About Mangzhi Tea Mountain Located in the Mengla County（勐腊县） of Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture（西双版纳傣族自治州）, Mangzhi Tea Mountain（莽枝古茶山） is one of the six tea mountains in the area of the riverside of the Lancang River（澜沧江）. There were a few ethnic groups living and planting tea trees in the Mangzhi Mountain over the past thousands of years. With a profound long history, plenty of businessmen who were from Central China came into Mansai Village（曼赛村）, Sudi Village（速底村） and other villages of the foot of the Mangzhi Mountain for tea trade in the late Ming dynasty（AD 1368-1644）. Some Han people came to Mangzhi Tea Mountain for tea trade by lodging in local people’s houses for a short time, because few Han people settled down there.
Chinese Name: 勐腊莽枝古茶山
English Name: Mangzhi Tea Mountain in Mengla County, XishuangBanna
Keywords: Tea Culture, Six Tea Mountains in Mengla County, Xishuangbanna Attraction
Location: Mengla County of Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan
Admission Fee: Free
Opening Hours: All the day
History
Located in the area of the riverside of the Lancang River, the Mangzhi Tea Mountain is one of the main six tea mountains which consists of the Youle Tea Mountain（攸乐古茶山）, Gedeng Tea Mountain（革登古茶山）, Yibang Tea Mountain（倚邦古茶山）, Mangzhi Tea Mountain（莽枝古茶山）, Manzhuan Tea Mountain（蛮砖古茶山） and Mansa Tea Mountain（慢撒古茶山）. Tightly bordering with Gedeng Tea Mountain and Kongming Mountain（孔明山）, there were a lot of tea plantations being built in Mangzhi Tea Mountain in Yuan dynasty（AD 1271-1368）. In the early years of the Qing dynasty（AD 1644-1912）， Niuguntang Village（牛滚塘村） of Mangzhi Tea Mountain had been the important tea distributing centre.
Most residents who were from other places living in the Niuguntang Village were engaged in the cultivation, collection and trading of tea. During the harvest time of spring tea in March, local tea farmers would go to the temple for praying their ancestors. At present, the temple has been ruined only lefting some lying monuments. The lush trees around the temple like a line of poems seems like recording the profound history of ‘Six Tea Mountains’（六大茶山）. In the meanwhile, we can imagine the magnificent events of the ‘Six Tea Mountains’ through the lying monuments.
The Glimpse of Geography
Located in the Xiangming Village of Mengla County, Mangzhi Tea Mountain was named ‘Mangzhi’ from the place called ‘Mang’ that the Politician Zhu Geliang（诸葛亮） buried a piece of copper from a legend. Although the acreage of the Mangzhi Tea Mountain is not big, the tea produced there is high-quality. The Mangzhi Tea Mountain was abandoned in the late 1940s and returned to life in the 1980s for all kinds of reasons.
Attraction Transportation:
You can take the shuttle bus from Jinghong City to Mengla County at Jinghong Coach Station and the ticket fee is 35 RMB per person. Then you can take a chartered bus to the Mangzhi Tea Mountain.
Attraction Travel Tips:
Traveling Seasons: All seasons
Traveling Hours: All day
The Introduction of Chuwa Festival and Ganduo Festival
- Chinese Name:傣族出洼节和干朵节
- English Name: Chuwa Festival and Ganduo Festival of Dai Ethnic Minority
The “Chuwagan Duo Festival,” a religious holiday of the Dai people, takes place in Mangshi, located in the Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture along the China-Myanmar border. Dai people dress in traditional attire and engage in Buddhist rituals under the largest hollow stupa in Asia.
An important aspect of the “Chuwagan Duo Festival” is the worship of the Buddha and listening to teachings from the Great Buddha in the temple. On this day, the area in front of the Menghuan Golden Stupa is flooded with people. Dai families from nearby villages arrive in waves, bringing flowers, fruits, rice, and other offerings, striking the large gongs, and dancing the Ga Yang dance.
This is just the beginning. In addition to the Buddhist activities, performances such as Ga Yang and Ga Guang, Dai boxing, elephant foot drum competitions, and stick martial arts display, as well as various ethnic folk art performances, excite the attendees. During the “Chuwagan Duo Festival,” every Dai person dresses in festive attire, offering the highest tributes and sincere hearts to the Buddha, sincerely repenting for any wrongs committed during the “Chuwagan” period or before, aiming to purify their souls through this act.
