Black Pig(诺邓黑猪). Newborn piglets are kept in the field, mainly fed on wild plants, and then fattened by plants such as corn and soybean in captivity. It takes more than one year to fatten them. These pig’s meat is tastes better, which provides the best meat source for Nuodeng Ham.

Making Method:

The winter before of Spring Festival is the best time to make Nuodeng Ham. When miking hams in winter every year, local people cool the fresh pig legs for 12-24 hours, then remove the excess flesh from the legs, then find the blood vessels on the legs and squeeze out the blood so as to ensure that they will not deteriorate. Then use Nuodeng grain wine to sprinkle evenly on the legs of pig. Then evenly sprinkle salt on the legs while rub them so that they can absorb the salt. Finally, evenly sprinkle a layer of salt on the pig legs again, gently press the pig legs. Then put the legs into a wooden cylinder, cover them with a lid. Keep the legs in side for about 15 to 20 days. Then take them out.
Here comes the key process of making a Nordeng Ham, evenly spread a layer of stove ash and the mixture of Nuodeng salt and mud on the ham. It is said that this kind of mud has the functions of keeping fresh, increasing fragrance and preventing insects. Then suspended the legs in a cool and ventilated place with a rope.Usually a ham can be stored for at least one year, at most more than three or five years. What’s more, The longer the ham stored, the better the color, aroma and taste. Such processed made the real reputation of Nordeng Ham.

Tips:

1. The Salt

The salt used in pickling Nordeng Ham is the best salt produced by local salt wells. Don’t underestimate this self-made salt. Nordeng Salt is the highest quality salt in Yunlong County. It is said that the common salt can only soak six pieces of meat, while the Nuodeng salt can soak more than seven pieces of meat. The salt contains potassium, magnesium and other trace elements, which made the color and aroma of the ham better.

2. The Green Mold on Nuodeng Ham

Most of the hams stored for more than two years, were covered with green mold. Local people called this Hanging Green Clothes(挂绿衣). Some people mistook this for bad quality, in fact, only the ham with “green clothes” tasted the best. Stripped of its green coat, the ham looks like amber, the fat is creamy white, and the meat is peach and bright red. Rich flavor, tender meat, salty degree is appropriate, the ham is the best in color and aroma.

Chinese Version: http://ylx.gov.cn/view/front.article.articleView/9158/32/805.html
Translated by Emily -Wang/王海玲 

Basic Introduction

• Chinese Name: 大理云龙县火把节
• English Name: Torch Festival in Yunlong County, Dali
• Location: Yunlong County, Dali prefecture

The Torch Festival is one of the most significant and vibrant traditional celebrations among the Yi ethnic minority in Yunlong County. This festival, which typically occurs on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, is deeply rooted in the agricultural practices and spiritual beliefs of the Yi people. It marks a time of celebration, community bonding, and cultural expression.

The Torch Festival in Yunlong County is a vibrant celebration that embodies the rich cultural heritage of the Yi ethnic minority. Through its array of customs, performances, communal activities, and spiritual rituals, the festival serves to reinforce community ties, celebrate agricultural success, and preserve the cultural identity of the Yi people. As a time of joy and unity, the Torch Festival highlights the importance of cultural diversity and the enduring connections between people, nature, and tradition in contemporary society.

Origins of the Torch Festival

The Torch Festival has ancient origins connected to agricultural customs, symbolizing the end of the busy farming season and the beginning of the harvest. It is also associated with various local legends and folklore, often celebrating themes of unity, strength, and community spirit. The festival serves as a way to honor ancestors and the spirits of nature, seeking protection and blessings for the forthcoming harvest.

Significance of the Festival

1. Cultural Identity: The Torch Festival is a vital expression of Yi cultural identity. It showcases their vibrant customs, music, dance, and artistic expressions, reinforcing community pride and belonging.
2. Harvest Celebration: As an agricultural festival, it represents gratitude for the harvest and serves as a way to mark a successful farming season. It symbolizes hope for future bounties.
3. Spiritual Connection: The festival is tied to the Yi people’s spiritual beliefs and rituals, including offerings and ceremonies that honor nature and ancestral spirits.
4. Community Solidarity: It promotes community cohesion, bringing people together to participate in various activities that strengthen social bonds and collective identity.

