Overview

• Chinese Name: 西畴县壮族七月节/七郎节
• English Name: Qilang (Qiyue/July) Festival of Zhuang Ethnic Minority in Xichou County, Wenshan
• Location: Dongshu Village of Xinmajie Town in Xichou County, Wenshan

The Qilang Festival is an important traditional celebration of the Zhuang ethnic minority in Xichou Countyand this festival showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Zhuang people and represents their connection to agriculture, nature, and community. The Qilang Festival holds considerable cultural significance for the Zhuang ethnic minority in Xichou County. It is a celebration of agriculture, community, and cultural heritage, offering an opportunity for social bonding, honoring ancestors, and expressing gratitude for nature. Through its variety of activities, the festival continues to foster a sense of identity and tradition among the Zhuang people.

Origin

The Qilang Festival’s origins are rooted in ancient agricultural practices and animist beliefs. Historically, it was a harvest celebration designed to express gratitude for the bountiful crops and to pray for continued prosperity in agriculture. The festival’s name can be interpreted as “the field god’s festival,” reflecting the significance of farming and the reverence for deities associated with the land and harvest.

Originally, the festival was closely tied to agricultural cycles, particularly the rice planting and harvesting seasons. Over generations, while certain aspects have evolved, the core purpose of honoring ancestors and deities, as well as strengthening community ties, remains intact.

Significance

1. Cultural Identity: The Qilang Festival serves as a vital expression of Zhuang cultural identity, preserving traditions that have been passed down through generations.
2. Agricultural Gratitude: It is an occasion for farmers to give thanks for their harvest, seek blessings for future crops, and ensure a sense of harmonious living with nature.
3. Community Bonding: The festival fosters a strong sense of community as people come together to celebrate, share stories, and reinforce family and social relationships.

Local Activities

The Qilang Festival is characterized by various engaging activities that highlight Zhuang culture and promote community participation:

1. Ritual Ceremonies:
   • Worship of Deities and Ancestors: Families and community members perform rituals to honor nature deities and ancestors. These may involve offerings, such as fruits, rice, and animals (e.g., chickens or pigs).
   • Prayers and Incense Burning: Communities gather at altars or temples to pray for good fortune and a successful harvest in the coming seasons.
2. Cultural Performances:
   • Traditional Music and Dance: The festival features vibrant performances of traditional Zhuang music and dance, showcasing cultural heritage through songs, drumbeats, and colorful costumes.
   • Storytelling and Folk Tales: Elders may recount legends and stories that reflect Zhuang history and values, ensuring that cultural narratives are preserved and transmitted to younger generations.
3. Community Feasting:
   • Shared Meals: Families come together to prepare and enjoy traditional dishes, often including rice, vegetables, and socially significant foods that symbolize abundance and prosperity.
   • Potluck Style Gatherings: It is common for neighbors to bring offerings to share, emphasizing the communal spirit of the festival.
4. Games and Competitions:
   • Traditional Sports: Various games and competitions are organized, such as tug-of-war, archery, and horse racing, which engage the community and provide entertainment.
   • Cultural Competitions: Events may include contests of singing or storytelling, allowing participants to demonstrate their skills and knowledge of Zhuang culture.
5. Market and Craftsmanship:
   • Local Markets: During the festival, local markets may be held where artisans display crafts, textiles, and agricultural products, allowing for economic exchange and showcasing Zhuang craftsmanship.
   • Cultural Exhibitions: Displays of traditional art, clothing, and tools may also be featured, allowing attendees to appreciate the skills and creativity of their peers.

Overview

• Chinese Name: 壮族娅拜节/隆垌节
• English Name: Yabai Festival of Zhuang Ethnic Minority

The Yabai Festival is one of the most significant traditional celebrations for the Zhuang ethnic minority in China, particularly in regions such as Guangxi and Yunnan. Celebrated by the Zhuang people, this festival reflects their cultural heritage, agricultural tradition, and community values.

Background

The Yabai Festival typically falls on the 12th day of the lunar calendar’s sixth month, coinciding with the rice planting season. It is primarily a celebration of agricultural abundance and harvest, deeply rooted in the Zhuang people’s agricultural lifestyle. The festival is imbued with elements of animism, ancestor worship, and community bonding, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of the Zhuang minority.

Origin

The Yabai Festival has ancient origins, believed to stem from animistic practices where the Zhuang people worshiped nature, agricultural deities, and ancestors. Historically, the festival was associated with the agricultural cycle, serving both as a way to express gratitude for the harvest and as a ritual to ensure future prosperity. Over time, it has evolved into a vibrant celebration that incorporates various cultural elements, with its significance growing as a way to strengthen social ties and community identity among the Zhuang.

Significance

1. Cultural Identity: The Yabai Festival is a key symbol of Zhuang cultural identity, helping to preserve traditional practices, customs, and language within the community. It reinforces a sense of belonging among the Zhuang people.
2. Agricultural Gratitude: The festival highlights the importance of agriculture in Zhuang life, expressing thanks for the harvest while praying for continued fertility of the land and favorable weather for future crops.
3. Community Cohesion: The Yabai Festival serves as a medium for community bonding. It is a time for families and neighbors to come together, share in communal activities, and strengthen social connections.

Local Activities

The activities during the Yabai Festival are diverse and vibrant, characterized by traditional rituals, music, dance, and communal gatherings. Some key local activities include:

1. Ritual Ceremonies:
   • Worship of Ancestors: Community members set up altars to honor their ancestors, offering sacrifices such as fruits, rice, and livestock. This act of remembrance fosters respect for lineage and cultural heritage.
   • Nature Worship: Rituals are performed to honor deities associated with agriculture and nature, seeking blessings for good crops and protection against natural disasters.
2. Cultural Performances:
   • Folk Songs and Dances: Traditional Zhuang folk songs and dances are an integral part of the festival, showcasing the community’s artistic talent and cultural pride. Performers often wear colorful traditional attire, adding to the festive atmosphere.
   • Storytelling and Legends: Elders share stories and legends that reflect Zhuang history, morals, and values, enriching the cultural experience for younger generations.
3. Community Feasting:
   • Shared Meals: Families prepare and share traditional dishes, emphasizing community bonding. Food plays a vital role in the Yabai Festival, symbolizing abundance and hospitality.
   • Culinary Traditions: Special dishes made from local ingredients are prepared during the festival, often featuring rice, vegetables, and meat, which are enjoyed in communal settings.
4. Traditional Games and Competitions:
   • Sports Activities: Various traditional games, such as tug-of-war, running races, and archery, are organized, engaging community members in friendly competition while promoting physical fitness and teamwork.
   • Cultural Competitions: Competitions may also focus on singing, dancing, and storytelling, providing opportunities for individuals to showcase their skills and knowledge of Zhuang culture.
5. Festive Markets and Crafts:
   • Local Markets: During the Yabai Festival, markets may spring up, featuring traditional crafts, agricultural products, and food items. Artisans may display their handmade goods, promoting local craftsmanship.
   • Cultural Exhibitions: Displays of traditional clothing, tools, and cultural artifacts may also be featured, providing insights into Zhuang customs and lifestyles.

Conclusion

The Yabai Festival is a vibrant celebration that holds profound cultural significance for the Zhuang ethnic minority. It serves as an occasion for expressing gratitude for the harvest, honoring ancestors, and reinforcing community ties. Through its diverse activities, the Yabai Festival not only preserves Zhuang traditions but also fosters a sense of identity and belonging among the Zhuang people, ensuring the continuity of their rich cultural heritage for future generations.

Overview

• Chinese Name: 富宁县壮族陇端节
• English Name: Longduan Festival of Zhuang Ethnic Minority in Funing County, Wenshan
• Location: Boai Town of Funing County in Wenshan/文山州富宁县剥隘镇

The Longduan Festival is emblematic of the rich cultural heritage, agricultural roots, and community spirit of the Zhuang people. The Festival stands as a testament to the vibrant cultural heritage of the Zhuang people. It is a celebration of agricultural abundance, community cohesion, and rich traditions, allowing participants to honor their ancestors and nature while fostering a strong sense of identity. Through various activities, the Longduan Festival ensures the transmission of Zhuang culture across generations, strengthening community bonds and celebrating the collective spirit of the Zhuang ethnic minority.

