Short Brief

Chinese Name:华坪县傈僳族阔时节
English Name: Kuoshi Festival of Lisu Ethnic Minority in Huaping County, Lijiang

The Kuoshi Festival, also known as the New Year Singing and Dancing Festival, is a traditional festival of the Lisu people, celebrated as their New Year or Spring Festival. The festival dates vary by region. In Lisu-populated areas such as Huaping County in Yunnan Province, the festival begins on December 20th and lasts for half a month. In Dechang County, the festival aligns with the Han Chinese New Year, lasting from the first to the fifteenth day of the lunar calendar. Festivities include dusting, worship ceremonies, feeding hunting dogs, washing clothes, sending off gods, hair combing competitions for women, New Year greetings, embroidery, weaving, and dancing, creating a rich and unique festive atmosphere.

Customs and Traditions:

1. Dusting: After the fifteenth day of the twelfth lunar month, each household begins dusting on an auspicious day.
2. Washing Clothes: All clothes must be washed before the festival. The sight of Lisu women washing clothes by streams and hanging colorful garments on fences, branches, and stones creates a unique landscape.
3. Collecting Pine Needles: Before the festival, children collect yellow-green pine needles from the hills and scatter them on rooftops and in living rooms, symbolizing good harvests for the coming year.
4. New Year’s Eve Sacrifices: Sacrifices are meticulously carried out. A rooster is slaughtered under a tree in the mountains as an offering to the mountain gods, and the cooked chicken is brought home for the family reunion meal.
5. Offerings Before New Year Meal: A pig’s head is used for offerings to heaven, earth, household gods, and ancestors. Red paper with holes, door gods, and kitchen gods are placed on sheep pens, corn sheds, beehives, and woodpiles to wish for a prosperous new year.
6. New Year’s Eve Dinner: Pine needles are spread on the ground as a table for the festive meal, creating a lively atmosphere.
7. New Year’s Day Morning: Adults quietly wake up early, scatter pine needles on rooftops, make glutinous rice cakes, offer them to ancestral tablets, and set off firecrackers to welcome the deceased elders back home, burning incense for deceased elders in the community.
8. Festivities on New Year’s Day: The village comes alive with hair combing, weaving, embroidery, and dancing competitions for women, and target shooting, crossbow shooting, and sheep fighting for men. Children enjoy playing with slingshots and other games.
9. Visiting Relatives: From the second to the sixth day of the lunar new year, Lisu people visit relatives and friends, engaging in embroidery, weaving, and dancing.
10. Activities on the Sixth Day: During the day, they wash clothes and gather firewood; in the evening, they burn pig’s feet as an offering to ancestors.
11. Seventh Day Activities: Similar to the first day, with early morning god-sending ceremonies and offerings to tools such as hoes and knives, which can only be used after the ritual.
12. Fifteenth Day of the Lunar New Year: The festival concludes with offerings using a pig’s neck ring to household gods and heaven.

In 2009, the Kuoshi Festival of the Lisu people was recognized as a provincial intangible cultural heritage by the Sichuan Provincial Cultural Heritage Review Committee.

Huaping County Lisu Kuoshi Festival:

In 2024, Huaping County successfully held the Lisu Kuoshi Festival. During the festival, Huaping County hosted various activities, including an intangible cultural heritage exhibition, a seminar and investment promotion conference, a cultural performance and awarding ceremony for model units of ethnic unity, an exhibition showcasing ethnic unity and progress, and a specialty product exhibition. These activities showcased the unity and progress of all ethnic groups in Huaping, promoting extensive and in-depth exchanges and integration, and consolidating the achievements of ethnic unity and progress.

Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition:

The Lisu intangible cultural heritage is a vital part of the Chinese national traditional culture and a vivid testimony to the continuity of Chinese civilization. The exhibition featured a variety of Lisu costumes and handicrafts, highlighting the achievements in protecting and inheriting Huaping Lisu intangible cultural heritage. It facilitated close interaction between citizens, tourists, and inheritors, deepening the understanding of intangible cultural heritage and connecting traditional culture with modern life.

The exhibition also featured Lisu participants from outside the county, fostering cultural exchange among various ethnic groups.

Seminar and Investment Promotion Conference:

The seminar and investment promotion conference brought together experts, scholars, cultural inheritors, and representatives of intangible cultural heritage protection institutions to discuss the history, cultural significance, and protection of Lisu culture. The discussions aimed to provide new ideas and methods for the inheritance and protection of Lisu culture.

Cultural Performance and Awarding Ceremony:

The cultural performance, themed “Kuoshi Songs of Gratitude to the Party, Ethnic Unity Following the Party,” featured minority singers and dancers in vibrant ethnic costumes. Performances like “Endless Gratitude to the Party,” “One Family of Lisu People,” “Lisu Gaqie Sali Dance,” and “New Look of Lisu” celebrated the Communist Party, hometown, and new life, pushing the event to a climax. Leaders awarded model units and households for their contributions to ethnic unity and progress.

