Jinwa (Guanmen/Closing Door) Festival of Achang Ethnic Minority
Introduction of the Festival
- Chinese Name:阿昌族进洼节/开门节
- English Name: Jinwa (Guanmen/Closing Door) Festival of Achang Ethnic Minority
“Jinwa Festival” is a Chinese translation of the De’ang language, which means “Closing the Door Festival”. It is a festival celebrated by the Dai and De’ang ethnic groups in Yunnan Province, China, every year on the 15th day of the 9th month of the Dai calendar, lasting for three months.
On the 14th day, early in the morning, young girls carry clean water to the Buddhist temple to bathe the Buddha. At midnight, the “Jinwa” begins, as the sound of drums is heard from the temple. Elders bring offerings such as incense, candles, rice, and flowers to the back of the Buddha’s statue to deposit them. On the 15th day, a ceremony called “Danfo” is held, during which people offer food, flowers, and money to the Buddha, light incense and candles, and burn money and paper. From this day on, a small “Danfo” is held every seven days. On the eighth day of each household, food and drinks are brought to the Buddhist temple for sacrifice, and people listen to the Buddha’s lectures and pray for God’s blessing.
In addition to being rich in religious significance, the Jinwa Festival is also held during the busy farming season to enable people to concentrate on productive labor. Therefore, marriage and love are prohibited during this period, and Buddhist monks and young monks are not allowed to stay in other villages.
Local Activities of the Jinwa (Guanmen/Closing Door) Festival
- Ritual Offerings:
- The Jinwa Festival begins with ritual offerings to ancestors and deities. Families prepare food, incense, and symbolic items at home altars or at local temples to express gratitude and seek blessings for the coming year. This practice underscores the community’s respect for their ancestors and spiritual beliefs.
- Culinary Preparations:
- Just as in many festivals, food plays a central role during the Jinwa Festival. Families prepare traditional dishes, often featuring local ingredients. The cooking process brings family members together, highlighting cooperation and communal bonds. Special foods may include rice cakes and preserved meats, symbolizing abundance and good fortune.
- Closing Doors Ceremony:
- The name “Closing Door” comes from a specific ritual where families symbolically “close” their doors to evil spirits and negative influences as the year comes to an end. This can involve simple practices like locking doors at sunset and performing prayers or chants to invite protective blessings for the household.
- Cultural Performances:
- The festival often features traditional music and dance performances, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Achang people. Local musicians may play traditional instruments, while community members participate in vibrant dance routines that often depict historical tales and local legends.
- Community Gatherings:
- The Jinwa Festival serves as an opportunity for community bonding. People come together to celebrate, share food, and enjoy each other’s company. These gatherings foster social cohesion and are crucial for maintaining relationships within the community.
- Games and Competitions:
- Various traditional games and physical competitions are organized during the festival. These may include tug-of-war, races, and other local sports that promote teamwork and community spirit. Such activities also allow for friendly competition among villagers.
- Planting Seeds:
- A unique aspect of the Jinwa Festival may include symbolic acts related to agriculture, such as planting seeds or preparing the fields for the next growing season. This practice emphasizes the connection between the community’s agricultural lifestyle and their spiritual beliefs, reinforcing the idea of renewal and hope.
- Storytelling and Oral Traditions:
- Elders in the community may take the opportunity to tell stories or recite legends that are significant to the Achang culture. Such storytelling sessions not only entertain but also serve to educate younger generations about their history, cultural values, and life lessons.
- Closing the Year:
- The festival represents the closing of a year and the opening of a new one, both literally and metaphorically. Communities hold discussions or reflective activities about the past year, sharing successes and challenges while planning for the future.
