Huadeng Opera in Jianshui County, Honghe 

Jianshui Flower Lantern is a unique form of folk art from the Jianshui area in Yunnan. It combines the charm of Han lanterns with the musical style of the Yi people, which is why it is also known as the “Yi Flower Lantern.” This art form has a long history dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties when small tunes were introduced into southern Yunnan. Over time, it evolved into a distinctive performance system with its own artistic style.

Artistic Characteristics

  • Fusion of Diverse Cultures:
    The Jianshui Flower Lantern has absorbed various elements from both Han and Yi traditions, including songs, dances, and languages. This fusion results in performances characterized by dynamic rhythms, a wide vocal range, and clear melodies. Traditional instruments such as the four-stringed instrument, bamboo flute, and erhu play a major role in creating its local flavor.

  • Rich Repertoire:
    The traditional repertoire of the Jianshui Flower Lantern includes over 30 pieces, such as “Beating the Flower Drum,” “Fishing,” “Straw Beating,” “Mending the Pot,” “Jade Fishing Bottle,” “Conqueror Descends the Mountain,” “Zhang San Kills the Sheep,” “Gambling Persuasion,” “Noisy Town,” “Old Jia Divorces His Wife,” and “Han Xiangzi Ferrying His Wife.” These pieces not only reflect the daily life and sentiments of the people but also express unique perspectives on love, labor, and social life.

Cultural Inheritance

  • Historical Origins:
    The Jianshui Flower Lantern has been popular in local villages since the Ming and Qing dynasties. Lantern masters passed down traditional tunes and theatrical forms through generations, both through spontaneous folk performances and through systematic refinement and innovation. Specific rituals, such as the “Invitation of the Lantern God” held on the fifteenth day of the lunar month, underscore the lantern’s important role in local folk beliefs.Current Status of Inheritance:
    Today, the Jianshui Flower Lantern remains vibrant in rural communities and festive events. Many local performance troupes and cultural heritage practitioners continue to teach and pass on the art, ensuring that this traditional form remains a vital part of the region’s cultural heritage.

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