Spring Festival (Luse) of Nu Ethnic Minority
Introduction of The Festival
- Chinese Name: 怒族年节/炉瑟节
- English Name: Spring Festival (Jijiamu) of the Nu Ethnic Minority
- Main Activities: Ancestor worship, soil rituals, singing, and dancing
- Time (Lunar Calendar): From the twelfth month to the tenth day of the first lunar month
The Nu Ethnic Minority refers to their Spring Festival as “Luse,”(炉瑟) which means “New Year” or “Start of the Year,” celebrated in the first lunar month.
On the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month, each household cleans their courtyards and removes ash from the hearth, discarding the old dirt far from their homes to symbolize the departure of the old year. Fresh pine branches are then gathered and placed on the main beams and central pillars, with pine needles spread on the ground to symbolize evergreen seasons and monthly good fortune. Early on New Year’s Day, at the first crow of the rooster, children in each household carry water buckets and torches to fetch water from the village wells. They draw one ladle of water from each well and bring it home. According to legend, on the first morning of the New Year, a blessed substance resembling butter descends from the sky, floating on the surface of the well water. Drinking this “auspicious substance” ensures a year of good fortune and success.
New Year greetings begin on the first day, not only to elders but also to the family’s cows and dogs. The animals are given a respectful bow and fed fried dough cakes and meat soup as a reward for their hard work in plowing fields and hunting throughout the year.
Entertainment activities during the New Year include archery, stone target shooting, song guessing games, swinging, and dancing.
There are several taboos during the festival. For instance, on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, soup should not be eaten for any of the three meals, as it is believed that doing so will cause adverse weather conditions, leading to droughts or floods. Additionally, water should not be thrown outside, and on the first day of work after the New Year, offerings must be made to the mountain god.
Local Activities of the Spring Festival (Luse)
- Ritual Ceremonies: The festival often begins with religious rituals to honor ancestors, deities, and nature spirits, seeking blessings for a prosperous and healthy year ahead. Shamans or respected elders lead these ceremonies, which may involve offerings of food, incense, and symbolic items.
- Traditional Music and Dance: Music and dance are integral components of the Luse festival. Performances featuring traditional songs, dances, and musical instruments, such as the “Hulu” (gourd flute) and other local instruments, fill the celebration, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Nu people.
- Feasting: A highlight of the Spring Festival is the communal feasting, where families and communities come together to share traditional dishes. Local specialties, often made with ingredients from the land, play a key role in the celebration. Common dishes may include rice, meats, vegetables, and traditional snacks.
- Decorating Homes and Altars: During the Luse festival, it is customary to decorate homes and community spaces with colorful flowers, banners, and symbols of good fortune. Altars may be set up to display offerings and honor ancestors.
- Reunion and Family Gatherings: Much like the celebration of the Lunar New Year, the Spring Festival is a time for family reunion and togetherness. Relatives often return home to celebrate with their families, strengthening familial bonds and connections.
- Cultural Competitions: Various traditional competitions and games are organized during the festival. Activities may include sports like wrestling and archery, as well as skill-based games that promote community engagement and friendly rivalry.
- Storytelling and Oral Traditions: Elders and storytellers engage the community with tales of history, mythology, and cultural morals. These story sessions not only entertain but also serve to preserve the Nu ethnic heritage for the younger generations.
- Craft Exhibitions: Artisans may showcase their traditional crafts, such as weaving, beadwork, and pottery. This not only highlights local craftsmanship but also fosters appreciation for the community’s artistic skills.
- Environmental Activities: The Luse festival often emphasizes the importance of nature and sustainability. Activities such as planting trees or conducting community clean-ups may be organized, reflecting the Nu people’s deep connection to their environment.
- Social Gatherings and Community Bonding: The Spring Festival serves as a social hub, where people from various villages come together. This aspect of the celebration fosters cooperation and friendship within the community, strengthening social ties.