Ethnic Unity and Progress Showcase:

In the ethnic unity and progress showcase, representative teams from eight townships in the county performed diverse cultural programs, including songs, dances, instrumental music, opera, and costume parades. These performances highlighted the traditional culture and artistic characteristics of various ethnic groups, expressing the beauty of unity and celebration.

Specialty Product Exhibition:

The specialty product exhibition featured cultural items like embroidery, gourd flutes, bamboo crafts, and local products such as tea and mangoes. Confident staff introduced these products to citizens and tourists, attracting much interest. The exhibition showcased the cultural heritage protection achievements of Huaping, promoted creative transformation and innovative development of ethnic cultures, and supported rural revitalization.

The 2024 Huaping County Lisu Kuoshi Festival, through its “Five One” activities, showcased Huaping’s rich history, culture, customs, and resources, enhancing ethnic unity and confidence. It promoted the progress and prosperity of all ethnic groups, singing the song of happiness in the new era of ethnic unity and progress.

Future Plans:

Huaping County plans to continue promoting the consciousness of the Chinese national community, innovating methods, enriching content, and expanding the reach of education on ethnic unity. By doing so, the roots of ethnic unity and the soul of ethnic harmony will extend to all social fields, guiding the people of Huaping to firmly establish a shared community, fostering a framework of united effort, and striving for prosperity and development among all ethnic groups.

http://www.sohu.com/a/210797948_675844

Chinese Name: 元谋县姜驿乡马腊村傈僳族阔时节
English Name: Kuoshi Festival of Lisu Ethnic Minority in Yuanmou County, Chuxiong
Location:元谋县姜驿乡白果村委会马腊村
Kuoshi Festival of Lisu Ethnic Minority in Yuanmou County is held in Mala Village of Jiangyi Town.
http://www.ymwhg.org.cn/file_read.aspx?id=903

Overview 

• Chinese Name: 禄丰县中村乡傈僳族阔时节
• English Name: Kuoshi Festival of Lisu Ethnic Minority in Lufeng County, Chuxiong
• Location:禄丰县中村乡河西村委会三家村/Lufeng County is held in Sanjiacun Village of Zhongcun Town.

The Kuoshi Festival, also known as the “Lisu New Year,” is a significant traditional celebration for the Lisu ethnic minority in Lufeng County, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. This vibrant festival marks the beginning of the new agricultural year and typically takes place in December of the lunar calendar, usually coinciding with the winter solstice.

Origin

The Kuoshi Festival has its roots in the agricultural calendar and traditional beliefs of the Lisu people. It is an occasion to celebrate the harvest, pay respects to ancestors, and engage in communal activities that strengthen social bonds. The festival reflects the Lisu’s connection to nature and their agrarian lifestyle, highlighting their customs and cultural heritage.

Local Customs and Activities

1. Ritual Offerings:
   • At the heart of the Kuoshi Festival are rituals that honor ancestors and spirits. Families prepare offerings of food, including rice, meats, and fruits, to place on altars or in the fields.
   • Traditional prayers and invocations are performed to seek blessings for the upcoming year, including good harvests, health, and prosperity.
2. Family Reunions:
   • The festival emphasizes the importance of family. Many Lisu people travel back to their hometowns to celebrate with their families, sharing meals and festivities.
   • Reunions foster a sense of belonging and community, allowing families to bond over traditional customs and stories.
3. Traditional Foods:
   • Food plays a central role in the Kuoshi Festival. One of the highlights is the preparation of “pounded rice cake,” a special dish made from glutinous rice that is pounded into a sticky dough. It symbolizes unity and togetherness.
   • Other traditional dishes may include various meats, vegetables, and locally sourced ingredients, showcasing the agricultural richness of the region.
4. Cultural Performances:
   • The festival includes vibrant cultural performances, such as traditional songs, dances, and theatrical displays. Participants often don colorful traditional outfits that reflect the artistic heritage of the Lisu people.
   • Folk dances that tell stories of Lisu traditions, legends, and everyday life are performed, showcasing the community’s oral history and artistic expression.
5. Games and Sports:
   • Traditional games and competitions are an integral part of the festivities. Activities like archery, tug-of-war, and various athletic competitions engage participants and spectators alike.
   • These games not only provide entertainment but also reinforce community spirit, camaraderie, and physical fitness.
6. Joyful Gatherings:
   • Singing and dancing are common during the Kuoshi Festival. Community members often gather in public spaces to sing folk songs, share stories, and engage in friendly banter.
   • The atmosphere during the festival is lively and joyous, fostering a sense of unity and shared cultural pride.
7. Bonfire Celebrations:
   • In some areas, bonfires may be lit as part of the festivities, symbolizing warmth, unity, and the dispelling of negative energies. People gather around to express their wishes for the future through songs and dances around the fire.

Significance

The Kuoshi Festival is a profound expression of the Lisu ethnic group’s cultural identity, comprising rich traditions and customs. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and celebration—a moment to appreciate the past year’s harvest while looking forward to the future. The festival reinforces community ties and emphasizes the value of family, friendship, and heritage, ensuring that the customs and practices of the Lisu people are preserved for future generations.