Background

The Longduan Festival typically takes place in the lunar calendar’s sixth month, coinciding with the rice harvesting season. It is primarily a time for Zhuang communities to celebrate the harvest, give thanks for agricultural bounty, and pray for continued prosperity. The festival also integrates elements of Zhuang folklore, spirituality, and community bonding, making it a vibrant expression of cultural identity.

Origin

The origins of the Longduan Festival can be traced back to ancient agricultural practices and animistic beliefs among the Zhuang people. It is believed to have evolved from rituals that honored ancestors and nature deities, which were central to the Zhuang’s agricultural lifestyle. Originally, the festival served to ensure a successful harvest, paying homage to the spirits and seeking their blessings. Over time, it transformed into a broader community celebration, encompassing various cultural and artistic activities that reflect the Zhuang’s identity.

Significance

1. Cultural Heritage: The Longduan Festival is a vital element of Zhuang cultural heritage, preserving traditional practices, songs, dances, and crafts. It strengthens the community’s sense of identity and continuity.
2. Agricultural Celebration: The festival marks the importance of agricultural life in the Zhuang community. It is an opportunity for villagers to express gratitude for the crops and to pray for good harvests in future seasons.
3. Community Cohesion: The festival fosters community spirit by bringing together families and neighbors to celebrate, share meals, and engage in various cultural activities. This gathering of people strengthens social bonds and reinforces a sense of belonging.

Local Activities

1. Ritual Ceremonies:
   • Worship of Ancestors and Deities: The festival typically features rituals honoring ancestors and local deities linked to agriculture. Families prepare offerings such as rice, fruits, and livestock to present at communal altars or in local temples.
   • Prayer Ceremonies: Participants engage in collective prayers to invoke blessings for health, good fortune, and a fruitful agricultural year ahead.
2. Cultural Performances:
   • Traditional Music and Dance: Vibrant performances of Zhuang folk songs and dances are a hallmark of the festival. These performances often include traditional instruments, colorful costumes, and energetic choreography, celebrating Zhuang cultural identity.
   • Storytelling and Folklore: Elders share traditional stories, legends, and folktales, preserving the narrative heritage of the Zhuang people for younger generations.
3. Community Feasting:
   • Shared Meals: Families come together to prepare and share traditional Zhuang dishes, including rice, vegetables, and meat dishes. These meals symbolize abundance and hospitality, underscoring the community aspect of the festival.
   • Potluck Style Gatherings: Neighbors often contribute dishes to communal feasts, reinforcing social ties and shared culinary traditions.
4. Games and Competitions:
   • Traditional Sports: Various games and competitions are organized, including tug-of-war, relay races, and archery. These activities provide entertainment and foster friendly competition within the community.
   • Cultural Competitions: Events showcasing singing, dancing, or storytelling skills may be held, allowing individuals to display their talents and engage with cultural heritage.
5. Crafts and Markets:
   • Local Market Stalls: During the festival, markets may feature traditional crafts, agricultural products, and homemade goods, allowing artisans to showcase their skills and contributing to the local economy.
   • Exhibitions of Traditional Artifacts: Displays may include traditional clothing, tools, and crafts that represent Zhuang cultural practices and daily life.

Background and Overview

Chinese Name: 壮族六郎节/六月六
English Name: Liulang (Liuyue/ June) Festival of Zhuang Ethnic Minority

The Liulang Festival, also known as the Liuyue Festival or the June Festival, is a traditional celebration observed by the Zhuang ethnic minority in China, particularly in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. This festival is emblematic of the Zhuang’s agricultural heritage and cultural identity, serving as a time for festivities, rituals, and community gathering.

The Liulang Festival is typically celebrated on the 6th day of the 6th lunar month, coinciding with the rice planting and growing season. It is associated with both agricultural practices and cultural rituals, marking an important moment in the agricultural cycle. The festival serves to celebrate the harvest and pray for good fortune and abundant crops for the coming season.

Origin

The origins of the Liulang Festival can be traced back to ancient agricultural customs and animistic beliefs among the Zhuang people. Rooted in agricultural practices, the festival reflects the Zhuang community’s connection to nature and the divine. It is believed that the festival evolved from rituals performed to honor agricultural deities and to seek blessings for favorable weather and prosperous harvests. Over time, it incorporated elements of community bonding, folklore, and traditional arts, becoming a significant cultural event.

Significance

1. Cultural Identity: The Liulang Festival is a vital expression of Zhuang cultural identity, showcasing traditional customs, rituals, songs, and dances that reflect the community’s values and heritage.
2. Agricultural Importance: The festival highlights the significance of agriculture in the lives of the Zhuang people. It is an opportunity to show gratitude for the harvest and to pray for continued bounty and good weather for future crops.
3. Community Unity: The Liulang Festival acts as a unifying event for communities, fostering social bonds among villagers. It brings families and friends together to celebrate their shared heritage and values.

Local Activities

The Liulang Festival is characterized by a range of vibrant activities that emphasize the cultural richness of the Zhuang people:

1. Ritual Ceremonies:
   • Worship of Deities: Participants engage in ceremonies that honor agricultural deities, seeking blessings for good weather and abundant crops. Rituals might include offerings of rice, fruits, and livestock at altars or in sacred sites.
   • Ancestor Worship: Families may also pay respects to their ancestors through ceremonial practices, expressing gratitude for their guidance and protection.
2. Cultural Performances:
   • Traditional Music and Dance: Folk songs and traditional dances are central to the Liulang Festival. Performers don colorful costumes and showcase traditional dances, often accompanied by various musical instruments, reflecting the community’s artistic talents.
   • Storytelling: Elders recount folk tales and legends during the festival, keeping the oral tradition alive and educating younger generations about Zhuang history and morals.
3. Community Feasting:
   • Shared Meals: Families prepare and share traditional dishes, emphasizing communal ties. Meals often feature rice, vegetables, beans, and locally sourced meats, symbolizing abundance and hospitality.
   • Potluck Gatherings: Community members often contribute dishes, fostering a sense of togetherness and shared cultural experience.
4. Games and Competitions:
   • Traditional Sports: Various traditional sports and games such as tug-of-war, running races, and archery are organized, encouraging friendly competition and community involvement.
   • Cultural Competitions: Contests for singing, dancing, and storytelling talent may be held, providing an opportunity for individuals to showcase their cultural skills and knowledge.
5. Market and Craft Exhibitions:
   • Local Markets: The festival often sees the establishment of local markets where artisans sell crafts, agricultural produce, and handmade goods. This supports local economies and promotes traditional craftsmanship.
   • Exhibits of Traditional Art and Tools: Displays might highlight traditional clothing, farming tools, and Zhuang crafts, providing insights into the community’s way of life.

Conclusion

The Liulang Festival is a vibrant celebration that serves as a vital expression of the cultural identity and agricultural traditions of the Zhuang ethnic minority. It reinforces community bonds, showcases rich cultural practices, and provides an opportunity for the Zhuang people to honor their ancestors and nature. Through a variety of rituals, performances, and communal activities, the Liulang Festival ensures the preservation and continuation of Zhuang cultural heritage for future generations.

Background and Overview

• Chinese Name: 壮族端午节/端阳节
• English Name: Dragon Boat Festival of Zhuang Ethnic Minority

The Dragon Boat Festival, known as Duanwu Festival in Mandarin, is a significant traditional celebration for various ethnic groups in China, including the Zhuang ethnic minority. Celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th month of the lunar calendar, it commonly falls in late May to early June. The festival is rich in cultural significance and features unique customs that reflect the Zhuang people’s heritage.

The Dragon Boat Festival has its origins in ancient China, traditionally commemorating the poet Qu Yuan, who is celebrated for his patriotism and literary contributions. While the mainstream festivities are rooted in the story of Qu Yuan, the Zhuang people incorporate their local customs and traditions into the celebration, making it a unique expression of their cultural identity.

Origin

For the Zhuang ethnic minority, the Dragon Boat Festival maintains ties to agricultural practices and ancestral worship. It is believed that the festival also coincides with the seasonal transition in agriculture when rice and other crops start to grow. Local legends and customs often vary from those of other ethnic groups, but many practices reflect the Zhuang community’s deep connection to nature and its agrarian lifestyle.

