Banjin Festival of Manchu Ethnic Minority

Chinese Name: 满族颁金节

English Name: Banjin Festival of Manchu Ethnic Minority

Festival Date: The thirteenth day of the tenth month of the lunar calendar.

The Banjin Festival (颁金节), also known as the “Manchu Naming Day” or “Manchu Birth Day,” is one of the most important and meaningful traditional festivals for the Manchu ethnic minority in China. It symbolizes the Manchu people’s unity and cultural heritage, and it is celebrated with vibrant activities that emphasize their history, identity, and values.The thirteenth day of the tenth month of the lunar calendar is the day of the Manchu “Banjin Festival.” The “Banjin Festival” is the most significant day for the Manchu people, as it marks the anniversary of their birth and naming, making it a festival celebrated by the entire ethnic group.

Origin and Date of the Festival

Origin

The Banjin Festival traces its roots to 1635, when Emperor Taizong of the Qing Dynasty (清太宗爱新觉罗·皇太极) officially declared that the ethnic group formerly known as the Jurchen (女真) would now be called the Manchu (满洲). This moment marked the Manchu people’s emergence as a distinct ethnic group with a shared identity. The lunar calendar date of October 13th was designated as the Banjin Festival, with “banjin inenggi” meaning “birthday” in Manchu language.

Festival Date

The Banjin Festival is celebrated annually on October 13th of the lunar calendar, a date that commemorates the Manchu people’s cultural and historical origins.

Festival Activities

Traditional Celebrations

Traditional Attire and Dance:

  • On this special day, Manchu people dress in traditional ethnic attire such as qipao (旗袍), ruqun (如裙), and elaborate headpieces. The attire reflects their cultural pride and heritage.

  • Traditional dances like the pearl ball dance (珍珠球舞) and landwork dance (地秧歌) are performed in communal gatherings, celebrating the unity and strength of the Manchu people.

Songs and Rituals:

  • Traditional Manchu songs and dances are performed to honor their ancestors and celebrate the birth of the Manchu people.

  • Shamanistic rituals (萨满祭祀仪式) are conducted by local shamans, who lead ceremonies to invoke the spirits of the ancestors and bless the community.

Traditional Foods:

  • Special dishes are prepared for the occasion, including roast pig (烤猪), rice cakes (打糕), Saqima (萨其玛), and milk tea. These foods are prepared with traditional recipes passed down through generations and are shared among families and neighbors.

Modern Celebrations

Cultural Performances:

  • Today, the Banjin Festival also features cultural performances that showcase Manchu calligraphy, painting, and paper-cutting arts. These performances highlight the artistic achievements of the Manchu people.

Traditional Sports:

  • Manchu sports like snow walking (雪地走) and weihu (赛威呼), traditional sports that represent physical agility and endurance, are organized during the festival to celebrate the Manchu people’s connection with nature and their ancestors.

Academic Conferences and Cultural Exhibitions:

  • To promote Manchu culture, academic conferences and exhibitions are organized to explore the Manchu people’s history, language, and contributions to China’s cultural diversity.

Cultural Significance

Ethnic Identity

The Banjin Festival is not just a celebration of the Manchu people’s ethnic identity, but also a time for reflection on their cultural roots. It helps foster a sense of unity and collective identity among Manchu people across China and abroad. The festival strengthens their connection to the past and to each other.

Historical Commemoration

The festival commemorates a significant milestone in Manchu history—the formal recognition of the Manchu ethnic group by Emperor Taizong (皇太极) and the unification of their people. The festival marks a historical event that led to the formation of the Manchu identity, providing an opportunity for the Manchu community to reflect on their cultural journey from the Jurchen tribes to the establishment of the Qing Dynasty (清朝).

Modern Relevance

In the contemporary context, the Banjin Festival serves as a reminder of China’s rich cultural diversity and the importance of ethnic harmony. It encourages Manchu people to preserve their cultural traditions while embracing modernity, helping maintain the multi-ethnic unity of the country.

Modern Development

Since the official designation of the Banjin Festival in 1989, the festival has gained recognition across the country. Large-scale celebrations are held annually in cities such as Jilin (吉林), Harbin (哈尔滨), and Shenyang (沈阳), where tens of thousands of people gather to participate in the festivities.

One of the most notable events was the 2007 celebration in Huairou (怀柔), Beijing, where over 600 Manchu people gathered to celebrate their heritage with traditional dances, Peking opera, and artistic exhibitions. The event demonstrated the deep cultural pride of the Manchu people and their ongoing commitment to preserving their traditions.

Related Ethnic Groups and Historical Context

Archaeological Discoveries

The origins of the Manchu people stretch back more than 6,800 years. Archaeological discoveries in the Xingkai Lake (兴凯湖) region, near Russia, have uncovered evidence of the Sushen people, who were the ancestors of the Manchu. These early Sushen people were fishermen and hunters and are known to have created stone tools and bone sculptures. Artifacts like carved eagle heads and totemic fish gods give insight into the spiritual and cultural life of the Sushen.

The Manchu People Through History

Han Dynasty to the Three Kingdoms Period: The Manchu people were originally known as the Sushen, later the Yilou people, and their history is intertwined with the development of northern China. Their ancestors were key players in early interactions with neighboring tribes and empires.

Song and Liao Dynasties: During the Song Dynasty, the Manchu people were known as the Jurchen, a term which later became synonymous with the Manchu ethnic group. The Jurchen rose to power, founding the Jin Dynasty (金朝), and later contributed to the Qing Dynasty.

Qing Dynasty: The Qing Dynasty was established by the Manchu people in 1644 under the leadership of Nurhaci (努尔哈赤). The Qing Dynasty ruled China for almost 300 years, and its establishment was a pivotal moment in Manchu history.

Language and Writing

The Manchu language is part of the Tungusic language family. While Mandarin Chinese is now predominantly spoken by Manchu people, the Manchu language remains an important symbol of their heritage. Although few Manchu speakers remain, the Manchu script—which was developed in the early 12th century—is still studied by linguists and scholars.

with thirteen sets of armor and the determination of the twenty-four banners sweeping through the world, let us unite as one to reshape the soul of our nation and restore its brilliance.

Related Festivals

The Second Day of the Second Month (二月二, “Dragon Head Raising Day”): This festival, also significant to the Manchu, is celebrated with the hope for good weather and a successful harvest. Families perform rituals and eat Dragon Beard Noodles and Dragon Scales Cakes.

Mountain Opening Festival (开山节): Celebrated by the Manchu people in the autumn after the Mid-Autumn Festival, this festival thanks the mountain gods for a good harvest and honors the sacredness of nature.

The Banjin Festival is a powerful reminder of the Manchu people’s cultural pride, historical roots, and deep connection to their identity. Through a blend of traditional ceremonies, arts, and modern celebrations, this festival provides a vibrant expression of the Manchu people’s unity and their significant role in the history of China. As the Manchu people continue to celebrate and preserve their heritage, the Banjin Festival stands as a symbol of their strength, resilience, and cultural legacy.