Gatangpa Festival of Hani Ethnic Minority in Lancnag County, Puer
Overview
- Chinese Name: 澜沧县发展河乡哈尼族嘎汤帕节
- English Name: Gatangpa Festival of Hani Ethnic Minority in Lancnag County, Puer
- Location: Liangzi Old Village, Heishan Village, Heyang Township, Lancang County/澜沧县发展河乡黑山村梁子老寨
The Gatangpa Festival is the main festival of the Hani ethnic group in Xishuangbanna. The term “Gatang” is associated with the Hani language, with some interpretations suggesting that it refers to an era or year designation, known as the “Gatang Era.” However, most people believe that “Gatangpa” signifies renewal or resurgence, marking the beginning of a new year. In July 1987, the Standing Committee of the Xishuangbanna People’s Congress officially designated the Gatangpa Festival as the New Year festival for the Hani people, in response to the shared wishes of the Hani communities.
Festival Traditions
Although the Gatangpa Festival is a long-standing traditional celebration for the Hani people, it previously lacked a unified date. Legends say that in ancient times, the Gatangpa Festival lasted for 15 days, primarily dedicated to ancestor worship and feasting. During this 15-day celebration, there were daily banquets, which were quite extravagant. With the 14th ancestor of the Hani people, Zun Tangpan, the festival duration was set to four days, commencing on the first day of the Ox in October and concluding on the day of the Dragon. The festival activities retained elements of ancestral rituals and feasting while incorporating entertainment activities.
As the festival approaches, people prepare by brewing rice wine, pounding glutinous rice cakes, slaughtering pigs and chickens, and making rice, sticky rice cakes, rice wine, meat dishes, and tea to offer at the ancestor altar, the Apeipoluo, for worship and prayer. Each household prepares a feast to invite relatives and friends, sharing drinks and exchanging gifts to strengthen social ties. Villages and neighborhoods set up swings and spinning tops for various contests and entertainments. Young men and women dress in new clothes, inviting each other to the mountains to pick wild fruits and flowers, sing to one another, and enjoy the festivities. Those who enjoy hunting often form groups to go mountain bird hunting or engage in group hunts.
Current Status of the Festival
In 1987, the Standing Committee of the State Congress designated the Gatangpa Festival as the annual celebration of the Hani people, unifying the festival dates to January 2 to 4 in the Gregorian calendar. The festival activities are organized collectively by the township government or village administration, focusing on cultural and sports events. During the festival, young men and women perform traditional bamboo tube dances, long bamboo pole dances, and various cultural programs showcasing Hani traditions. Competitions in swinging, spinning tops, and crossbow shooting are organized, along with spring outings where people sing together and enjoy recreational activities. Many past activities that had feudal superstitious elements have now been replaced by healthy and beneficial cultural and recreational activities.