Significance

1. Cultural Heritage: The Dragon Boat Festival is an essential occasion for the Zhuang people to express their unique cultural identity. It showcases local customs, songs, dances, and arts that highlight their distinct heritage.
2. Agricultural Celebration: The festival serves as a reminder of the importance of agriculture to the Zhuang people. It includes rituals to pray for good harvests, favorable weather, and protection from natural calamities.
3. Community Bonding: The Dragon Boat Festival is a time for community gatherings and family reunions, reinforcing social connections and shared cultural practices among the Zhuang people.

Local Activities

The Zhuang people celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival through a variety of engaging activities, many of which differ slightly from the more widespread customs observed in Han Chinese traditions:

1. Dragon Boat Races:
   • While dragon boat racing is a hallmark of the festival, Zhuang celebrations may include local adaptations. Villagers often organize their own boat races on rivers, which are both a competitive sport and an opportunity for community bonding.
   • These races are accompanied by singing and cheering, embodying the spirit of cooperation and enthusiasm among participants.
2. Zongzi Preparation:
   • Similar to other regions, the Zhuang people prepare zongzi, glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves, often filled with various ingredients such as meats, beans, and nuts. The preparation of zongzi is a communal activity, with families gathering to make and share this traditional food.
   • Each family may have its unique recipe, reflecting local tastes and preferences.
3. Rituals and Ancestral Worship:
   • The festival often includes ceremonies to honor ancestors and seek blessings for the coming agricultural season. Offerings might consist of fruits, rice, and other food items presented at family altars or local shrines.
   • Prayers are made for good harvests and protection from natural disasters, demonstrating the Zhuang people’s dependence on the land and their appreciation for nature.
4. Cultural Performances:
   • Local festivities may include traditional songs, dances, and theatrical performances that reflect Zhuang folklore and history. Participants often don colorful traditional costumes, adding vibrancy to the celebrations.
   • Storytelling sessions may also feature, where elders share legends and tales passed down through generations, preserving oral traditions.
5. Festive Games:
   • In addition to dragon boat races, the festival often involves various traditional games and competitions. Activities may include tug-of-war, racing, or other sports that emphasize teamwork and community spirit.
   • These games encourage participation from all ages, contributing to the festive atmosphere.

Conclusion

The Dragon Boat Festival for the Zhuang ethnic minority is a vibrant celebration that embodies their cultural identity, agricultural heritage, and community values. Through a combination of dragon boat races, food preparation, rituals, and performances, the festival unites families and communities in shared traditions and collective joy. It reflects the Zhuang people’s deep respect for their ancestors, agricultural practices, and communal bonds, ensuring that their unique cultural heritage continues to thrive across generations.

Overview of The Festival

• Chinese Name: 马关县壮族祭龙节
• English Name: Jilong (Dragon Worship) Festival of Zhuang Ethnic Minority
• Jilong (Dragon Worship) Festival of Zhuang Ethnic Minority in Maguan County, Wenshan

The Jilong (or Dragon Worship) Festival is a significant cultural celebration for the Zhuang ethnic minority in China, particularly in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. This festival reflects the rich traditions, beliefs, and practices of the Zhuang people, who are one of the largest ethnic minorities in China.

Key Features of the Jilong Festival:

1. Timing: The Jilong Festival is typically celebrated during the harvest season, although the exact date can vary. It often coincides with the lunar calendar and is influenced by agricultural cycles.
2. Cultural Significance: The festival is primarily a celebration of the dragon as a symbol of strength, fertility, and prosperity. The Zhuang people have a deep reverence for nature and the dragon is seen as a guardian spirit that controls water and ensures good harvests.
3. Rituals and Activities:
   • Worship Ceremonies: The festival features various rituals where offerings are made to the dragon deity. These may include sacrifices of livestock, food, and other goods.
   • Dancing and Music: Traditional songs and dances are performed to honor the dragon, often featuring vibrant costumes and intricate choreography that highlight the cultural heritage of the Zhuang people.
   • Competitive Events: Activities such as dragon boat races may be organized, fostering a spirit of community and friendly competition among participants.
4. Community Involvement: The festival is a communal event where families and communities come together to participate in the festivities, reinforcing social bonds and cultural identity.
5. Culinary Delights: Traditional foods are an essential part of the celebration. Festive meals often include local specialties, with an emphasis on dishes that incorporate rice, vegetables, and meats.
6. Preservation of Tradition: The Jilong Festival is also a means of preserving the unique cultural identity of the Zhuang people. It provides an opportunity for younger generations to learn about their heritage, customs, and the importance of agriculture in their lives.

The Jilong Festival is not only a celebration of culture and tradition but also an expression of gratitude for the bounty of the land. It showcases the rich tapestry of Zhuang customs and beliefs, highlighting the importance of community, nature, and the deep connection the Zhuang people have with their environment.

Overview of The Festival

• Chinese Name: 西畴县壮族女子太阳节
• English Name: Women’s Sun Festival of Zhuang Ethnic Minority in Xichou County, Wenshan
• Women’s Sun Festival of Zhuang Ethnic Minority is held Shangguo Village of Xisa Town in Xichou County, Wenshan.

The Women’s Sun Festival is a unique and vibrant cultural celebration of the Zhuang ethnic minority, particularly observed in Xichou County, Wenshan Prefecture, located in Yunnan Province, China. This festival primarily celebrates the role and contributions of women in Zhuang society and is marked by various traditional activities, rituals, and communal gatherings.

Key Features of the Festival:

1. Cultural Significance: The Women’s Sun Festival honors the feminine aspects of Zhuang culture. It is a time to celebrate the strength and role of women within families and communities. The festival reflects respect for women’s contributions, both in domestic life and broader societal contexts.
2. Timing: The festival is generally held on the sixth day of the sixth month of the lunar calendar. The timing is closely aligned with the agricultural calendar, often taking place during a period that signifies harvest and fertility.
3. Rituals and Traditions:
   • Ceremonies: The festival often includes rituals where women pay homage to the Sun, believed to bring warmth, fertility, and a good harvest. Various offerings may be made, including food and flowers.
   • Song and Dance: Traditional singing and dancing are integral to the celebrations. Women often perform folk songs, which may include themes of love, nature, and community ties. The dances are colorful and expressive, showcasing traditional Zhuang attire.
4. Culinary Celebrations: Food plays an essential role in the festivities. Women prepare special dishes for the occasion, which may include traditional Zhuang foods, showcasing the culinary heritage of the community.
5. Community Spirit: The festival fosters a sense of unity among community members. It encourages the participation of the whole community, leading to intergenerational connections as younger women learn from their elders about customs, traditions, and skills.
6. Empowerment: Beyond being a cultural celebration, the Women’s Sun Festival serves as a platform for women’s empowerment. It highlights their roles in agriculture, family, and society, providing a space for women to express themselves and showcase their skills and contributions.
7. Art and Craft Exhibitions: Various forms of artistic expression are often highlighted during the festival, including traditional crafts, embroidery, and other forms of handicrafts, celebrating the creativity of Zhuang women.

The Women’s Sun Festival is an essential aspect of the cultural identity of the Zhuang people in Xichou County. It not only honors women’s roles within the community but also strengthens social bonds and preserves the unique customs and heritage of the Zhuang ethnic minority. Through festivities, the community comes together to celebrate their culture, fostering a sense of pride and continuity for future generations.

Overview

Chinese Name: 广南县壮族皇姑节
English Name: Huanggu Festival of Zhuang Ethnic Minority in Guangnan County, Wenshan
Location:Taipingzhai Village of Liancheng Town in Guangnan County, Wenshan/文山广南县莲城镇南秀社区太平寨村
Huanggu Festival of Zhuang Ethnic Minority is held in Taipingzhai Village of Liangcheng Town every year.

The Huanggu Festival is a significant traditional celebration for the Zhuang ethnic minority. This festival is pivotal in the cultural and agricultural calendar of the Zhuang people, integrating elements of spirituality, community bonding, and celebration of agricultural abundance.

Background and Origin

The Huanggu Festival, also known as the “Huanggu Harvest Festival,” is deeply rooted in the agricultural practices and beliefs of the Zhuang people. The festival signifies the end of the harvest season, celebrating the culmination of the year’s labor and expressing gratitude to nature and ancestors for the bounty received.

Historically, the festival has connections to ancient agricultural rites that acknowledge the cyclical nature of farming, invoking blessings for future harvests. It is thought that the festival has evolved over the centuries, incorporating various local customs and beliefs, yet preserving its core themes of gratitude, community, and cultural identity.