For visitors, attending the Kuoshi Festival offers a unique opportunity to engage with the Lisu culture, experience their vibrant traditions, and witness the communal spirit that characterizes this important celebration. The festival serves as a beautiful reminder of the diversity and richness of ethnic cultures in China.

Overview

Chinese Name: 大理祥云县东山彝族乡傈僳族拼火节
English Name: Pinhuo Festival of Lisu Ethnic Minority in Xiangyun County, Dali
Location: 祥云县东山彝族乡小庄子村委会老里么村/Laolime Village, Xiaozhuangzi Village Committee, Dongshan Yi Ethnic Township, Xiangyun County

PinHuo Festival(拼火节) is held every year in Laolimo（老里么） Village, Xiaozhuangzi(小庄子) Village Committee, Dongshan（东山） Yi Nationality Township, Xiangyun（祥云） County. It has a history of several hundred years. According to legend, in ancient times, Lisu ancestors of today’s Laolimoers, in order to escape the war, moved and settled in the remote Laolimo, leading a hard life of farming and hunting. Because of the small number of people and the harsh living environment, every time the tribe hunts its prey, the prey must be, year after year, divided equally in the back mountains among men, women and children. In order to commemorate this tradition, every year on the eighth day of February in the lunar calendar, people gather together for dinner by bringing their most delicious dishes. Later, it gradually evolved into the traditional Lisu festival of PinHuo Festival.

What attracts people most are not only delicious foods for the festival with hundreds of history. The local dancing for praying with rich national characteristics and extremely mysterious stunt performances are the real tourism feast.

Dancing to Praying for Blessings from Door to Door

Introduction

About 9 a.m. on the day of the festival, the DuanGon（端公）, a person with special skills designated by villagers, begins organizing more than 10 men in the village to dance door-to-door to pray for blessings。

When the prayer team goes to the doors of each house, after firing firecrackers, the hosts will hide in the room to welcome the Duangong. The prayers begin dancing in each room and searching for people hiding inside. Once they find the middle-aged man, they will put a wooden knife around his neck, tie the man up with a chain, apply a layer of soot on his face, and then drag the middle-aged man to the courtyard to dance. At this time, the Duangong distributes the host’s prepared five-grain, melon seeds, candy and other things. After the blessing, the middle-aged who was tied up could move around. Finally, the prayer team goes to another family to dance to pray for blessings again.

The Amazing Unique Stunt

The 3:00 P.M is the busiest hour in the mountains behind the laolimo. Everyone begins to taste food and sing while dancing all night long. The mountains behind the laolimo are now the coliseum of the Lisu people from the surrounding area. Some perform couples’ duets, some sing love songs to the opposite sex, some people dance in a circle, Some show their unique acrobatics here.

The most notable thing on the stage is the ancient unique stunt of Mao Guocai（毛国才）, the inheritor of intangible cultural heritage.His performance include putting hands in the oil pan, eating burning charcoal, licking a red plough with fire。

On the stage, two villagers carry out a pot with pliers. Under the pot is a red charcoal fire, and in the pot the oil sparks. After the pot is put in place, Mao GuoCai puts his hand in the pot and pulls some items out of it。Then he takes out burning charcoals and eats it with relish. Just as the audience is amazed at it, Mao Guocai’s next move is even more incredible. Only after the staff hands over the fiery iron plough does Mao sticks out his tongue and licks it.

According to his introduction, these special skills were taught by his father, and now he has also taught them to his son. For the intangible cultural heritage, the only people can perform the stunt in the village are from his family only. When asked about the know-how of it, his answer is that the know-how does exist as that of magic, but wound not allowed to be taught to others not from his family.

Chinese Version: http://news.ifeng.com/gundong/detail_2013_03/27/23562312_0.shtml

Overview

• Chinese Name:大理祥云县米甸镇傈僳族祭龙会
• English Name: Dragon Worship Festival (Jilonghui) of Lisu Ethnic Minority in Xiangyun County, Dali
• Location: Dragon Worship Festival in Xiangyun County is held in Lilame Village of Midian Town.

The Dragon Worship Festival is an important cultural event celebrated by the Lisu ethnic minority in Xiangyun County, Dali, Yunnan Province, China. This festival is typically held in the summer, often around the time of the summer solstice, and it is deeply rooted in the Lisu people’s agricultural practices and spiritual beliefs.

Introduction to the Festival

The Dragon Worship Festival is a celebration that expresses gratitude to the dragon, which is considered a symbol of rain and fertility in Lisu culture. It is believed that by worshiping the dragon, the Lisu people can ensure a good harvest and pray for abundant rainfall. The festival combines elements of animism, ancestor worship, and agricultural rituals.