Local Activities and Customs

The Torch Festival is characterized by a variety of lively and engaging activities, reflecting the rich culture of the Yi people:

1. Torch Lighting and Processions: The festival begins with the lighting of torches, which symbolize the warding off of evil spirits and bad luck. Large torches are built from dry wood and other materials, and they are lit in a ceremonial procession. These torches are often carried through the village and set ablaze, illuminating the night sky.
2. Traditional Music and Dance: Music and dance play a central role in the festivities. Traditional Yi music, often featuring drums, gongs, and flutes, accompanies vibrant dance performances. Participants wear colorful traditional attire, adding to the visual spectacle of the celebration.
3. Ritual Offerings: The festival includes rituals to honor ancestors and nature spirits. Offerings of food, fruits, and other items may be made at sacred sites, expressing gratitude for the land’s bounty and seeking blessings for the future.
4. Feasting: Communal meals are an integral part of the festival. Families come together to share traditional dishes made from fresh ingredients, including staples like rice, meat, and local vegetables. This emphasizes the importance of community and sharing.
5. Traditional Games and Competitions: Various games and competitions, such as tug-of-war, horse racing, and other folk games, are organized during the festival, fostering friendly competition and camaraderie among participants.
6. Cultural Exhibitions: Some celebrations include exhibits of traditional crafts, such as weaving, embroidery, and pottery, showcasing the skills and artistry of the Yi people and providing a platform for artisans.
7. Community Gatherings: The festival serves as a crucial social occasion, allowing community members to reunite, exchange stories, and strengthen relationships. It reinforces social ties and a sense of belonging among the Yi people.

Basic Introduction of the Festival

• Chinese Name: 大理云龙县阿昌族祭祖
• English Name: Ancestor Worship Festival of Achang Ethnic Minority in Yunlong County, Dali
• Location: 大理云龙县漕涧镇仁山村丹梯阿昌族文化广场/Dali Yunlong County Caojian Town Renshan Village DanTi Achang Ethnic Culture Square

The Ancestor Worship Festival of the Achang ethnic minority is a significant cultural event that embodies the deep-seated traditions and spiritual beliefs of the Achang people. This festival typically occurs on the 15th day of the first lunar month, coinciding with the Lunar New Year celebrations, and serves as an opportunity for families and communities to honor their ancestors and commemorate their heritage.

The Ancestor Worship Festival of the Achang ethnic minority in Yunlong County is a profound cultural celebration that emphasizes respect, gratitude, and familial bonds. By honoring their ancestors, community members strengthen their connections to heritage and each other, while also ensuring the preservation of their unique cultural identity. This festival not only commemorates the past but also reinforces the values and traditions that are essential to the Achang way of life. Through its vibrant rituals, communal activities, and cultural expressions, the Ancestor Worship Festival stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Achang people and their rich cultural heritage.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance

1. Reverence for Ancestors: The Achang people have a long-standing tradition of ancestor worship, which is rooted in their belief that ancestors continue to watch over and influence the lives of their descendants. The festival is a time to express gratitude for the guidance and blessings received from ancestors.
2. Community Cohesion: The festival fosters a sense of unity and solidarity among members of the Achang community. Families come together to participate in rituals and celebrations, reinforcing social ties and shared cultural identity.
3. Preservation of Heritage: The Ancestor Worship Festival is vital for the preservation of traditional Achang customs, including language, music, dance, and various cultural practices. It provides an opportunity for younger generations to learn about their history and cultural heritage.

Festival Activities and Customs

The Ancestor Worship Festival encompasses a variety of meaningful activities:

1. Ritual Offerings: Families prepare elaborate offerings for their ancestors, which may include food, fruits, incense, and other symbolic items. These offerings are presented at ancestral altars or graves as a sign of respect and devotion.
2. Rituals and Prayers: During the festival, families gather to perform rituals that may involve reciting ancestral names, chanting prayers, and expressing wishes for protection and blessings. These activities may take place at home or at designated ancestral sites.
3. Community Feasts: After the rituals, families often hold communal meals where traditional Achang dishes are shared. These feasts help to strengthen community ties and celebrate cultural heritage.
4. Music and Dance: Traditional music and dance are integral parts of the festival. Performances often feature local instruments and folk songs, showcasing the rich cultural expressions of the Achang people.
5. Storytelling and Cultural Education: Elders often take the opportunity during the festival to share stories about ancestors, local legends, and cultural lessons, ensuring that the knowledge is passed down to younger generations.