The name “Huanggu,” which can be translated to reference the color yellow (often associated with rice and ripeness), reflects the agricultural focus of the festival and symbolizes prosperity and abundance.

Local Activities

The Huanggu Festival is characterized by a range of vibrant local activities that highlight community involvement, cultural expression, and traditional practices. Key activities during the festival include:

1. Rituals and Worship:
   • The festival begins with ancestral worship and offerings to deities, especially the Earth God and the God of Agriculture. Villagers prepare rice, fruits, and livestock as offerings, seeking blessings for continued prosperity.
   • Families gather at altars or natural sites to perform rituals, expressing gratitude and invoking protection for the next farming cycle.
2. Traditional Music and Dance:
   • Music and dancing are central to the festivities. Local folk songs, often sung in the Zhuang language, celebrate themes of harvest, love, and community life.
   • Traditional dances, characterized by intricate movements and colorful attire, showcase the Zhuang culture and are performed in communal spaces.
3. Culinary Celebrations:
   • Food plays a vital role in the festival. Locally sourced ingredients are used to prepare traditional dishes that reflect the agricultural bounty. Meals are often shared among community members, fostering a sense of unity and communal spirit.
   • Special dishes may include rice cakes, vegetable stir-fries, and other recipes unique to the Zhuang culture.
4. Competitions and Games:
   • Various games and traditional sports may be organized during the festival. These can include contests that test physical strength, skill, and teamwork, such as rice planting races or tug-of-war.
   • These competitions not only provide entertainment but also reinforce community bonds, as teams often consist of individuals from the same village or family.
5. Cultural Exhibitions:
   • The festival often serves as a platform for showcasing traditional crafts and skills, including embroidery, weaving, and pottery. Artisans may display their work, and demonstrations may be held to preserve and pass down these crafts to younger generations.
   • Storytelling sessions may occur where elders share folk tales and legends, promoting cultural transmission and community heritage.
6. Community Gatherings:
   • The Huanggu Festival brings together families and friends from various villages, promoting social bonding and enhancing community spirit. Shared meals, laughter, and storytelling create a warm atmosphere reflecting the heart of Zhuang culture.

Conclusion

The Huanggu Festival in Guangnan County is a rich tapestry of celebration, cultural expression, and agricultural gratitude. It embodies the Zhuang people’s deep connection to their land, community, and traditions, providing an important opportunity for cultural preservation and intergenerational bonding. Through its rituals, music, dance, and communal activities, the festival stands as a vibrant testament to the Zhuang heritage and its continuing relevance in contemporary society.

Overview

• Chinese Name: 布依族跳月
• English Name: Tiaoyue Festival of Buyi Ethnic Minority

The Tiaoyue Festival is an important cultural celebration for the Buyi ethnic minority, primarily found in the Guizhou Province of China, but also present in surrounding regions. This vibrant festival is celebrated to honor the lunar New Year and the months of agricultural labor. It is one of the most significant and colorful festivals for the Buyi people, showcasing their rich cultural heritage and traditions.

Background and Origin

The Tiaoyue Festival, also known as the “Moon Festival,” has its roots in ancient agricultural customs. Traditionally, it is held to celebrate the first full moon of the lunar calendar year, marking a time of renewal and rebirth. The festival symbolizes the end of winter and the beginning of spring, as well as the hope for a bountiful harvest ahead.

The name “Tiaoyue” can be loosely translated as “greeting the moon.” This reflects the festival’s connection to lunar cycles, as the moon has historically played a significant role in agricultural practices and rituals among the Buyi people. The festival is characterized by various traditional activities that emphasize gratitude for nature’s bounty and the continuation of cultural traditions.

Local Activities

The Tiaoyue Festival is marked by several joyous festivities and activities that bring the community together. Some key elements of the celebration include:

1. Ceremonial Offerings:
   • The festival often begins with ceremonies that include offerings to ancestors and deities, usually featuring rice, fruits, and livestock. These offerings express gratitude and seek blessings for the new year.
2. Singing and Dancing:
   • Music and dance are integral parts of the Tiaoyue Festival. The Buyi people are known for their unique musical traditions, and the festival is filled with traditional songs sung in their native language.
   • Various lively group dances create an atmosphere of joy and celebration, allowing participants to showcase their vibrant traditional attire and engage in communal merriment.
3. Feasting:
   • A central aspect of the festival is the gathering of family and friends to share festive meals. Traditional dishes prepared for the occasion often include rice, fish, vegetables, and special snacks unique to the Buyi culture.
   • The communal sharing of food symbolizes unity and togetherness among families and friends.
4. Cultural Performances:
   • Various cultural performances may take place during the festival, showcasing folk traditions such as storytelling, dramatic presentations, and local crafts. This helps preserve cultural heritage and allows younger generations to learn about their customs.
5. Games and Competitions:
   • The Tiaoyue Festival often includes traditional games and competitions, reflecting community spirit and camaraderie. Activities may involve racing, tug-of-war, or skill-based games that encourage participation from all ages.
   • These games provide a sense of fun and friendly competition, strengthening bonds among community members.
6. Dress and Decorations:
   • Participants often wear traditional Buyi clothing, which is decorated with intricate embroidery and designs representing their cultural heritage. Homes may also be adorned with traditional decorations to create an inviting festive atmosphere.

Conclusion

The Tiaoyue Festival is a vibrant celebration that represents the cultural identity and agricultural practices of the Buyi ethnic minority. Through its rich traditions of music, dance, food, and communal activities, the festival fosters a sense of belonging and community among the Buyi people. It serves as a vital occasion for expressing gratitude, celebrating cultural heritage, and reinforcing social ties within the community. As such, it continues to hold great significance for the Buyi people and plays an essential role in the preservation of their unique cultural identity.

Overview of the Festival

• Chinese Name: 马关县布依族牛王节/牧童节/开秧节
• English Name: Niuwang Festival of Buyi Ethnic Minority in Maguan County, Wenshan

The Niuwang Festival is a traditional celebration of the Buyi ethnic minority, particularly significant in Maguan County of Wenshan Prefecture in Yunnan Province, China. This vibrant festival is celebrated with much enthusiasm and involves a series of culturally rich activities that reflect the unique traditions, values, and agricultural practices of the Buyi people.

Background and Origin

The Niuwang Festival, also known as the “Cattle Worship Festival,” typically takes place during the lunar month of October, coinciding with the harvest season. The festival’s name translates to “Cattle King Festival” or “Festival of Cattle,” highlighting its deep-rooted connections to agriculture and the significance of cattle in the daily lives and livelihoods of the Buyi people.

Historically, the Niuwang Festival serves as a time to honor and celebrate the contributions of cattle to farming and sustenance. Cattle are seen as vital for tilling the fields and are integral to the agricultural cycle. The festival is not only a time for expressing gratitude for the year’s harvest but also for celebrating the health and vitality of the livestock that support the community’s agricultural practices.

Local Activities

1. Ritualistic Activities:
   • The festival begins with rituals dedicated to the worship of cattle, where villagers prepare offerings such as rice, vegetables, and sometimes even fruits to honor their livestock. These rituals seek blessings for a successful future harvest and healthy cattle.
2. Sacrifices and Prayers:
   • Special ceremonies may involve the slaughtering of livestock, particularly cattle, as part of the sacrificial offerings to show appreciation to the deities. The meat is often shared among the community, reinforcing the collective nature of the festival.
3. Traditional Music and Dance:
   • Music and dance play a crucial role in the festivities. The Buyi people are known for their unique folk music, which is often performed with traditional instruments. Various dances are also performed, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Buyi community.
   • Community members often participate in group dances, creating a lively atmosphere that fosters joy and unity among participants.
4. Performances:
   • Local artists may present performances that include storytelling, folk dramas, and other traditional art forms that highlight Buyi culture and history. These performances allow for the intergenerational transmission of cultural knowledge and skills.
5. Feasting:
   • A highlight of the festival is the communal feasting that takes place. Families and friends gather to share a meal made up of traditional dishes, which often include rice, meat, vegetables, and special festival delicacies. This act of sharing food echoes the community’s values of unity and togetherness.
6. Games and Competitions:
   • The festival often features various games and competitions that encourage participation among community members. These activities can include traditional sports, races, and contests that showcase strength, skill, and teamwork.
   • Such activities not only provide entertainment but also strengthen community bonds and cooperation.