Local Activities and Celebrations

During the Dragon Worship Festival, several unique activities and ceremonies take place, including:

1. Ritual Ceremonies: The festival typically begins with rituals conducted by local shamans. They perform prayers and blessings to call upon the dragon, asking for rain and a prosperous farming season. Offerings, which may include rice, fruits, and other items, are presented at altars set up for the dragon.
2. Cultural Performances: Traditional music and dance are integral parts of the festival. Lisu people perform folk dances and songs, often wearing colorful traditional costumes. These performances celebrate the culture and heritage of the Lisu community.
3. Dragon Parades: Some areas may hold dragon parades, where participants create elaborate dragon puppets or costumes. This lively and colorful display symbolizes the dragon’s power and its connection to water and agriculture.
4. Sports and Games: Traditional sports and games are organized, fostering community spirit and enjoyment. Activities may include races, tug-of-war, and various traditional games that showcase strength and agility.
5. Feasting: Food plays a central role in the festival. Families come together to prepare and share traditional dishes, which often feature local ingredients. This communal sharing of food enhances the festive atmosphere and strengthens social bonds.
6. Social Gatherings: The festival serves as a significant social occasion for the Lisu people, providing an opportunity for communities to come together, forge relationships, and celebrate their identity.

The Dragon Festival in Lilame Village of Midian Town in Xiangyun County, Dali

On March 8, the second day of the second lunar month, the village comes alive with the Dragon Festival, known as “祭龙会” (Jì lóng huì) or “Dragon Worship Festival” in the Lisu language. The festival is celebrated with much enthusiasm and is believed to bring rain and blessings for the year. The village is adorned with festive decorations, and the villagers are busy preparing for the celebrations, including setting up the venue, slaughtering chickens and sheep, and making other arrangements for the guests.

The Dragon Festival is a traditional ritual held before the agricultural activities of the year begin, where the community prays for favorable weather, bountiful harvests, and general prosperity and safety. It combines rich agricultural culture, unique ethnic customs, and entertainment, and has been widely recognized and celebrated for many years.

Activities and Events:

1. Morning Rituals:
   • Venue Preparation: Cleaning the site and arranging for the celebration.
   • Rituals: Traditional Lisu ceremonies and offerings are performed by the ritual priest.
2. Festival Traditions:
   • Dragon Worship: The festival involves worshipping the dragon, believed to bring rain and blessings.
   • Activities: Includes erecting the dragon pole, climbing the heavenly ladder, taking mud baths, and traditional farming methods like slash-and-burn.
3. Cultural Performances:
   • Artistic Performances: Local and regional amateur art troupes perform various traditional songs and dances, including “Reed Pipe Dance,” “Lisu Folk Tunes,” and others.
   • Fashion Show: A display of traditional Lisu costumes, showcasing vibrant and diverse attire.
4. Evening Festivities:
   • Campfire Party: An energetic celebration with traditional songs, dances, and a lively campfire gathering.

Festival Significance:

The Dragon Festival has evolved from a local village celebration into a multi-ethnic cultural event, showcasing the rich traditions and vibrant culture of the Lisu people. It represents the unity and harmony of the local community and highlights the region’s prosperity and cultural richness.

Local Hospitality:

The Lisu people are known for their hospitality and warmth. Visitors are greeted with traditional Lisu wine and songs, reflecting the community’s genuine friendliness and eagerness to share their culture.

Visit Li Lame Village:

The Dragon Festival, held annually on March 11, offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural traditions of the Lisu people. The festival promises an engaging blend of traditional rituals, cultural performances, and community celebrations. Li Lame Village warmly invites visitors to join in the festivities and experience the lively and welcoming spirit of the Lisu community.

Festival Schedule:

• 13:00 – 14:30: Rituals, dragon pole erection, ladder climbing, and mud bathing.
• 15:00 – 16:00: Stage performances and group singing.
• 20:00 – 21:30: Campfire party and social gathering.

The Lisu people eagerly await your visit, extending their warm hospitality through traditional customs, music, and dance.

Short Introduction of the Festivtal

• Chinese Name: 大理祥云县祥城镇白龙潭村傈僳族七人节
• English Name: Qiren Festival of Lisu Ethnic Minority in Xiangyun County, Dali
• Location: Bailongtan Village of Xiangcheng Town in Xiangyun County, Dali

Every year on the seventh day of the first lunar month, the traditional festival of the Lisu ethnic group is celebrated in Cunde Village, Xiangcheng Town—known as the “Qiren Festival” (Seven People Festival).

The origin of the “Qiren Festival” comes from the Lisu people’s primitive understanding of the relationship between heaven, earth, and humanity.

Starting from the first day of the lunar new year each year, the Lisu people categorize the elements of nature and the ecological chain as follows: one day, two earth, three pigs, four cows, five goats, six horses, seven people, eight grains, nine beans, ten wheat… This reflects the folk concept that “food is the primary necessity of the people.” The Lisu people celebrate the seventh day of the first lunar month as the birthday of all humans, a tradition that has been passed down to this day, forming the unique “Qiren Festival.”

Activities during the Festival

The “Qiren Festival” features a rich variety of activities, including ancestral worship, traditional performances of extraordinary skills such as “Walking on the Knife Mountain” and “Crossing the Fire Sea,” exhibitions of ethnic costumes and dances, singing duels, and traditional pine needle banquet gatherings. Lisu people from the local area as well as from Yongping County, Fengyi Town in Dali City, Chuxiong, Baoshan, Lijiang, and other places come together to celebrate this festive occasion.