The Dai people’s “Chuwagan” is essentially the amalgamation of the summer retreat of Buddhist monks with Dai traditional culture.
Like ancient India, the regions inhabited by the Dai are rice-growing agricultural societies. As Buddhism spread from India to the Dai areas, many customs from ancient India were easily assimilated into Dai culture. Although the summer retreat is a season for Buddhist monks’ cultivation, the Dai people, who wholeheartedly embrace Buddhism, have fully integrated it into their lives. During the “summer retreat,” monks concentrate on their practices while the community focuses on agricultural production, forming a tacit understanding and a customary practice in Dai society. At the onset of summer, the Dai hold a grand ritual to welcome summer (known as “Ruwu”), and at the end of summer, they also hold a grand farewell ceremony (known as “Chuwu”).
The Dai’s “Ruwu” typically occurs on the 15th day of the 9th month in the Dai lunar calendar (mid-June in the lunar calendar), where the local monks gather at temples to chant sutras, while the devotees prepare food, flowers, and paper currency to present at the temple. This marks the commencement of a three-month period of “retreat” and “harvest.” During this time, monks are prohibited from going out to preach, devotees are restricted from traveling, courtship and marriage are not allowed, and large celebratory activities are banned. Monks need to focus on learning, while the community concentrates on agricultural production.
“Chuwu” generally takes place on the 15th day of the 12th month in the Dai lunar calendar (mid-September in the lunar calendar), symbolizing the end of the three-month period of “retreat” and “harvest,” lifting all prohibitions that have been in place since “Ruwu.” On this day, the Dai community dresses in festive attire and brings food, flowers, preserved meat, coins, and other offerings to the temple to worship the Buddha and listen to teachings, as they engage in grand celebratory activities, parading through the villages with lanterns shaped like birds, beasts, fish, and insects, igniting fireworks, lighting sky lanterns, and dancing the elephant foot drum dance among other entertainment activities.
The “Chuwu” celebrations generally last for three days, followed by the “Gandu Festival.” “Gandu” primarily means repentance. During the three-month “Ruwu” period, everyone inevitably commits acts that violate Buddhist precepts, and they seek forgiveness and atonement from the Buddha. Additionally, “Gandu” carries the meaning of celebrating the harvest, as the period after “Chuwu” marks the harvest season.
The Local Activities of Chuwa Festival
- Ceremonial Offerings: The festival begins with celebrations at local temples, where Dai people bring various offerings such as flowers, fruits, food, and ceremonial paper money to honor the Buddha and the monks.
- Buddhist Worship: Attendees participate in rituals that include chanting, praying, and listening to teachings from monks. This is a vital aspect of the festival, emphasizing the importance of spirituality.
- Cultural Performances: The festival features traditional performances that entertain and engage the community. This includes:
- Ga Yang and Ga Guang Performances: These are traditional dances that reflect Dai culture.
- Dai Boxing: A form of martial arts that highlights physical skill and cultural heritage.
- Elephant Foot Drum Dance: A lively dance that incorporates drumming and rhythmic movements, celebrating tradition and community spirit.
- Parades with Lanterns: Participants often carry lanterns shaped like various animals and natural elements, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune as they parade through the villages.
- Fireworks and Celebrations: The event is filled with joy, involving fireworks, lighting sky lanterns, and community feasts, creating a festive atmosphere of celebration and togetherness.
- Community Feasting: After religious ceremonies, families come together for communal meals, showcasing local dishes and fostering a sense of unity and festivity.
The Local Activities of Ganduo Festival
Following the Chuwa Festival, the Ganduo Festival focuses more on repentance and gratitude related to the agricultural harvest:
- Repentance Rituals: The core activity of Ganduo is for individuals to seek forgiveness for any misdeeds committed over the previous months. During this time, people sincerely repent for any actions that may have violated Buddhist precepts.
- Thanksgiving Offerings: Participants express gratitude for the harvest and pray for future prosperity. This may include offering newly harvested rice and other food items to the Buddha.
- Cultural Festivities: Similar to Chuwa, the Ganduo Festival includes vibrant performances, dancing, and various artistic expressions that celebrate Dai culture and community spirit.
- Community Gatherings: Families and villagers come together to enjoy traditional foods and participate in games and activities, fostering social bonds and communal joy.