Conclusion

The Niuwang Festival in Maguan County is a vibrant reflection of the Buyi ethnic minority’s agricultural heritage and cultural identity. With its emphasis on gratitude, community, and cultural expression, the festival plays a vital role in maintaining the traditions and values of the Buyi people. Through rituals, performances, music, dance, and communal feasting, the Niuwang Festival fosters a strong sense of belonging and continuity within the Buyi community while celebrating the importance of cattle in their way of life.

Overview

• Chinese Name: 布依族跳花会
• English Name: Tiaohuahui Festival of Buyi Ethnic Minority
• Time: From the first to the twenty-first day of the first month of the lunar calendar

Activity Process

Every festival, the young girls wear brightly colored embroidered dresses, adorned with beautiful button closures, while the young men dress in front-opening shirts, fastening their waistbands with ties, and play wooden flutes, all with smiles on their faces. Enthusiastic young women lead the young men’s horses from five villages and eight hamlets, from the unseen slopes, to the venue of the flower dance festival, which is a flat expanse of meadow beside a crystal-clear little river, with a forest of toong trees full of flower buds to the north. The area is bustling with the sounds of people shouting and horses neighing, filled with laughter and chatter, with at least a thousand people present. The big leather drum thunders through the valley like a bolt of lightning, sometimes fast, sometimes slow, rising and falling, complemented by the clashing sound of cymbals, creating an intoxicating atmosphere!

In the field, young men and women gather in groups, swaying and dancing, singing ancient ballads. The melodies are beautiful, and the dance steps are light as feathers. By the riverbank, young couples play the “leyou,” strum the moon lute, and blow wooden flutes, their eyes sparkling like the river water, expressing passionate love for one another, their reflections undulating in the water, creating another captivating scene. Close to the toong forest, a stage has been set up where a splendid Bouyei opera is being performed, rich in variety, filling the entire meadow with a joyful and pleasant atmosphere. As they sing and dance, before they realize it, the sun begins to set behind the slopes, the evening glow spreads over the flower buds in the toong forest, and people reluctantly mount their horses and gradually leave the meadow.

Meaning

The Flower Dance Festival is also a matchmaking event for the young men and women, where they sow the seeds of love on the grassy meadow. On the last day of the festival, the twenty-first (known as “Union”), they announce the conclusion of the annual Flower Dance Festival.

The twenty-second is known as “Sheep-Tethering Day,” which signifies the engagement. On this day, young people bring a “sheep” back home (symbolizing bringing the girl back to meet the family) to assess the family background of the prospective spouse and to determine their lifelong commitment. Many young men go to the meadow on this day to bring their future brides back to the village. However, the shy young women hesitate to step over the threshold of their suitor’s home. Instead, they merely sneak a peek from the hillside or in the woods to see where their suitor’s family is located. After the twenty-second, work begins in earnest as spring plowing starts, and people immerse themselves in the busy spring agricultural production to secure a bountiful harvest of grain, cotton, and sugar for the following year and to contribute to the development of the mountainous area, engaging in a new struggle!

Local Activities

1. Dancing and Singing

• Flower Dance Performance: The festival features vibrant traditional dance performances, where young men and women showcase their skills while dancing to lively music. The dances often reflect the themes of love and community.
• Singing Competitions: Participants sing traditional folk songs and ballads, which often express themes of love, nature, and daily life. The songs and dances create a festive atmosphere, and everyone typically joins in the fun.

2. Matchmaking

• Cultural Bridge: The festival serves as an opportunity for young men and women to meet and flirt. It creates a festive environment where romantic relationships can blossom.
• “Union Day” on the 21st: On the last day of the festival, known as “Union Day,” couples can decide to formalize their relationships, marking an important milestone in their romantic journey.

3. Sheep-Tethering Day

• Engagement Ceremony: The day following the festival, known as “Sheep-Tethering Day,” symbolizes engagements. Young men bring a sheep back to their homes, representing their intention to marry. This day is crucial for assessing family compatibility and establishing future commitments.

4. Food and Feasting

• Traditional Foods: The festival features an array of local delicacies, where families come together to prepare and share traditional dishes. Food plays a central role in celebrating and bringing the community together.
• Banquets and Gatherings: Following the various performances, communal meals and banquets are common, fostering a sense of togetherness and celebration among participants.

5. Rituals and Customs

• Cultural Rituals: The festival includes rituals that honor ancestors and express gratitude for harvests. This may involve prayers and offerings to ensure good fortune and blessings for the upcoming agricultural season.
• Dress and Adornment: Participants often wear traditional clothing, which is colorful and intricately designed. The attire reflects the cultural identity of the Buyi people and adds to the visual beauty of the festival.

6. Games and Competitions

• Traditional Games: Various games and competitions are organized, including athletic contests, quizzes, and other fun activities that encourage participation and add to the festive spirit.
• Craft Exhibitions: Showcasing traditional crafts (like weaving and embroidery) creates an environment for cultural exchange and appreciation for local artisanship.

Conclusion

The Tiaohuahui Festival is not only a time for celebration and enjoyment but also a vital expression of the Buyi people’s cultural heritage, traditions, and values. It reinforces community bonds, promotes cultural continuity, and allows the younger generation to connect with their roots. The festival emphasizes love, relationships, and the passing down of cultural practices, making it a cherished event for the Buyi ethnic minority.

Basic Introduction of The Festival

• Chinese Name: 布依族吃新节/尝新节
• English Name: Chixin (Changxin) Festival of Buyi Ethnic Minority
• Geographical Indication: Gelao ethnic group, Miao, Buyi, Bai, Zhuang, and Dong ethnic groups
• Date: Seventh day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar

“Eating New Festival” is a traditional festival celebrated by the Gelao ethnic group and the Miao, Buyi, Bai, Zhuang, and Dong ethnic minorities in provinces such as Hunan, Guizhou, and Guangxi. It occurs on the seventh day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar. The festival takes place around the time when the new rice is ready, usually in the sixth or seventh lunar month.

Before the festival, housewives go to the fields to pick fresh rice and pound it into fragrant white rice. On the morning of the festival, each household steams the new rice and cooks fresh fish, inviting elderly guests and bringing children to the fields to worship their ancestors. Then, the whole family gathers for a meal to wish for a bountiful harvest of grains.

During the Eating New Festival, firecrackers and land cannons are set off to celebrate and clear the village. There are performances of traditional “Nuo” plays, singing mountain songs, and martial arts displays. The village elders use a sieve to hold chickens, meat, and wine, inserting bamboo poles decorated with red chili peppers and green garlic at the edges of the fields to symbolize sending off the ancestors. During the festival, the Gelao people also hold activities for releasing living creatures, focusing mainly on wild animals and fish. Today, the Eating New Festival is celebrated most grandly in Gelao villages such as Xixiuwanzi Village and Dagouchang in Pingba.

On November 21, 2020, in Wuwan Village, Yangwu Town, Danzhai County, Guizhou Province, members of the ethnic minority community dressed in traditional attire prepared for the celebrations at the Lusheng performance venue. On that day, the traditional “Eating New Festival” was held in Wuwan Village, Danzhai County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture of Guizhou Province.

Festival Time

The festival occurs on the seventh day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar, also known as “Tasting New Festival,” “Half-Year Festival,” and in Bai language, it is called “Yinguo Ding.” It is a grand festival in rural areas. Farmers pick a small amount of ripe rice ears from the fields, rub them into rice grains, cook them into new rice, and prepare chickens and ducks for a family feast, which is called “Tasting New.” Before the banquet, they first offer the food to heaven and earth, worship their ancestors, then feed the new rice to the dogs, and finally, according to the age order in the family, taste the new rice. According to folklore, the rice seeds were stolen by dogs from the heavens when there was no rice in the world. The dog swam across the sea to heaven, rolled in the grain seeds, and returned covered in grains. When floating back down the Milky Way, the grains were washed away, leaving only a few grains stuck to its raised tail. After bringing them back to the earth, rice was produced.

During the early autumn season when the rice ears are turning yellow, the Bai farmers joyfully celebrate their ethnic agricultural festival, the Tasting New Festival, to “initially enjoy” the fruits of their labor earned through hard work.

A few days before the Tasting New Festival, freshly dressed aunts, sisters-in-law, and young women wear straw hats made of wheat straw and carry bamboo baskets on their backs to select the early-ripening and abundant rice ears from the fields. Before entering the fields, they also light red incense sticks and place them on the edge of the field.