People from various ethnic groups around the Bailongtan area, as well as guests and tourists from both domestic and international locations, also join in the joyous festival activities.

During the traditional song and dance performances, a total of 18 exciting ethnic music and dance programs such as “Zhi Pei Duo,” “Qi Ben Gua Qi Qi,” and “Zhi Pei Ma Duo Ge Ma Sa” fill the venue with a joyful atmosphere.

The highlight of the event is undoubtedly the traditional Lisu skills performances featuring “Walking on the Knife Mountain” and “Crossing the Fire Sea.” The atmosphere is both tense and enthusiastic, as the audience is captivated by the bravery of the Lisu warriors, leading to continuous cheers and applause.

Basic Introduction of the Festival

• Chinese Name: 大理漾濞县傈僳族爬刀杆
• English Name: Knife-ladder-climbing Festival of Lisu Ethnic Minority in Yangbi County, Dali
• Location: Yangbi County, Dali

The Knife-Ladder-Climbing Festival of the Lisu ethnic minority, celebrated in Yangbi County of Dali Prefecture, is a unique and vibrant cultural event that reflects the traditions, values, and communal spirit of the Lisu people. Here’s a closer look at the festival, including its origins, significance, and local activities.The Knife-Ladder-Climbing Festival is not just an intense display of bravery; it is a vibrant celebration of Lisu culture, spirituality, and community spirit in Yangbi County. Through its rich traditions and activities, the festival nurtures a sense of belonging, preserves cultural identity, and fosters resilience among the Lisu people. By coming together to celebrate this unique event, the community honors its past while looking forward to a prosperous future.

Origin of the Festival

The origins of the Knife-Ladder-Climbing Festival can be traced back to ancient agricultural practices and folk traditions of the Lisu ethnic group. The festival is believed to stem from early rituals related to farming, harvest celebrations, and ancestor worship, embodying the community’s connection to nature and their reliance on agricultural prosperity.

Historically, the knife ladder was created as a symbol of bravery; it represents overcoming challenges and fears. The practice of climbing the knife ladder has evolved from a rite of passage for young men into a broader communal celebration that honors courage and resilience. The festival typically occurs during the harvest season, serving as both a celebration of the year’s agricultural successes and a way to ensure continued favor from spiritual forces.

Significance of the Festival

1. Cultural Identity: The Knife-Ladder-Climbing Festival is a critical expression of Lisu cultural heritage. It solidifies the Lisu people’s unique identity and strengthens their community bonds.
2. Rite of Passage: Climbing the knife ladder is a significant rite of passage for young men, symbolizing their transition into adulthood and their readiness to assume responsibilities within the community.
3. Spiritual Beliefs: The festival holds spiritual significance by honoring ancestors and local deities, seeking blessings for safety, health, and a prosperous harvest.
4. Community Cohesion: The festival fosters a sense of belonging and solidarity among the Lisu people, bringing families and communities together.

Local Activities

The Knife-Ladder-Climbing Festival features a variety of traditional activities that celebrate Lisu culture and community. Key activities include:

1. Knife Ladder Climbing: The centerpiece of the festival, participants climb the knife ladder—a structure made of wooden planks affixed with sharp knives. Climbing the ladder is a test of courage and agility, and those who succeed are celebrated as heroes within the community.
2. Ritual Offerings: Community members make offerings to ancestors and deities, including food, wine, and incense, to seek blessings for safety, well-being, and agricultural success.
3. Traditional Performances: The festival is alive with traditional music and dance performances. Participants wear colorful Lisu costumes while performing folk songs and dances that tell stories of their heritage and values.
4. Competitions and Games: The festival often includes various competitions, such as tug-of-war, wrestling, and archery, which highlight traditional skills and foster friendly rivalries among community members.
5. Culinary Celebrations: Traditional Lisu food plays an essential role in the festival, with families preparing and sharing local delicacies. The festive atmosphere is enriched by communal feasts where people enjoy traditional dishes, reinforcing social bonds.
6. Community Gatherings: The festival serves as a significant social gathering, allowing families and community members to connect, share experiences, and reinforce their cultural ties.
7. Cultural Education: The Knife-Ladder-Climbing Festival also provides an opportunity for cultural preservation and education, as elders share stories, customs, and traditional knowledge with younger generations.

• Chinese Name: 大理宾川县宝丰寺傈僳族阔时节
• English Name: Kuoshi Festival of Lisu Ethnic Minority in Binchuan County, Dali
• Location: Baofengsi Village of Daying Town/ Zhongying Lisu and Yi Ethnic Town

Overview

• Chinese Name: 大理云龙县傈僳族阔时节
• English Name: Kuoshi Festival of Lisu Ethnic Minority in Yunlong County, Dali
• Kuoshi Festival is held in the Lisu ethnic towns of Miaowei (苗尾傈僳族乡)and Biaocun (表村傈僳族乡).