- Harvest Celebrations: As the agricultural season concludes, the festival serves as a time to celebrate the successes of the harvest, featuring feasts that highlight seasonal produce.
- Traditional Games and Competitions: During the Ganduo Festival, local games and competitions might be organized, showcasing the community’s talents and providing entertainment for both children and adults.
Chinese Name:瑞丽中缅胞波狂欢节
English Name: Sino-Burmese Baobo Carnival in Ruili City, Dehong
“Baobo” literally means “brother” in Burmese. China and Myanmar have been backing on each other by mountains and waters, and inked with villages with brotherly love from ancient times. Since held in 2001 for the first time, the influence of Sino-Myanmar Carnival of Ruili has been continuously extended, being developed into a major international festival for harmonious gathering of Chinese and Burmese. The main activities include grand performance for the opening ceremony of “Sino-Myanmar Carnival”, Sino-Myanmar Oxcart Selection, Ruili River Girls’ Ethnic Costumes Competition, Treasure Seeking Competition at Nangu River and Border Trade Fair.
Brief Introduction
Kaquewa Festival(卡雀瓦节) of Dulong Ethnic Minority(独龙族) spreads in Dulong villages(独龙寨)in the Dulong River Valley (独龙河流域)in the west of Gongshan Dulong Nu Autonomous County(贡山独龙族怒族自治县), Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture(怒江傈僳族自治州).
Kakuwa Festival is the only festival of Dulong ethnic groups in a year. The Dulong ethnic groups believe that their gods are Gemeng(格孟) and La(拉). They believe that they can protect people from disease and danger and give them long lives. Therefore, Dulong ethnic people hold a festival of Gemeng and La once a year, that is, the celebration of New Year.
Cultural Function
Kaquewa Festival not only carries the traditional features of Dulong ethnic history, culture and art, but also its unique traditional calendar is a cultural element of great scientific significance, which has important historical and ethnological research value.
Date
There is no uniform time for Kaquewa Festival, but it is usually arranged between Toutilong(投提龙) and Deriganlong(德日甘龙) in the Dulong traditional calendar, that is, between December and January of the following year, with a period of 3-9 days.
Activities
The activities of the Kaquewa Festival includes woodcut messengers(木刻传信), Tiaoguozhuang(跳锅庄), shooting animals’ models(射击动物模型), burning pine leaves in a fire pond(火塘稍松叶) for auspiciousness, drinking mulo wine(喝木罗酒) and killing cattle(剽牛), etc. Families invite friends to come to celebrate the festival by means of woodcut messengers. A few notches in the woodcut indicate that a celebration ceremony will be held in a few days. Invitees will take all kinds of food with them on time to congratulate each other.
On the first day, the guests and hosts drank wine, sang to each other. At night, the whole village gathered around the campfire to taste food. Young men and women danced in the pot farm to celebrate the New Year. On the second day, some villages will hold hunting celebrations. The people are singing and dancing in a circle. On the third day, families burned pine leaves in the fire pond to pray for their family’s safety and auspiciousness in the coming year. On the fourth day, the whole village gathered for a drink of mulo, singing and dancing till late at night. On the fifth day, everyone ate and drank until the sun set, and the Kaquewa Festival ended.
In the whole festival activities, the most solemn is the celestial activities of killing cattle. When killing cattle, the men and women of the village surrounded the cattle in a big circle, and danced with the rhythm of gongs(锣). The festivals of the villages are successive, and the villages living in the upper reaches of Dulong River are the first to open the festival season. From the upper reaches to the lower villages, they enter the festival in sequence. The whole Dulong River Valley’s Kaquewa celebration lasts for one month. Generally, villages celebrate the festival collectively, sometimes with several neighboring villages.
Keep Reading
Chinese Name:景颇族耍刀
English Name: Sword Playing (Shuadao) of Jingpo Ethnic Minority
The ethnic minority martial arts of Yunnan are incredibly rich in content and deeply steeped in local characteristics, representing a unique gem in China’s martial arts heritage. Among these, the “Jingpo Knife Dance” popular in the Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture stands out as a distinctive martial art form. Jingpo men have a strong affinity for the long knife, with nearly every male possessing one. The knives are approximately 60 cm long and 3 cm wide, accompanied by sheaths. The handles are crafted from bamboo, intricately wrapped with patterns made from twisted threads. Some knives and sheaths are wrapped in copper or silver skins and wires, gleaming brightly and adding to their aesthetic appeal.