Festival Rituals

Commonly known as “Eating New Festival,” it is a traditional festival of the Gelao, Miao, Buyi, Bai, and Zhuang ethnic groups, especially prominent among the Gelao. It takes place on the seventh day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar every year.

Led by a village elder or ghost master, young boys and girls go to nearby fields to collect new crops, picking some ripe grains and fruits to hang under an ancient tree. Then, they slaughter pigs, sheep, and chickens, using whole chickens, pig heads, sheep heads, nine strands of pork, and twenty-four bowls of rice to worship their ancestors and deities. Clan members kneel in order of their generations and pay respects to their ancestors, while the ghost master recites in Gelao language, using a bamboo whip to teach about the five grains and six livestock. The attendees follow along like obedient students.

Festival Activities

After completing the Tasting New Festival rituals, firecrackers and land cannons are set off to celebrate, with performances of traditional “Nuo” plays, singing mountain songs, and martial arts displays. The village elders use a sieve to hold chickens, meat, and wine, inserting bamboo poles adorned with red chili peppers and green garlic at the ends of the fields to symbolize sending off the ancestors. During the festival, the Gelao people also hold activities for releasing living creatures, mainly focusing on wild animals and fish. Today, the Eating New Festival is celebrated most grandly in Gelao villages such as Xixiuwanzi Village and Dagouchang in Pingba.

Local Customs

Bai Ethnic Group

During the early autumn season, when the rice ears are just turning yellow, the Bai farmers joyfully celebrate their agricultural festival known as the Tasting New Festival, referred to as “Yinguo Ding” in Bai language. In the days leading up to the festival, freshly dressed aunts, sisters-in-law, and young women don straw hats and carry bamboo baskets to the rice fields to harvest early-ripening, abundant rice ears. Before entering the fields, they light red incense and place it at the edge of the fields. The fragrant smoke wafts in the air, accompanied by laughter and joy as they anticipate a fruitful harvest…

After drying the harvested rice, they use a water-powered mill to grind it. During these days, the sounds of rice pounding in some villages resemble rhythmic and harmonious rural melodies.

On the Tasting New Festival day, older adults and young children enjoy activities under the large locust trees in the village, whether listening to traditional songs or watching performances of whips; young men and women gather by the lakeside or in the fields to sing duets accompanied by traditional instruments; meanwhile, housewives cook new rice and prepare the “Eight Big Bowls” of dishes.

As the sun sets, casting shadows on the mountains, people carry their banquets and light incense to pay homage to “God of Fields” and “God of Grains” in the fields, before returning home to honor “God of the Kitchen” and their ancestors. Only after these rituals do they sit around the table for dinner.

The dinner on Tasting New Festival is quite elaborate, featuring Bai delicacies like braised spare ribs with mung beans, chicken with white papaya, eel cooked with tofu, and fried milk cakes, commonly seen on many tables.

There is no fixed date for the Bai Tasting New Festival. Each village or family celebrates the festival based on when their rice ears ripen.

The customs of the Bai people in celebrating the Tasting New Festival have a long history. In his book “Dian Lue: Customs,” the Ming Dynasty scholar Xie Zhao wrote, “At the turn of summer and autumn, when the rice is not yet ripe, the tender ears are harvested early, dried flat, and gifted to dear ones, known as tasting new.”

In recent years, discussions on which family has the best paddy, which varieties have been selected, and measures for increased yield often become hot topics on Tasting New Festival day.

Zhuang Ethnic Group

The Tasting New Festival is held around the seventh and eighth months of the lunar calendar when the new grains are ripe. Generally, families celebrate individually, but some invite neighboring relatives and friends to join in. On this day, every household cooks new rice and prepares sumptuous dishes. Women rise early to cut green rice leaves to offer at the altar, prepare dishes and fruits, then light incense and lamps. Once preparations are complete, they call the dog to the altar, serve a generous scoop of new rice, and let it eat from each dish first to honor its contribution.

Jingpo Ethnic Group

The Jingpo people’s Tasting New Festival is colloquially known as “Eating New Grains.” Originally, it was a primitive religious ceremony held after the grains had essentially ripened before the autumn harvest. During the tasting, people from different tribes and villages gather, with old women in festive attire responsible for the rice tasting. Bamboo baskets filled with rice are decorated with grains, beans, sorghum, and colorful flowers. The harvested rice is covered with large, round green leaves, then brought back to the households, where elderly women stir-fry it in a pot, and then young women pound it by hand. The pounded rice is mixed with ginger and presided over by a shaman, who thanks the gods for the bountiful harvest. After the rituals, the shaman throws small packets of new grains and vegetables wrapped in green leaves for wild spirits to share. Although everyone in the village participates, each person only receives a small packet of new rice, cooking with older rice as a supplement. Official tasting begins only after rituals at the mountain chief or leader’s home are concluded.

After 1980, some Jingpo regions revived the Tasting New Festival, usually celebrated around the eighth or ninth lunar months. Before harvesting, the host cuts some new grains with respect and carries them home to offer in the “ghost house.” Offerings include eggs, wine, and sticky rice, and shamans pray to “Household Spirits” and other spirits to protect the unharvested grains from disasters. After the prayers, the offerings are shared by the shaman and elders. The main meal is served first to the dog, then the family and guests can eat, as the legend states that dogs fetched the grains from the heavens, making them particularly honored.

Dong Ethnic Group

“On June 6, the early rice ripens.” The Dong people celebrate Tasting New Festival on this date, with some choosing an auspicious day. The Tasting New Festival is a common festival among the Dong, varying slightly in content from place to place. On this day, the dog is regarded as an honored guest; the new rice is cooked, and only after the dog has tasted it may people partake, as legend holds that in ancient times, amidst devastating floods, a white divine dog swam across the sea and rolled in the grain pile of the Queen Mother of the West, returning with a few grains at its tail. Humans survived from these precious grains, and to commemorate the dog’s contributions, it is invited to taste the new rice first.

Achang Ethnic Group

Among the Achang people in the Lianghe and Longchuan regions, it’s customary to celebrate the Tasting New Festival on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. On this day, they pull out the most fruitful taro and cut a dual-ear corn stalk, bundling them on a bamboo pole and placing them in a corner of the home before cooking new rice. After the rice is ready, one bowl is fed to the dog before the family gathers for a meal.

The 15th day of the eighth lunar month is a day of reunion and happiness, also celebrated as the traditional Tasting New Festival for Yi people, known as “Qie Xi Zuo Pu.” By this time, the early rice has matured, and people harvest, dry, and store the new grains. It’s essential to showcase the new rice on this festival day, and in case of inclement weather, they dry it by the stove and ensure they get to eat new rice for the holiday.

Yi Ethnic Group

Before the Yi people start their Tasting New Festival meal, they first serve a large bowl of rice to fill the family dog, after which the family can begin to eat. This custom has an unusual origin. It is said that during ancient times, when floods engulfed the world, leading to the extinction of living beings, the ancestors of the Yi, siblings Adu and his sister, sheltered themselves and their dog under a gourd, drifting until they reached the willow bay by Boluo Sea. When the flood receded, they found that the gourd was stuck in the willow tree, and at dawn when the rooster crowed and the dog barked, a divine eagle descended and broke the gourd, allowing the siblings to survive and ensuring the continuation of humanity. After their escape, they joyfully discovered grains were stuck to the dog’s tail, and two beans were wedged beneath the dog. This led to the survival of the grain species despite the floods, and since then, the Yi have regarded dogs as symbols of good fortune and life partners, taking care to refrain from eating dog meat. On holidays and major celebrations, the dog is always fed first before the humans eat. Additionally, the Yi hold their roosters in high regard, as they believe roosters can predict good and bad omens, which must be interpreted before embarking on hunting trips.

When celebrating, the eldest must preside over the meal, with guests sitting centrally to show respect. The younger generations await their turn to serve themselves, as failing to do so could be considered disrespectful. During the banquet, Yi girls might sneakily refill your rice bowl, indicating you should eat well but avoiding wastefulness.