The Kuoshi Festival is one of the most significant and vibrant celebrations of the Lisu ethnic minority, celebrated prominently in Yunlong County, located in Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. This festival, steeped in tradition and cultural heritage, is a time for the Lisu people to come together, pay homage to their ancestors, and celebrate the harvest. Here’s a detailed introduction to the Kuoshi Festival, including its origins, significance, and the activities involved.

Origins of the Kuoshi Festival

The Kuoshi Festival has its roots in ancient agricultural practices and the Lisu people’s belief system. Traditionally held annually, it marks the end of the harvest season and is an expression of gratitude to the gods and ancestors for the blessings and good fortune received throughout the year. The name “Kuoshi” roughly translates to “sacrifice festival,” reflecting its significance as a time to offer thanks and seek continued blessings for the community.

Historically, the festival has been linked to the Lisu people’s agrarian lifestyle, emphasizing their connection to nature, the earth, and the cycles of farming. Over the years, the festival has become a vital part of Lisu cultural identity, encompassing elements of spirituality, community cohesion, and celebration.

Significance of the Festival

1. Cultural Celebration: The Kuoshi Festival serves as a critical expression of Lisu cultural heritage, allowing the community to showcase their traditions, music, dance, and clothing, thus reinforcing their unique cultural identity.
2. Spiritual Connection: The festival is a time for spiritual observance, where participants communicate with and pay respect to their ancestors and deities, seeking blessings for health, happiness, and a bountiful harvest in the coming year.
3. Community Unity: The festival fosters a sense of togetherness, bringing families and community members closer as they celebrate their shared heritage, values, and achievements.
4. Rite of Passage: The festival also includes rituals that signify important life transitions, particularly for young people, as they step into adulthood and take on new roles in the community.

Local Activities

The Kuoshi Festival features a variety of engaging activities that reflect the Lisu people’s rich cultural traditions. Key activities during the festival include:

1. Ritual Offerings: The festival begins with ceremonies where offerings, including food, wine, and incense, are made at altars dedicated to ancestors and deities. These rituals express gratitude for past blessings and ask for future protection and prosperity.
2. Traditional Music and Dance: Music and dance are integral elements of the festival. Lisu people don traditional costumes and participate in lively performances that include singing folk songs and dancing, showcasing vibrant rhythms and movements that celebrate their culture and history.
3. Culinary Traditions: Food plays a central role in the Kuoshi Festival, with community members preparing and sharing traditional dishes, often featuring locally sourced ingredients. Communal feasts allow families to bond, share, and celebrate their culinary heritage.
4. Competitions and Sports: The festival often includes traditional games and athletic competitions, such as races, tug-of-war, and wrestling. These activities promote camaraderie and friendly competition among community members.
5. Cultural Exhibitions: Some festivals feature displays of traditional crafts, artwork, and local customs, allowing younger generations to learn about their heritage and fostering appreciation for Lisu culture.
6. Social Gatherings: The Kuoshi Festival serves as a vital social event, where families and friends gather to reconnect, share stories, and enjoy the festive atmosphere, reinforcing community bonds.
7. Rite of Passage Ceremonies: Young members of the community may participate in special ceremonies that signify important transitions into adulthood, often receiving blessings and guidance from elders.

Conclusion

The Kuoshi Festival is a rich cultural celebration that embodies the spirit, traditions, and values of the Lisu ethnic minority in Yunlong County, Dali. Through its diverse activities, including rituals, music, dance, and communal gatherings, the festival not only preserves Lisu cultural heritage but also reinforces the importance of community, spirituality, and shared identity. The Kuoshi Festival stands as a vibrant reminder of the Lisu people’s connection to their ancestors, their land, and each other, making it a deeply meaningful event in their annual calendar.

Basic Introduction

• Chinese Name: 大理永平县傈僳族阔时节
• English Name: Kuoshi Festival of Lisu Ethnic Minority in Yongping County, Dali
• Kuoshi Festival is held in the towns of Beidou (北斗), Shuixie (水泄), Changjie (厂街), Longjie(龙街) and Shanyang(杉阳) where Lisu Ethnic People inhabit in Yongping County.

The Kuoshi Festival is a significant cultural event celebrated by the Lisu ethnic minority, particularly in regions like Yongping County, Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. This vibrant festival, also known as the “Lisu New Year” or the “Sacrifice Festival,” is deeply rooted in the Lisu people’s agricultural traditions, spiritual beliefs, and cultural heritage. Here’s an introduction to the Kuoshi Festival, highlighting its origins, significance, and various activities.

Origins of the Kuoshi Festival

The Kuoshi Festival has its origins in ancient agricultural practices and animistic beliefs. Traditionally held in the late autumn, often timed to coincide with the end of the harvest season, it marks a time for the Lisu people to express gratitude for the blessings received throughout the year. The term “Kuoshi” roughly translates to “sacrificial festival,” indicating the elements of offering and reverence toward ancestors and deities.

This festival is an important occasion for the Lisu to celebrate not only their agricultural successes but also their cultural identity and unity as a community. It embodies the Lisu worldview, which emphasizes harmony with nature and respect for ancestors.

