Eryueba Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Weishan County, Dali

Overview

• Chinese Name:大理巍山彝族二月八
• English Name: Eryueba Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Weishan County, Dali
• Location: Weishan County, Dali

According to the "Draft of Menghua Records: Humanity," the Yi people of Weishan celebrate their New Year on the eighth day of the second lunar month. On this day, they block the roads and perform rituals to honor the Miku spirit. In each village, a Miku tree is set up. During the ritual, a yellow ox is tied with ropes beside it, and after making prayers, a person uses a sharp axe to strike the ox's head, which is then cut up and distributed based on the number of participants.

The eighth day of the second month is the most widely celebrated traditional festival among the Yi, although the content of the rituals and the ways of celebration vary from place to place. Some activities include worshiping the Miku god, performing dragon sacrifices, calling on the spirits of the earth's veins, burying "grass roots," offering sacrifices to "Aobian," worshiping the "Wudi" god, and paying homage to the earth deity, but they all involve ancestral worship.

In the Longjie area of Wuyin Township, they worship the siblings Ayu and Abu, collectively referred to as "Ayu Bu." They use leaves from the red leaf tree stitched together in a wavy pattern to symbolize the great flood, and circled the three rings made from the pith of bulrushes to represent the "sun," "moon," and "stars." The ritual commemorates the Yi ancestors—Ayu and Abu—who struggled to survive and reproduce during the ancient catastrophic floods when there was nowhere to escape. In the evening, activities such as swinging and singing are held.

Today, the Yi people's celebration of the eighth day of the second lunar month is grand and lively, serving as a festival for ancestor worship, a celebration of peace, and a prayer for abundant harvests. It has become a common ancestral worship day for Yi people across the country. On this day, representatives of the Yi from all over the country gather at the Nanzhao Earth Deity Temple on Weibaoshan mountain to hold grand rituals in honor of the earth deity and their ancestors.

1. Ancestor Worship: The festival prominently features rituals to honor ancestors. Families prepare offerings, which may include food, fruits, and symbolic items, to show respect and gratitude to their forebears.
2. Miku Tree Ritual: Villagers set up a Miku tree (a ceremonial tree) in open spaces. This tree is an essential focal point for the festival's rituals, where people gather to pray and make offerings.
3. Cattle Sacrifice: A yellow cow is often tied to the Miku tree during the ceremony. After prayers are said, rituals involving the cow, such as striking its head with an axe, may take place, symbolizing the community's connection to their ancestors and the earth.
4. Community Feasting: Following the rituals, families and communities come together to feast. Traditional dishes are prepared, showcasing local ingredients and culinary practices. This communal dining fosters unity and celebration among the participants.
5. Cultural Performances: The festival typically includes various cultural performances, such as traditional music, dance, and storytelling. These performances celebrate Yi heritage and community spirit, with people dressed in traditional attire.
6. Games and Competitions: Various games and competitions often take place during the festival, including sports, traditional contests (like tug-of-war), and skill-based challenges. Such activities enhance community spirit and provide entertainment.
7. Lantern Lighting: Participants may light lanterns in the evenings, symbolizing guidance for ancestral spirits and celebrating the festival's joyous nature. These lanterns can also add a festive atmosphere to the celebrations.
8. Swinging and Singing: In many communities, traditional swinging and singing activities are organized, adding to the festive spirit. These activities are often accompanied by folk songs that reflect Yi culture and values.
9. Rituals for a Good Harvest: Many activities focus on praying for a good harvest in the coming year. This includes ritual offerings to agricultural deities, expressing hopes for abundant crops and livestock.
10. Community Gatherings: The Eryueba Festival serves as a vital opportunity for communities to strengthen social ties, share experiences, and pass down oral traditions through storytelling and social interaction.