The Jingpo people not only love their knives but also excel in knife techniques. Knife performances are often showcased during the colorful traditional festivals of the Jingpo community.
The “Jingpo Knife Dance” can be performed anywhere regardless of space or the number of participants. Among the young Jingpo men, many are skilled in this art form.
During these performances, these skilled individuals wear traditional ethnic costumes with their heads wrapped. There are various routines in the knife dance repertoire, such as single and double knife “cross jumps,” “five-step and seven-step jumps,” and “three-step leopard cuts,” as well as the double knife “figure-eight peach blossoms.” Each movement in the knife dance carries significance: outward-facing blade gestures ward off evil spirits, sideways gestures denote friendship, inward gestures convey apologies, and swinging blades in both directions signify joy. The movements are agile, alternating between vigorous and graceful, vividly depicting scenes from Jingpo hunting, agricultural labor, and the optimistic, brave, and robust traits of the Jingpo people.
Jingpo men take great pride in mastering their knife skills. When welcoming guests from afar, they often perform the “Knife Dance” as a warm gesture of hospitality. During festive gatherings, knife dance performances are an indispensable highlight.
Known for their bravery, Jingpo men traditionally carry two long knives from a young age—one for daily use and another as a ceremonial “gift knife,” prominently worn during joyous occasions and festivals.
In the past, Jingpo knives served as both tools for agricultural production and weapons for self-defense. During the era of slash-and-burn agriculture, they cleared land, cultivated crops, cut trees and bamboo for building houses, and crafted daily necessities with these knives. In the forests, they used their knives to fend off wild animals and prevent harm. During the era of imperialist invasion, they wielded their long knives to resist aggression, courageously fighting and contributing a glorious chapter to the history of the Chinese nation.
http://www.dehong.gov.cn/culture/mz/content-86-501-1.html
Introduction of the Festival
Chinese Name:景颇族新米节/尝新节
English Name: New Rice Festival (Xinmijie) of Jingpo Ethnic Minority
After exchanging greetings, preparations for the festival meal commence. Women and young girls fry grains, pound glutinous rice, make flatbreads, boil new rice, and gather wild vegetables from the mountains. Young men joyfully sing as they fish in the river. According to Jingpo tradition, chickens and pigs cannot be slaughtered on this day.Before the feast begins, the host performs a prayer ceremony. They arrange flatbreads, pounded rice, water and wine, dried fish, and dried rats in a propitious order, expressing wishes to the spirits for peace and prosperity for humans and livestock, favorable weather, and the prevention of disasters. If their wishes are fulfilled, they promise to sacrifice a cow in the future.
During the New Rice Festival ceremony, respected elders narrate the origins of the grains. People enjoy drinking, laughing, and discussing agricultural practices such as the appropriate timing for planting, techniques for irrigating fields, skills for transplanting seedlings, methods and timing for dryland sowing, land clearing designs, and crop rotation knowledge. The New Rice Festival is a holiday celebrating harvest and promoting the exchange of agricultural techniques.
Local Activities of the New Rice Festival (Xinmijie)
- Rice Harvesting: The festival begins with the community participating in the harvesting of rice. This usually involves traditional methods and is a communal effort, highlighting the importance of teamwork and cooperation among villagers.
- Offering to Ancestral Spirits: Before cooking the new rice, a traditional ceremony is held to offer the first batch of rice to ancestral spirits and deities. This act of reverence expresses gratitude and seeks blessings for a good harvest and prosperity.
- Cooking New Rice: After the ceremonial offerings, the new rice is cooked. Traditionally, this rice is prepared in various dishes, showcasing the culinary diversity of the Jingpo people. Families often prepare special foods using the new rice.
- Feasting and Celebrations: The New Rice Festival is marked by community feasting, where families and neighbors gather to share meals. This is a time for joyous celebrations, and food plays a central role in the festivities. Dishes made from the new rice, fish, meat, and seasonal vegetables are abundant.
- Traditional Music and Dance: Cultural performances are an essential component of the festival. The Jingpo people engage in traditional songs, dances, and music, often showcasing vibrant costumes and instruments. These performances celebrate their heritage and foster a sense of community.