Significance of the Festival

1. Cultural Expression: The Kuoshi Festival is a vibrant showcase of Lisu culture, allowing community members to come together to celebrate their unique traditions, language, music, and dance.
2. Spiritual Observance: The festival serves as a time for spiritual reflection and connection, as participants engage in rituals to honor ancestors and seek blessings for future prosperity, health, and happiness.
3. Community Bonding: The festival strengthens social ties within the community as families and friends gather to participate in various events and activities, reinforcing cultural continuity and shared values.
4. Celebration of Agriculture: As an agricultural celebration, the festival acknowledges the hard work of farmers and the importance of the land, highlighting the Lisu’s connection to their environment.

Local Activities

The Kuoshi Festival in Yongping County features a variety of traditional activities that reflect Lisu customs and community spirit:

1. Ritual Offerings: The festival typically begins with ceremonies where offerings, including food, wine, and incense, are presented at altars to honor ancestors and local deities. This is a crucial aspect of the festival, as it expresses gratitude and invokes blessings for the coming year.
2. Traditional Music and Dance: Music and dance are central to the Kuoshi Festival. Participants often perform traditional songs and dances, donning colorful ethnic attire. These performances celebrate Lisu culture and history and create a lively atmosphere.
3. Culinary Traditions: Food plays a major role, with families preparing special dishes to share with one another during the festival. The communal meals foster a sense of togetherness and community spirit.
4. Games and Competitions: Various traditional games and sports are held, including tug-of-war, races, and other activities that encourage participation and friendly competition among community members.
5. Cultural Displays: Some festivities may include exhibitions of traditional crafts, showcasing the artistic skills of the Lisu people and providing insights into their rich cultural heritage.
6. Social Gatherings: The festival serves as a time for socializing and reconnecting, with families and friends gathering to share stories, celebrate achievements, and enjoy the festivities together.
7. Rite of Passage Ceremonies: Special activities may be organized for young people, marking important transitions in their lives, such as coming of age, and receiving blessings from elders.

Overview of the Festival

• Chinese Name: 盈江县傈僳族阔时节
• English Name: Kuoshi Festival of Lisu Ethnic Minority in Yingjiang County, Dehong
• Location: Yingjiang County, Dehong

“Kuoshi” in Lisu language means “New Year,” with “kuo” meaning “year” and “shi” meaning “new.” The Kuoshi Festival is the most significant traditional festival for the Lisu people. During Kuoshi, households are busy slaughtering pigs, making sticky rice cakes, and brewing rice wine. They hold ceremonies to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one, praying for favorable weather, abundant food, and happiness in the coming year. The festival fills everyone’s heart with a warm sense of joy.

In the grand celebrations of the Kuoshi Festival, the Lisu people’s Daga dance moves and thrills the soul. Performances like climbing knife ladders, walking through fire, and stepping on glass are breathtaking and awe-inspiring.

First Stop: Shimiwadi in Yingjiang

Shimiwadi, also known as Huangcaoba, means “Golden Grassland” in the Lisu language. This picturesque place is located in the Sudian Lisu Township of Yingjiang County, at an altitude of over 1,000 meters, with over 2,000 acres of natural grassland. Shimiwadi is the homeland of clouds, the source of mist, and a paradise for colorful clouds. The plain is dotted with cattle and horses, unique trees, meandering rivers, and gently rolling terrain surrounded by hills. It blooms in spring, shades in summer, fruits in autumn, and greens in winter, resembling a utopia and serving as an ideal destination for tourists.

Recently, Shimiwadi remains frosty in the early morning, maintaining its springtime romance. Departing from the plains at 6 a.m., visitors can witness its beauty upon arrival. For those who find early mornings challenging, staying overnight in a stargazing tent in Shimiwadi offers the experience of waking up to a white world outside the door. After a day of play, the sunset casts an orange glow over the night, and the sky fills with stars as you sit by a bonfire, enjoying the tranquility far from the city. If you haven’t visited Shimiwadi yet, take this festival as an opportunity!

Second Stop: Lisu Ancient Village of Xiamongpi

Xiamongpi is a Lisu ethnic minority village with bamboo fences, bamboo and wooden buildings, and small bridges over flowing water, exuding a strong Lisu cultural atmosphere. Upon entering the village, mysterious “sacred pillars” with “holy bowls” atop line both sides of the road, invoking a sense of awe and reverence. On the left side of the village square, a circular hill hosts the more mysterious and ancient altar “Shimiwadi Sacred Pillars,” adorned with goat and cow heads, eerie and daunting. Scattered “stone inscriptions” on the hillsides, pathways, and courtyards tell stories of this ancient people with their intriguing, rustic, and vigorous carvings.