At night, young and old gather under the bright moon, playing gourd instruments and drums while dancing around the bonfire to perform the joyful “Qie Tuo Gu.” Unmarried youth pair off, play with willow leaves, and sing love songs, holding hands within the tranquil bamboo groves of the village…

Lahu Ethnic Group

The Tasting New Festival is a traditional holiday for the Lahu ethnic group, known phonetically as “Zha Si E Zha,” meaning New Rice Festival, and is held in the seventh or eighth lunar month for one day. During this harvest season, the first family to have ripe grains hosts the new rice tasting. On this day, the host family slaughters pigs and chickens, inviting neighbors, relatives, and friends to taste the new rice and enjoy abundant food and drink. Before the banquet starts, they light incense candles and offer a bowl of new rice to the gods and ancestral spirits, then feed a bowl to the dog before serving livestock and farming tools.

According to legend, Eshe created the Lahu ancestors Zadi and Nadi, who were married as per Eshe’s will, leading to offspring. At that time, people had no grains to eat and survived on dirt. Eshe sent dogs to bring grains to people and taught them to plant. The Lahu people express gratitude to Eshe by offering the first new rice to Eshe and the ancestral spirits each year. They also remember the dog, so the first bowl of new rice must be given to the dog.

Yao Ethnic Group

The Yao ethnic group has numerous folkloric festivals, including the Panwang Festival, Singing Festival, Tasting New Festival, Bullfighting Festival, and Women’s Festival. Each festival is rich in meaning and significance. For instance, the Panwang Festival and Singing Festival commemorate the legendary ancestor Panwang of the Yao people. On the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, believed to be Panwang’s birthday, the Yao people sing the “Panwang Song” to express their gratitude to Panwang.

The sixth day of the sixth lunar month is Yao people’s Tasting New Festival. On this day, they harvest the earliest crops of corn, rice, etc., and prepare them into meals to feed the dogs first before the family can eat. This tradition stems from the myth that the grains were brought by dogs. Legend has it that during migration, the Yao ancestors encountered storms, and their food fell into the sea. In a moment of despair, someone joyfully found a few grains stuck to the dog’s tail and planted them, nurturing them, resulting in a bountiful harvest in the autumn. This gratitude is expressed by cooking the rice first for the dog.

The “Women’s Festival” occurs on the second day of the second lunar month, when Yao women share their prepared banana cakes with each other in remembrance of Panjin Mei, who contributed to the Yao people’s lineage.

Lisu Ethnic Group

The Tasting New Festival—a custom of the Lisu ethnic group in Yunnan’s Dehong region—takes place during the harvest season. The Lisu people have unique customs that have persisted after settling in the area about 200 years ago, living alongside various other ethnic groups. The Dehong Lisu Tasting New Festival is a grand celebration, translating directly as “New Year,” featuring various activities. On the celebration’s eve, elders ceremonially present offerings of food such as wine, meat, and cakes to the spirits of heaven, earth, and ancestors, symbolically placing food on the framework of the fireplace, door, and pillars. To honor the efforts of the farming ox and the ancestors of dogs who provided the seeds, they first allow these animals to taste the festive foods. On New Year’s Day, everyone sings and dances, playing traditional instruments like the sanxian, bamboo zither, sheng, and flute, engaging all the young and old in joyful performances. On the second day, hunting and target shooting events are held, marking the start of the new year’s labor. In larger villages, swings are erected, providing ten days of entertainment for participants.

In the past, the Dehong Lisu Tasting New Festival was less lively due to poverty and scattered living conditions. However, since the establishment of New China, improved economic conditions and social unity have enhanced festival activities. The Dehong Lisu Tasting New Festival in 1989 and 1990 was held in Nongxian Village, a Lisu settlement in Longchuan County, where they created a spacious venue and established a permanent Tasting New Festival marker: a 12-meter-tall brick structure featuring an ancestral hero with a bow and arrow.

The festival’s highlights include playing swings, singing, and dancing, with special emphasis on the “Climbing the Knife Mountain” athletic display. This performance involves climbing a 20-meter-high knife ladder made from 36 sharp knives, showcasing the bravery of Lisu people and their spirit of resilience.

She Ethnic Group

The She ethnic group in eastern Fujian has a tradition of holding a “Tasting New” ceremony during the autumn rice harvest season, selecting an auspicious day for the event. Freshly harvested rice is pounded into flour and cooked into white rice cakes and sticky rice, offered in gratitude to heaven, earth, and ancestors for their blessings, before inviting the neighboring community to share in the harvest’s joy. This annual event, called the “Tasting New Festival” (also known as the “Food New Festival”), is celebrated on September 23, coinciding with the autumn equinox.

In the village of Xita in the Muyun She Township, it is famous for its scenic beauty. The “Xiuxi” stream flows down from the White Cloud Mountain, creating a renowned grape valley that stretches for many kilometers, adorned with lush greenery, resembling a lengthy tapestry from afar. During summer and autumn, strolling along this stream provides a refreshing and soothing experience amidst the cool shade and gentle flowing water.

The grapes here are locally known as “thorn grapes,” offering rich juice and sweetness without sourness, well sought after in the market, often priced higher than popular varieties, making it a vital product of Xita. The stream is also affectionately called “Wealth Source Stream” by the locals.

Xita is one of the birthplaces of the blue-surname She people in eastern Fujian. “Xiita Blue” holds the same renown as “Dalin Zhong” and “Houmenping Lei,” with many blue-surname clans returning annually to connect with their ancestry through rituals. Today, the village consists of over a hundred households, mostly descended from the Ru’nan Blue clan.

Additionally, Xita is one of the notable She culture villages, having successfully hosted large She song festivals and cultural celebrations, welcoming leaders, scholars, and media from various levels. Xita village undoubtedly stands as one of the most charming She villages in eastern Fujian.

In the seventh or eighth lunar month, when a household begins to harvest rice, that day becomes their Tasting New Festival or “Food New Festival.”

According to She tradition, the rice harvest must first be on an auspicious day. After harvesting, the first crop of rice is milled and cooked into white rice, three bowls are scooped and offered alongside incense at a bamboo sieve placed on a drying platform as offerings to heaven and earth, followed by more offerings to the left and right shrines and the kitchen god. After these rites, they prepare additional dishes and wine to invite families and neighbors to enjoy together. During the tasting, respect is shown by letting elder family members eat first; it is believed that “the more people taste, the more rice is available.” After the meal, a bowl of rice is left on the table, known as “leftover warehouse.”

Historical Legends

It is said that in ancient times there were great floods that engulfed the earth, leading to widespread suffering and the extinction of life. The ancestors of the Yi people, siblings Adu, along with their pet dog and a rooster, took refuge in a gourd during the flooding. After enduring many hardships, they eventually drifted to a bay of willows by the Boluo Sea. When the waters receded, the gourd they hid in was stuck in a willow tree. As dawn broke with a rooster’s crowing and the dog’s barking, a divine eagle flew down, pecked open the gourd, and allowed Adu and his sister to survive. From that moment, humanity was able to continue.

After their escape, Adu and his sister happily discovered that a few grains were stuck in the dog’s fur and two lentils were wedged beneath the dog’s leg—evidence that the dog had once played on a pile of grains before the floods arrived. Thanks to the dog’s contributions, the grains did not become extinct during the Flood, enabling human survival. From then on, the Yi people regarded dogs as symbols of good fortune and life-saving companions. They take great care of their dogs, always keeping them close during work in agriculture, as well as refraining from eating dog meat. On every festival or important celebration, they feed the dog first before having their own meals. The Yi also cherish the crowing rooster, as they believe it can predict good and bad omens before embarking on hunting expeditions, considering the rooster as knowledgeable with an innate ability to foresee future fortunes.

The Legend of the She Ethnic Group

Among the She people’s ritual activities, the Tasting New Festival holds significant anthropological meaning as it relates to the myth of the origin of rice seeds. In this legend, rice was originally celestial pearl rice in heaven. The ancestor of the She people, Panhu, could not bear to see his people starving on grasses, so he stole rice grains from heaven. However, his act was discovered by the Jade Emperor, who sent celestial soldiers to pursue him. Panhu fought bravely but ultimately fell from the cliffs of Fenghuang Mountain in Chaozhou and died on a tree branch, scattering the rice grains. At that moment, a sparrow flew to the tree and took some grains away, but it accidentally dropped them in a rock crevice. A leech then crawled into the crevice, sticking the rice grains with its slime and eventually bringing them to the human world.

As the rice in the field turned yellow and ripe, Panhu’s wife, Princess San, declared, “This rice was earned at the cost of the previous king’s life; let him taste it first!” From that time on, the She people have had the custom of the Tasting New Festival, where, after harvesting, they offer the first bowl of rice to their ancestor Panhu for him to taste. The sparrow and the leech, having helped humanity, also receive special treatment.