- Games and Contests: Various traditional games and competitions may be organized during the festival, including friendly contests that test skill and dexterity. This may involve activities like archery, wrestling, and other local games that bring the community together in a spirit of fun and camaraderie.
- Cultural Exhibitions: Sometimes, cultural exhibitions are held to showcase the Jingpo’s rich traditions, crafts, and skills. This can include displays of traditional clothing, handmade crafts, and local agricultural practices.
- Sharing and Exchange: Communities often engage in sharing and exchanging food and gifts during the festival, symbolizing unity and generosity. This fosters good relationships among community members and strengthens social ties.
- Spiritual Reflection: The festival is also a time for spiritual reflection, where individuals may engage in personal prayers or seek blessings for health, prosperity, and well-being for the coming year.
- Community Bonding: Throughout the festival, there is a strong emphasis on community bonding and cooperation, reinforcing relationships among families and neighbors and creating a sense of belonging.
The Introduction of GIrls Festival
Chinese Name:景颇族能仙节/姑娘节
English Name: Girls Festival (Guniangjie / Nengxianjie) of Jingpo Ethnic Minority
Nengxian Festival, also known as the Girls’ Festival, is an important celebration among the Jingpo youth, predominantly young men and women. It typically takes place on the 10th day of the second lunar month each year. This festival holds significant cultural significance among the Jingpo people, providing an opportunity for young men and women to showcase their talents, make friends, and seek romantic relationships.
Nengxian Festival usually occurs in spring, symbolizing renewal and hope as nature awakens. The festival is often held in remote mountain areas or scenic open spaces away from villages, allowing the youth to gather freely away from the constraints of daily life.
During the festival, young men and women dress in festive attire adorned with various decorations. They gather to engage in activities such as singing traditional songs, participating in shooting contests, using slingshots, and performing knife dances, demonstrating their skills and courage. During the daytime, competitions and performances showcase their talents and strengths. In the evening, couples exchange gifts and express their affections, some even deciding to commit to lifelong partnerships on this special day.
Nengxian Festival is not merely a celebration but also a significant platform for socializing, making friends, and finding love among the younger generation of the Jingpo people. It allows them to freely express their joy and affection, while also preserving and promoting their cultural heritage and spirit.
Local Activities of the Girls Festival (Guniangjie / Nengxianjie)
- Cultural Performances: The festival usually begins with traditional performances, including songs and dances. Young women often perform folk dances in colorful attire, showcasing the richness of Jingpo culture and traditions. These performances are not only entertaining but also serve to express beauty and femininity.
- Beauty Pageants: One of the highlights of the Girls Festival is the celebration of beauty and grace. Young women may participate in pageant-like competitions, where they display their traditional attire and perform cultural dances, showcasing their skills and traditions to the audience.
- Crafts and Skills Demonstration: Many young women participate in displaying traditional crafts, handiwork, and skills such as weaving, embroidery, and other textile arts. These demonstrations emphasize the importance of cultural heritage and women’s roles in preserving these traditions.
- Matchmaking Activities: The festival provides an excellent opportunity for young men and women to meet. Various activities and games are organized to encourage interaction. Young people might engage in traditional matchmaking games, where they can get to know each other in a festive and relaxed environment.
- Traditional Sports and Games: Various games and contests are held, often involving traditional sports that encourage teamwork, friendly competition, and physical activity. These games serve to unite participants and foster camaraderie.
- Culinary Feasts: Food plays an important role in the celebrations. Families and communities prepare a variety of traditional dishes to share during the festival. This communal feasting not only highlights local cuisine but also strengthens social bonds.
- Dressing Up: A key aspect of the festival is the dressing up of young women in traditional Jingpo attire. These outfits are often vibrant and beautifully adorned, reflecting the cultural identity of the Jingpo people. This practice emphasizes beauty, femininity, and cultural pride.
- Rituals and Offerings: In some areas, there may be rituals invoking blessings for young women and their families. Offerings to ancestors and deities may be presented as a gesture of appreciation and hope for future prosperity and well-being.
- Community Involvement: The Girls Festival is a community-wide event, drawing not just young individuals but also families and elders. This strengthens community ties and fosters a sense of belonging among the participants.
- Social Gatherings: Throughout the festival, various social gatherings, discussions, and storytelling sessions may take place. Older generations often share stories, songs, and wisdom with the youth, enriching their cultural understanding and appreciation.