Overview

• Chinese Name: 大理云龙县天池万亩梨花节
• English Name: Tianchi Lake Pear Blossom Festival in Yunlong County, Dali
• Location: Yunlong County, Dali Prefecture

The Ancestor Worship Festival, celebrated by the Achang ethnic minority in Yunlong County, Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province, is a significant cultural event that reflects the beliefs, values, and traditions of the Achang people. This festival, also known as the “Sacrificing the Ancestors” festival, is an occasion for honoring ancestors and paying respect to the spirits of those who have passed away. It typically occurs on the 15th day of the first lunar month, coinciding with the Lunar New Year celebrations, and is characterized by a blend of spiritual rituals, cultural activities, and communal bonding.

Origins of the Ancestor Worship Festival

The Ancestor Worship Festival has deep roots in the Achang people’s cultural and spiritual beliefs. The Achang, like many ethnic minorities in China, hold a strong reverence for their ancestors, believing that these spirits can influence the lives of the living. The festival is a time to express gratitude for the blessings received, seek guidance for the future, and reinforce the connection between the living and their forebears.

Significance of the Festival

1. Cultural Heritage: The Ancestor Worship Festival serves as a platform for preserving and promoting Achang cultural traditions, including language, folklore, music, and dance. It emphasizes the community’s unique identity.
2. Spiritual Beliefs: The festival is deeply spiritual, underscoring the importance of ancestor veneration in Achang culture. Rituals performed during this time aim to honor and appease the spirits, ensuring their protection and guidance.
3. Community Solidarity: The festival fosters a sense of community, as families and villagers gather together to participate in the rituals and celebrations. It strengthens social ties and collective identity among the Achang people.
4. Family Unity: By honoring ancestors, families reaffirm their connections to their lineage and heritage. This practice promotes a sense of responsibility towards maintaining and passing on family traditions and values.

Local Activities and Customs

The Ancestor Worship Festival is marked by various meaningful activities and customs, which include:

1. Ritual Offerings: Central to the festival are the rituals performed at ancestral altars. Families prepare offerings such as food, fruits, rice wine, and incense, placing them on the altars to honor their ancestors. These offerings are made with deep respect and serve as a way to communicate with the spirits.
2. Recitation of Ancestral Names: During the rituals, family members may recite the names of their ancestors, often accompanied by prayers or messages expressing gratitude and seeking blessings for the living.
3. Community Feasts: After the ancestor worship rituals, families and community members often come together for communal meals, celebrating with traditional Achang dishes. This fosters a sense of unity and joy among the participants.
4. Traditional Performances: The festival often features traditional Achang music and dance performances. Participants may dress in their traditional attire to showcase the vibrant culture and heritage of the Achang people, adding to the festive atmosphere.
5. Cultural Exhibitions: Some celebrations include demonstrations of traditional crafts and customs, allowing younger generations to learn about their heritage while providing an opportunity for artisans to showcase their skills.
6. Storytelling and Sharing: The festival is also a time for storytelling, where elders share tales of ancestors, local legends, and cultural history with younger community members, helping to pass down knowledge and traditions.

Plan your Dali Ethnic Villages Tour to Dali? Visit Renshan Achang Ethnic Village of Caojian Town in Yunlong County, Dali which is one of the most fascinating ethnic villages in Dali. Explore the local folk ethnic culture including History, Food and Dining, Clothing, Customs and Traditions, Architecture, Festivals, Crafts, Religion, Language of local ethnic people in Renshan Achang Ethnic Village of Caojian Town in Yunlong County, Dali.

Chinese Name: 云龙县漕涧镇仁山村
English Name: Renshan Achang Ethnic Village of Caojian Town in Yunlong County, Dali

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Eryueba Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Yongping County, Dali

Basin Introduction Chinese Name: 大理永平县彝族二月八打歌节 English Name: Eryueba or February 8th Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Yongping County, Dali Location: Yongping County, Dali Prefecture The Eryueba Festival, also...

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• Festivals of Yi Ethnic Minority
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Duanwu Huajie Festival in Yongping County, Dali

Basic Introduction Chinese Name: 大理永平县端午花街 English Name: Duanwu Huajie Festival in Yongping County, Dali Location: Yongning County, Dali Prefecture The Duanwu Huajie Festival, also known as the Dragon Boat...