Initially, I did not pay much attention to this myth, but later I came across a mention in the “Records of the Grand Historian,” stating that “the emperor tasted rice with a dog.” This revealed that it was an important sacrificial repaying ritual during the ancient Mengqiu month. Today, people may have forgotten the connection between the dog and rice, but the “tasting rice with a dog” ritual remains. In many places, people first offer new rice to deities and ancestors before serving it to their dogs, and only then do the families have their meal.

The Tasting New Festival of the She people and its legend reveal that the She are one of the oldest rice-farming ethnic groups. Archaeological finds from sites like Hemudu and the Huai River Basin indicate that China, as the origin of rice, has at least an eight-thousand-year history of rice cultivation. Over this long history, a brilliant rice culture has been created, forming an essential part of Chinese civilization, and the origins of this culture are very likely linked to the She and the Eastern Yi ethnic groups.

Significance of Inheritance

The Tasting New Festival, “Tasting New,” is a key to understanding the food culture of Chaozhou and even the mysteries of the Chao people. Historically, food has represented more than mere sustenance; it serves as a way of life that first influences the body and subsequently affects the spirit. Since the Han Dynasty, there has been a saying: “Those who eat meat are brave and defend; those who eat grains are wise and skilled,” indicating that the ancients had already noted the relationship between people and food. Contemporary anthropologist Paris has noted, “Humans are products of the food they consume; not only is their physical body composed of the food consumed, but their spiritual world is also influenced by food.” The food culture of Chaozhou developed primarily under the strong influence of She rice culture, and the dietary habits of the Chao people have shaped the characteristics of their physique, diligence, and cleverness.

Additionally, a broader understanding of rice culture is needed: it broadly refers to agricultural cultures centered around rice. Historically, the fields cultivated by the She included not only dry and wet rice but also beans, wheat, millet, taro, bamboo, vegetables, and tea. After the Ming and Qing Dynasties, sweet potatoes and corn also began to emerge as major crops. Many famous Chao dishes and snacks, such as bamboo shoots cake, radish cake, pingpong cake, and sweet potato porridge, are related to these crops.

Some foods have lost their original characteristics but still relate to rice culture. For example, rice wine is associated with the “Book of Songs” which states, “In the tenth month, we harvest rice for spring wine,” connecting it to rice and the spring festival sacrifices. Moreover, important condiments like soy sauce and doubanjiang mainly derive from legume crops.

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Qilang Festival of Zhuang Ethnic Minority in Xichou County, Wenshan

Overview Chinese Name: 西畴县壮族七月节/七郎节 English Name: Qilang (Qiyue/July) Festival of Zhuang Ethnic Minority in Xichou County, Wenshan Location: Dongshu Village of Xinmajie Town in Xichou County, Wenshan The Qilang Festival...

Festivals and Events    Veiw

• Festivals of Zhuang Ethnic Minority
• Guangnan County
• Malipo County
• Wenshan
• Wenshan City
• Xichou County
• Yanshan County

Yabai Festival of Zhuang Ethnic Minority

Overview Chinese Name: 壮族娅拜节/隆垌节 English Name: Yabai Festival of Zhuang Ethnic Minority The Yabai Festival is one of the most significant traditional celebrations for the Zhuang ethnic minority in China,...

Festivals and Events    Veiw

• Festivals of Zhuang Ethnic Minority
• Funing County
• Wenshan

Longduan Festival of Zhuang Ethnic Minority in Funing County, Wenshan

Overview Chinese Name: 富宁县壮族陇端节 English Name: Longduan Festival of Zhuang Ethnic Minority in Funing County, Wenshan Location: Boai Town of Funing County in Wenshan/文山州富宁县剥隘镇 The Longduan Festival is emblematic of...

Festivals and Events    Veiw

• Festivals of Zhuang Ethnic Minority
• Funing County
• Wenshan

Liulang (Liuyue/ June) Festival of Zhuang Ethnic Minority

Background and Overview Chinese Name: 壮族六郎节/六月六 English Name: Liulang (Liuyue/ June) Festival of Zhuang Ethnic Minority The Liulang Festival, also known as the Liuyue Festival or the June Festival,...

Festivals and Events    Veiw

• Festivals of Zhuang Ethnic Minority
• Guangnan County
• Maguan County
• Malipo County
• Wenshan
• Wenshan City
• Xichou County
• Yanshan County

Dragon Boat Festival of Zhuang Ethnic Minority

Background and Overview Chinese Name: 壮族端午节/端阳节 English Name: Dragon Boat Festival of Zhuang Ethnic Minority The Dragon Boat Festival, known as Duanwu Festival in Mandarin, is a significant traditional...

Festivals and Events    Veiw

• Festivals of Zhuang Ethnic Minority
• Guangnan County
• Maguan County
• Wenshan

Jilong (Dragon Worship) Festival of Zhuang Ethnic Minority

Overview of The Festival Chinese Name: 马关县壮族祭龙节 English Name: Jilong (Dragon Worship) Festival of Zhuang Ethnic Minority Jilong (Dragon Worship) Festival of Zhuang Ethnic Minority in Maguan County, Wenshan The...

Festivals and Events    Veiw

• Festivals of Zhuang Ethnic Minority
• Funing County
• Guangnan County
• Maguan County
• Malipo County
• Qiubei County
• Wenshan
• Yanshan County

Women’s Sun Festival of Zhuang Ethnic Minority in Xichou County, Wenshan

Overview of The Festival Chinese Name: 西畴县壮族女子太阳节 English Name: Women’s Sun Festival of Zhuang Ethnic Minority in Xichou County, Wenshan Women’s Sun Festival of Zhuang Ethnic Minority is held Shangguo Village...

Festivals and Events    Veiw

• Festivals of Zhuang Ethnic Minority
• Wenshan
• Xichou County

Huanggu Festival of Zhuang Ethnic Minority in Guangnan County, Wenshan

Overview Chinese Name: 广南县壮族皇姑节 English Name: Huanggu Festival of Zhuang Ethnic Minority in Guangnan County, Wenshan Location:Taipingzhai Village of Liancheng Town in Guangnan County, Wenshan/文山广南县莲城镇南秀社区太平寨村 Huanggu Festival of Zhuang...

Festivals and Events    Veiw

• Festivals of Zhuang Ethnic Minority
• Guangnan County
• Wenshan

Tiaoyue Festival of Buyi Ethnic Minority

Overview Chinese Name: 布依族跳月 English Name: Tiaoyue Festival of Buyi Ethnic Minority The Tiaoyue Festival is an important cultural celebration for the Buyi ethnic minority, primarily found in the...

Buyi Ethnic Minority    Veiw

• Buyi Ethnic Minority
• Festivals of Buyi Ethnic Minority
• Fuyuan County
• Luoping County
• Qujing

Niuwang Festival of Buyi Ethnic Minority in Maguan County, Wenshan

Overview of the Festival Chinese Name: 马关县布依族牛王节/牧童节/开秧节 English Name: Niuwang Festival of Buyi Ethnic Minority in Maguan County, Wenshan The Niuwang Festival is a traditional celebration of the Buyi...

Buyi Ethnic Minority    Veiw

• Buyi Ethnic Minority
• Festivals of Buyi Ethnic Minority
• Funing County
• Guangnan County
• Maguan County
• Wenshan

Tiaohuahui Festival of Buyi Ethnic Minority

Overview Chinese Name: 布依族跳花会 English Name: Tiaohuahui Festival of Buyi Ethnic Minority Time: From the first to the twenty-first day of the first month of the lunar calendar Activity...

Buyi Ethnic Minority    Veiw

• Buyi Ethnic Minority
• Chuxiong
• Festivals of Buyi Ethnic Minority
• Fuyuan County
• Luoping County
• Qujing

Chixin (Changxin) Festival of Buyi Ethnic Minority

Basic Introduction of The Festival Chinese Name: 布依族吃新节/尝新节 English Name: Chixin (Changxin) Festival of Buyi Ethnic Minority Geographical Indication: Gelao ethnic group, Miao, Buyi, Bai, Zhuang, and Dong ethnic groups...

Buyi Ethnic Minority    Veiw

• Buyi Ethnic Minority
• Chuxiong
• Festivals of Buyi Ethnic Minority
• Fuyuan County
• Luoping County
• Qujing