Chinese Name:怒族桃花节
English Name: Peach Blossom (Taohua) Festival of Nu Ethnic Minority
Introduction to the Peach Blossom (Taohua) Festival of the Nu Ethnic Minority
The Peach Blossom Festival, also known as the Taohua Festival, is an ancient and fascinating event celebrated by the Nu ethnic minority in Zhanatong Village, Bingzhongluo, which is located 44 kilometers north of Gongshan County, deep in the heart of the Three Parallel Rivers region. Covering an area of over 12,000 acres, Bingzhongluo is often referred to as the “little granary” of Gongshan County. This area is a picturesque and fertile plateau, surrounded by towering mountains, creating a stunning natural landscape that changes with the seasons—from a floral paradise in spring, lush greenery in summer, golden harvests in autumn, to snow-covered beauty in winter.
Bingzhongluo is surrounded by ten revered peaks, including Biluo Snow Mountain to the east, the majestic Stone Gate Gorge to the north, the towering Gaoligong Mountains and the sacred Kawakarpo Mountains flanking the Nujiang Gorge, and the Gongdang Sacred Mountain to the south. This creates a unique natural spectacle described as “mountains forming a city, rivers creating a pool,” which many consider the true Shangri-La and the peach blossom land along the Nujiang River.
The area is a cultural and religious melting pot, where multiple ethnic groups, such as the Nu, Lisu, Tibetan, and Dulong, coexist harmoniously, practicing various religions including Tibetan Buddhism, Catholicism, Christianity, and indigenous beliefs. This rich tapestry of faiths and cultures, coupled with the region’s breathtaking scenery, makes it a serene haven known as the “land where humans and gods live together.”
Significance of Festivals
Festivals are the epitome of a region’s cultural and historical essence, showcasing traditional music, dance, games, competitions, and food. For travelers, experiencing these festivals offers a unique glimpse into the local lifestyle and heritage, providing a stark contrast to their daily routines.
Gongshan’s ethnic charm is vivid and distinct, characterized by events such as the Dulong’s Kaqiowa Festival with its bull sacrifices, the Nu’s Fairy Festival with its holy water rituals, and the Peach Blossom Festival with its ghost-expelling and deity-worshipping ceremonies. Traditional foods like the Lisu’s hand-rolled rice and shared wine, and the Nu’s shala, stone slab pancakes, and lacquer oil chicken are irresistible delicacies. Unique practices like crossing vine bridges and zip lines further enhance the region’s wild and rich ethnic flavor, making it an unforgettable experience for visitors.
The Peach Blossom Festival
The Peach Blossom Festival is an ancient and intriguing celebration among the Nu people. During the festival, which coincides with the blooming of peach trees, Zhanatong Village transforms into a vibrant sea of pink blossoms, earning it the nickname “Peach Blossom Island.”
The festival attracts locals dressed in traditional attire and visitors from all over to Zhanatong Village for grand celebrations. The event typically begins with cultural performances by the Gongshan County Art Troupe and the Zhanatong Village Arts Team. Traditional activities follow, including chanting and deity worship, tying colorful ropes around the village for good fortune, Tibetan Buddhist rituals, ghost-expelling ceremonies for safety, and dancing the Guozhuang dance, alongside sports competitions.
According to local elders, the Peach Blossom Festival is primarily a tribute to the Nu ancestor, Baima. Traditionally, a Baima effigy made of roasted flour and adorned with peach blossoms is worshipped and then cast into the Nujiang River at the spot where Baima is said to have jumped into the river. This ritual commemorates Baima’s resistance against the introduction of Tibetan Buddhism and subsequent conflicts, culminating in her tragic end. Over time, this commemoration evolved into the Peach Blossom Festival, held annually on the tenth day of the second lunar month.
The festival involves unique rituals where villagers gather around a peach blossom effigy made of barley flour, led by an elder who chants and scatters barley on rooftops. After a series of rituals, villagers offer personal items, such as hair or coins, to the effigy, followed by a procession that concludes with casting the effigy into a designated spot, accompanied by fireworks.
Interestingly, the festival alternates annually between celebrating women and men, reflecting the village’s historical matriarchal society. During the women’s festival, weaving tools are hung on peach trees, while men’s tools like knives and crossbows are displayed during the men’s festival, showcasing a unique cultural heritage worth studying.