Third Stop: Shenhuguan Ruins

After enjoying natural beauty, immerse yourself in history and culture. At the junction of Sudian Township and Zhanxi Town in Yingjiang County stands the Shenhuguan Ruins. Shenhuguan, one of the eight passes built during the Ming Dynasty’s Wanli reign to defend against invasions, was known locally as “Laoguancheng.” Controlling key routes like Chashan, Guyong, Weimian, and Yixi, it was a strategic point. According to “Tengyue Prefecture Annals,” the fort was thirty zhang around, three zhang high, with a five-zhang-four chi tall tower and an official residence. The ancient gate tunnel was seven zhang deep, one zhang wide, and one zhang three chi high, with nine chi high walls on either side. In 1986, the site was listed as a protected cultural relic in Yingjiang County, with a commemorative stone stele. In 2009, it became a protected cultural relic of Dehong Prefecture. Today, remnants of bricks and stones from the once-mighty pass still tell its historical tales.

From its construction in the twenty-second year of Wanli to today, Shenhuguan has stood for over four hundred years. Despite its current ruins, the remaining walls and bricks continue to narrate its history, singing timeless patriotic songs.

Besides festive activities, historical culture, and scenic beauty, the local cuisine will captivate you! Yingjiang’s culinary delights include Lisu-style chicken porridge, bamboo rice chicken, new rice, fermented fish, pickled vegetables, stinky bamboo shoots, buckwheat jelly, and Jeep-cooked eggs.

Basic Introduction of the Festival

• Chinese Name: 怒江贡山县傈僳族江沙埋情人节
• English Name: Sand Burying Lover Festival of Lisu Ethnic Minority in Gongshan County, Nujiang
• Location: Gongshan County, Nujiang

“Burial of the Lover in the River Sand” is a traditional festival entertainment and courtship activity of the Lisu youth in Fugong County, Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is held around the 4th and 5th day of the lunar New Year each year. During this time, young men and women gather by the banks of the Nu River to sing, dance, and play.

With the help of their companions, they dig a sand pit on the beach and “bury” their chosen partner, pretending to be extremely sad and crying, singing mourning songs and performing mourning dances. After the commotion, they then pull their chosen partner out of the pit. They believe that through this activity, they can express the sincerity and depth of their feelings for each other, and at the same time, “bury” the “death spirit” attached to their loved one, wishing for their health and longevity.

In addition to this activity, the Lisu youth in the Fugong area also hold a “Shooting Eggs on the Head” contest. During the competition, young men carry a quiver of arrows and use crossbows, with their loved one balancing a bowl on their head containing an egg (or a wooden bowl with rice and an egg inside) as the target, standing a few meters away. When the competition starts, the young man, calm and composed, draws the bowstring, nocks the arrow, and releases it with a “pop” sound as the egg bursts, while the loved one remains unharmed, prompting enthusiastic applause from the surrounding crowd.

This is an exhilarating and gripping contest that tests skill, courage, and genuine feelings. Naturally, less skilled young men would prefer to miss the egg rather than risk injuring their loved one.

Key Activities of the Festival

1. Traditional Rituals: The festival often begins with rituals to offer thanks to ancestors and nature spirits for a good harvest and blessings in love. Participants may engage in prayers and offerings, highlighting the connection between their cultural beliefs and daily life.
2. Sand Burying Ceremony: The main event of the festival involves young men and women gathering on the banks of a river or in a designated area, where they dig shallow pits in the sand. Young men will “bury” their beloved in the sand while expressing mock sorrow. This dramatic act symbolizes deep affection and the playful desire to rid their loved ones of any negative spirits or influences.
3. Singing and Dancing: There are many traditional songs and dances performed during the festival. These performances often include folk dances that showcase the Lisu people’s relationship with nature and their community. Participants wear traditional attire, adding color and vibrancy to the festivities.
4. Mourning Songs and Dances: During the burial ceremony, participants may perform mourning songs and dances, which, despite their somber theme, are intended to convey love and emotional connection. These performances highlight the cultural significance of expressing feelings in a communal setting.
5. Community Games and Competitions: In addition to the sand burying activity, various games and competitions are organized, encouraging participation from all community members. This can include traditional contests like archery or marksmanship, with the focus often on demonstrating skill and bravery.
6. Culinary Celebrations: Food plays a crucial role in the festival, as families and groups come together to prepare and share traditional Lisu dishes. The culinary aspects not only enhance the communal spirit but also offer a chance to enjoy the local flavors and celebrate the harvest.
7. Cultural Exchange: The festival serves as an opportunity for other ethnic groups and visitors to engage with the Lisu culture, fostering cultural exchange and understanding. This interaction helps preserve the festival’s significance and allows for the sharing of traditions.

Cultural Significance

The Sand Burying Lover Festival is not only a musical and artistic event but also a profound expression of love, community, and cultural identity for the Lisu people. Through these activities, the youth can engage in courtship rituals, build social connections, and reinforce community ties. The festival is an important way for the Lisu youth to navigate the complexities of love and relationships within the context of their cultural heritage.

Conclusion

In summary, the Sand Burying Lover Festival in Gongshan County is a vibrant celebration rich in cultural practices that reflect the Lisu ethnic group’s values and traditions. Through its various activities, the festival fosters a sense of community, respect for nature, and a deep appreciation for the bonds of love and friendship that underpin Lisu society.

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