Festivals and Events    Veiw

• Dali
• Yongping County

Bonan Culture Festival in Yongping County, Dali

Basic Introduction Chinese Name: 大理永平县博南文化节 English Name: Bonan Culture Festival in Yongping County, Dali Location: Yongning County, Dali Prefecture The Bonan Culture Festival is a vibrant celebration held by...

Festivals and Events    Veiw

• Dali
• Yongping County

Danglu Festival in Yongping County, Dali

Overview Chinese Name: 大理永平县挡路节 English Name: Danglu Festival in Yongping County, Dali Location:  Shanyang Town of Yongping County, Dali Prefecture The Danglu Festival, celebrated by the Yi ethnic minority in...

Bai Ethnic Minority    Veiw

• Dali
• Yongping County

Confucius Memorial Ceremony in Nuodeng Village, Dali

Chinese Name: 诺邓古村祭孔活动 English Name: Confucius Memorial Ceremony in Nuodeng Village of Yunlong County, Dali http://ylx.gov.cn/view/front.article.articleView/13078/32/797.html...

Bai Ethnic Minority    Veiw

• Confucius Temples
• Dali
• Historical and Cultural Relics
• Monasteries and Temples
• Nuodeng Ancient Town

Shimen Ancient Town of Yunlong County, Dali

Shimen Ancient Town of Yunlong County is one of the Best Tourist Attractions and Top Things to Do when travel to Dali, it introduces the main scenic spots, address,...

Attractions    Veiw

• Ancient Towns
• Ancient Towns in Dali
• Dali
• The Ancient Tea Horse Road
• Yunlong County

Ligegao Dance of Bai Ethnic Minority in Yunlong county, Dali

Chinese Name: 大理云龙县白族舞蹈力格高 English Name: Ligegao Dance of Bai Ethnic Minority in Yunlong county, Dali http://yn.people.com.cn/n2/2016/0420/c372454-28182522.html http://ylx.gov.cn/view/front.article.articleView/7840/32/805.html...

Bai Ethnic Minority    Veiw

• Bai Ethnic Minority
• Dali
• Yunlong County

Nuodeng Ham in Dali, the Intangible Cultural Heritage

Nuodeng Ham (诺邓火腿) is one of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Yunnan,  famous for its making process, falvor and high quality. History: The history of Nuodeng Ham began in...

National Intangible Cultural Heritages in Yunnan    Veiw

• Dali
• Historical and Cultural Relics
• Nuodeng Ancient Town
• Yunlong County

Torch Festival in Yunlong County, Dali

Basic Introduction Chinese Name: 大理云龙县火把节 English Name: Torch Festival in Yunlong County, Dali Location: Yunlong County, Dali prefecture The Torch Festival is one of the most significant and vibrant...

Bai Ethnic Minority    Veiw

• Dali
• Yunlong County

Ancestor Worship Festival of Achang Ethnic Minority in Yunlong County, Dali

Basic Introduction of the Festival Chinese Name: 大理云龙县阿昌族祭祖 English Name: Ancestor Worship Festival of Achang Ethnic Minority in Yunlong County, Dali Location: 大理云龙县漕涧镇仁山村丹梯阿昌族文化广场/Dali Yunlong County Caojian Town Renshan Village DanTi...

Achang Ethnic Minority    Veiw

• Achang Ethnic Minority
• Dali
• Festivals of Achang Ethnic Minority
• Yunlong County

Tianchi Lake Pear Blossom Festival in Yunlong County, Dali

Overview Chinese Name: 大理云龙县天池万亩梨花节 English Name: Tianchi Lake Pear Blossom Festival in Yunlong County, Dali Location: Yunlong County, Dali Prefecture The Ancestor Worship Festival, celebrated by the Achang ethnic...

Bai Ethnic Minority    Veiw

• Dali
• Yunlong County

Renshan Achang Ethnic Village of Caojian Town in Yunlong County, Dali

Plan your Dali Ethnic Villages Tour to Dali? Visit Renshan Achang Ethnic Village of Caojian Town in Yunlong County, Dali which is one of the most fascinating ethnic villages...

Ethnic Villages    Veiw

• Achang Ethnic Minority
• Dali
• Ethnic Villages
• Ethnic Villages in Dali
• Traditional Ethnic Villages in Dali
• Yunlong County