This year’s (2011) Peach Blossom Festival on March 14th is a women’s celebration, while next year’s will be a men’s festival. Such cultural traditions make the festival intriguing and are a must-see for anyone interested in ethnic customs. Visitors are warmly invited to join the festivities on the tenth day of the second lunar month next year in Zhanatong Village, Bingzhongluo, Gongshan, Nujiang, Yunnan.
Chinese Name:怒族贺新房
English Name: New House Congratulations (Hexinfang) Ceremoney of Nu Ethnic Minority
The New House Congratulations Ceremony (Hexinfang) is a significant ritual among the Nu ethnic minority group in China, marking the completion and inauguration of a new house. This ceremony holds deep cultural and social importance, reflecting the Nu people’s traditions, beliefs, and community bonds.
Overview of the Ceremony
The Hexinfang ceremony typically takes place upon the completion of a new house, which may be constructed for various reasons such as marriage, childbirth, or other familial events. It serves as a communal celebration, bringing together family members, friends, and neighbors to bless the new dwelling and ensure its prosperity.
Rituals and Customs
- House Construction and Preparation: Before the ceremony, the house is meticulously constructed following traditional architectural principles and craftsmanship. The layout and orientation of the house often adhere to cultural norms and beliefs regarding auspiciousness and harmony with nature.
- Invitation of Guests: Family members and friends are invited to participate in the ceremony, which may include elders and community leaders who play significant roles in the proceedings.
- Offerings and Blessings: During the ceremony, offerings such as food, wine, and other symbolic items are presented to ancestral spirits and deities to seek blessings for the household’s future prosperity, health, and happiness.
- Traditional Performances: Cultural performances, such as folk dances, singing of traditional songs, and recitation of poetry, are integral parts of the ceremony. These performances not only entertain but also serve to honor and preserve the Nu ethnic identity and heritage.
- Feasting and Celebration: Following the rituals and performances, a communal feast is held where participants share traditional dishes and engage in joyful celebrations. This feast fosters unity and reinforces social ties within the community.
- Symbolism and Meaning: The Hexinfang ceremony symbolizes continuity, unity, and the transmission of cultural values across generations. It reaffirms the Nu people’s connection to their ancestral lands and traditions while embracing changes and new beginnings in life.
Conclusion
The New House Congratulations Ceremony (Hexinfang) of the Nu ethnic minority is a vibrant expression of cultural identity and communal spirit. It underscores the significance of home, family, and community in Nu society, celebrating not only the physical structure of a new house but also the social bonds and cultural heritage that define their way of life.
Overview
Chinese Name:怒族新米节
English Name: New Rice (Xinmi) Festival of Nu Ethnic Minority
The Nu Ethnic Minority’s New Rice Festival is a traditional celebration among the Nu people in the Lanping area. This festival typically occurs annually after the rice harvest, serving as a significant event to celebrate the bountiful harvest and express gratitude to the spirits. The Nu Ethnic Minority’s New Rice Festival is a traditional occasion for the Nu people to celebrate the rice harvest. Rice holds a crucial place in Nu culture, making the festival not only a celebration of abundance but also an expression of gratitude towards the land and spirits.
Festival Date
The date of the Nu Ethnic Minority’s New Rice Festival is usually determined each year after the rice has ripened, based on the lunar calendar or local customs.
Festival Activities
- Harvesting and Pounding Rice: On the festival day, each household cuts rice from their mature fields and pounds it into fresh rice.
- Ritual Offerings: The festival begins with ritual ceremonies to thank the spirits for their blessings and the successful harvest.
- Feasting and Food Preparation: Families slaughter a chicken, feeding its meat and the new rice to their dogs before enjoying the meal together.
- Family Banquets: During the festival, families prepare sumptuous feasts where new rice is the main dish, complemented by various local delicacies.
- Dance and Song Performances: Festivities may also include dance and song performances to enhance the joyful atmosphere.
Cultural Significance
The Nu Ethnic Minority’s New Rice Festival is not only a celebration of harvest but also a reflection of Nu culture and traditional ways of life. Through this festival, the Nu people uphold and promote their cultural identity, while strengthening family and community cohesion.
The festival underscores people’s dependence on and gratitude towards nature, serving as an integral part of Nu culture. It perpetuates beliefs and traditions, celebrating harvests and praying for future prosperity.
