Malutang Village of Laojizhai Town in Jingping County, Honghe

Chinese Name:金平县老集寨乡大竹棚村委会马鹿塘村
English Name: Malutang Village of Laojizhai Town in Jingping County, Honghe

Overview

Malutang Village (马鹿塘村) is part of the Dazhupeng Village Committee (大竹棚村委会) in Laojizhai Town (老集寨乡), Jingping County (金平县), Honghe Prefecture (红河州), Yunnan Province (云南省). Nestled in a mountainous region, it is located 2 kilometers south of Dazhupeng and 16 kilometers from Laojizhai Town. Covering an area of 3.35 square kilometers at an elevation of 1,621 meters, the village enjoys an average annual temperature of 15-18°C, making it suitable for the cultivation of rice, corn, cassava, peanuts, and various legumes.

Cultural Significance

The Yao Ethnic Group's "Dujie" Ceremony

On December 10, an ancient and mystical "Dujie" (度戒) ceremony was held in Malutang Village, marking an important coming-of-age ritual among the Yao people (瑶族).

The "Dujie" ceremony is a rite of passage for boys aged 13 or 14, signifying their transition to adulthood. The ritual is rich in content and includes various ceremonial activities such as worshipping the deity Panwang (盘王), inviting souls back, shooting at evil spirits, and performing the Yuntai dance (跳云台).

The ceremony has been passed down for over a century and has a long-standing historical significance. During the event, the initiates dress in traditional attire and pay homage at an altar dedicated to Panwang and other deities. A master officiant lights incense to summon the seven souls and six spirits of the initiate, brandishing a dagger to vanquish demons while dancing around the altar.

Afterward, the officiant leads the initiate in a dance around the Yuntai (云台) for three rounds. The master climbs onto the platform, dancing with a dagger to exorcise demons. The initiates are then escorted up to the Yuntai, while the masters perform the "Catch the Turtle Dance" (捉龟舞) below, symbolically shooting at evil spirits.

The Initiation Process

Several men below the platform hold a rattan net covered with straw and cotton blankets, while the initiate, crouched with arms around his legs and head between his knees, carefully moves backward to the edge. Upon the master's command, the initiate falls onto the net, symbolizing his descent into the embrace of the goddess. The master lifts the blanket to confirm the initiate’s grip, indicating the successful completion of the ritual. Each initiate takes their turn, with all successfully passing, earning praise from the villagers for their bravery.

During the initiation, the officiant also educates the initiates on clan history, tribal rules, and moral conduct. Led by the master, the Yao men circle around a selected household, singing to drive away evil spirits and honor the deities.

It is noteworthy that the entire initiation process lasts several days, during which the initiates must refrain from socializing, singing, or meeting with guests, focusing instead on self-cultivation while consuming simple, light meals.

How to Get There

• By Car: Drive from Kunming (昆明) to Jingping County, then follow signs to Laojizhai Town. Malutang Village is approximately 16 kilometers from Laojizhai.
• By Bus: Take a bus from Kunming to Jingping County and then use local transport to reach the village.

Travel Tips

1. Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to experience the Yao culture and ceremonies is during the winter months when the "Dujie" ceremony typically takes place.
2. Local Accommodations: Consider staying with local families or guesthouses for an immersive cultural experience.
3. Respect Local Customs: When visiting, show respect for local traditions and practices, especially during ceremonies.
4. Photography: Ask for permission before taking photos, especially during rituals, to show respect for the participants.
5. Prepare for Altitude: Due to its elevation, be prepared for cooler temperatures and possible altitude effects.