Folk Song of Lisu Ethnic Minority in Nujiang

🎵 The Many Faces of Lisu Music: Types and Tunes

1. “摆时” (Bǎi Shí) – The Free-Spirited Anthem
   Known as the “open-air song,” Bǎi Shí is sung outdoors—on mountain paths, in fields, or by riverside—where voices rise freely, blending with the wind and birdcalls. Unrestricted by strict rhythms, it’s a platform for improvisation: young men and women trade verses, flirting through metaphor (“My love is as steady as the Gaoligong’s roots, as clear as the Nujiang’s waters”), while elders chant tales of ancestral migrations. The melody is bold, with wide vocal ranges that leap like mountain streams, often accompanied by the pluck of the “期奔” (qībāen), a Lisu lute.
2. “优叶” (Yōu Yè) – The Love Lament
   Soft, tender, and often sung in duets, Yōu Yè is the language of romance. Imagine a Lisu youth serenading their beloved from across a valley, their voice trembling with longing: “If I were a star, I’d light your path through the night; if I were a tree, I’d shelter you from the storm.” These songs are intimate, sometimes accompanied by the “口弦” (kǒuxián), a tiny bamboo instrument that mimics the sighs of the wind—a perfect soundtrack for moonlit courting.
3. “木刮” (Mù Guā) – The Epic Narrative
   The “grand song” of the Lisu, Mù Guā is a living archive of history and wisdom. Sung during festivals or ceremonies, it recounts creation myths (“How the mountains rose, how the 怒江 found its course”), moral lessons, and communal memories. Elders sing in deep, resonant tones, their voices carrying the weight of centuries: “Listen, children, to the story of our people—how we learned to plant millet on the slopes, to hunt with wisdom, to honor the earth.” These songs can last for hours, a testament to the Lisu belief that music is a vessel for knowledge.
4. “括益” (Kuò Yì) – The Harvest Joy
   When the millet is ripe and the fields golden, Kuò Yì fills the air—upbeat, rhythmic, and filled with laughter. Villagers clap, stamp their feet, and sing of bountiful harvests: “Our baskets overflow with corn, our granaries kiss the sky! Thanks to the sun, the rain, and our hard hands.” These songs often merge with dance, like the “阿尺木刮” (Ā Chǐ Mù Guā), where performers mimic the movements of animals—a joyful tribute to nature’s gifts.

🌿 Why Lisu Folk Songs Captivate the World

• Harmony with Nature: Every melody is shaped by Nujiang’s dramatic landscapes. The rise and fall of voices mirror the mountains’ contours; the rhythm of drums echoes the 怒江’s rushing currents. Lisu people believe music is a gift from nature—even their lutes are carved from forest wood, their flutes from bamboo that grows by the river.
• A Language Without Words: Many songs are wordless “yo-dellings” (“哦得得” Ō Děi Děi), where trills and hums convey emotions too deep for language. Imagine standing in a valley at dawn, hearing a herder’s voice spiral into the mist—a sound that transcends translation, touching the soul directly.
• Living Culture in Action: Lisu folk songs aren’t just performed; they’re lived. At the 阔时节 (Kuò Shí Jié) New Year Festival, entire villages gather around bonfires, singing for days to bless the new year. During weddings, brides and grooms sing “婚俗调” (hūn sú diào), weaving vows into ancient melodies. It’s a culture where music is as essential as rice and fire.

🎶 How to Experience Lisu Folk Music in Nujiang

• Village Homestays: Stay in a Lisu “pula” house in Liuku (六库) or Fugong (福贡). After dinner, your host family might pull out their 口弦 and lute, inviting you to join a Bǎi Shí session. Don’t worry about language—smiles and clapping are universal!
• Festival Immersion: Time your visit for Kuò Shí Jié (December 20–23), where folk songs blend with dance, archery, and communal feasts. Watch as elders lead Mù Guā chants, their faces lit by firelight, or join young people in a Yōu Yè duet—even a simple “la-la-la” can feel like a shared secret.
• Nature Concerts: Hike to a mountain overlook near Gongshan (贡山) and listen for distant herders’ songs. The echo of their voices bouncing off the Gaoligong peaks is a concert more magical than any stadium show.
• Music Workshops: Some cultural centers in Liuku offer lessons in playing the 口弦 or learning basic Bǎi Shí verses. Mastering a simple melody isn’t just a skill—it’s a way to carry a piece of Nujiang’s soul home.

🌟 Let the Music Carry You

https://baike.baidu.com/item/傈僳族民歌/4781799