Chinese Name:怒族祭山林节
English Name: Mountain Forest Worship (Jishanlin) Festival of Nu Ethnic Minority
Mountain Forest Festival Overview: This festival is observed by the Nu ethnic group (self-called “Ruo Rou” people) residing in Tu’e District, Lanping County, Yunnan Province, as a ritual to worship the forests they live among. The festival typically takes place in the lush months of June and July when trees are in full leaf.
During the ceremony, the entire clan participates, excluding members of other ethnic groups. They gather in a forest area revered as the “sacred forest” on the mountainside. Led by a shaman, they sacrifice a black sheep to pray for the protection of the forest, warding off pests, wildfires, and other hazards, and ensuring the healthy growth of the trees. After the ritual, the sheep is cooked on-site and shared among the participants.
Festival Date: Held on the 4th and 5th days of the first lunar month.
Locations: This festival is observed in various locations including Fugong County, Gongshan Dulong and Nu Autonomous County, Lanping Bai and Pumi Autonomous County, all in Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan Province, and in Weixi Lisu Autonomous County of Deqen Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture.
Festival Features: This event is exclusively for male participants, and the sacrificial animal is a black sheep.
Celebration: The ritual is presided over by a shaman, and villagers sacrifice a black sheep to the gods and ancestral trees, praying for favorable weather and a bountiful harvest. After the ceremony, the community gathers to cook and share the sheep under the sacred trees; the meat cannot be taken home. The villagers not only strictly prohibit logging in the sacred forest but also hunting around the ceremonial grounds. Thus, this ancient and simple ritual contributes to the lushness of the forests surrounding the villages, conserving the mountains and protecting the villages.
This festival showcases the Nu people’s deep respect for nature and their efforts to maintain ecological balance through traditional rituals.
Overview
- Chinese Name:怒族祭谷神
- English Name: Jigushen Festival of Nu Ethnic Minority
- Location: Pijiang area of Bijiang, inhabited by the Nu ethnic group
- Time: December 29th of the lunar calendar
- Participants: Only men (women and children are not allowed)
The Jiwei Festival is a traditional event among the Nu people, specifically those in the Pijiang area. It is held annually on the 29th day of the 12th lunar month to pray to the grain deity for a bountiful harvest in the coming year.
Activities
- Ritual Setting: Men from the village carry offerings to a pre-selected site. A shaman leads the ceremony, where they place a golden bamboo branch, a reed, and a green maple branch in the ground to conduct the rituals.
- Prayers: The shaman prays to the grain deity, asking for protection and a good harvest in the next year.
- Feast Preparation: After the prayers, a fire is lit, and food is prepared on-site. The offerings are then mixed with rice and shared among the participants.
Kua Ri Festival (夸日)
Meaning: “Striking the Plowshare”
Time: The day after Jiwei Festival
Activities
- Rain Prayer: The ritual involves the priest striking the plowshare first, followed by others in the community. This is done to pray to the rain deity for rain and peace.
Traditional Festivals of the Nu People
The Nu people celebrate several traditional festivals, including the New Year, the Flower Festival, Jiwei (Grain Deity Festival), and the Forest Festival. Among these, the New Year is the most festive and significant, marked by both grandeur and simplicity.
New Year Celebrations
- Preparations: At the end of the lunar month, families clean their courtyards, remove ash from the fire pits, and decorate doorways with pine branches. Green pine needles are spread on the ground and over kitchen utensils to symbolize the old being replaced by the new.
- New Year’s Eve: Families gather for a reunion dinner.
- New Year’s Day: Young men rush to fetch auspicious water from the well and pay respects to their elders, who then serve them wine, oil tea, and fried dough twists.
- Animal Offerings: The first meal of the New Year includes portions set aside for the household’s cows and dogs. Since cows do not eat meat, the owners open the cows’ mouths to pour in the offering.
- Communal Festivities: During the New Year, villagers slaughter pigs and sheep, exchange gifts, and invite relatives and friends for grand feasts.
Other Festivals
- Flower Festival (March 15th of the lunar calendar): Celebrated in spring.
- Jiwei Festival (December 29th of the lunar calendar): Focuses on grain deity worship.
- Forest Festival: Dedicated to forest worship and conservation.
Significance
These festivals not only celebrate agricultural cycles and ensure community bonding but also serve as a way to honor the natural world and their ancestors. The rituals and traditions reflect the Nu people’s deep connection to their environment and their gratitude for the blessings they receive.
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