Historical Origin

• Origin: The “Erzi Song” dance is a traditional dance art with Nu culture characteristics, preserved among the Bai people in Jiance Township, Yunlong County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. “Erzi Song” means “dance of the dumb” in Bai language. It originated from the Nu culture, which dates back over 3,000 years to the Shang and Zhou Dynasties. This dance was initially a ritual to drive away evil spirits and later evolved into a folk dance for exorcism, blessing, and celebration.
• Cultural Background: “Erzi Song” is deeply rooted in the Bai people’s folk culture and religious beliefs. It reflects their ancient agricultural culture, cultural psychology, and unique artistic traditions. The dance is considered a “living fossil” of dance art and is one of the few surviving examples of Bai Nu culture in Dali.

Dance Performance

• Performance Process: The “Erzi Song” performance is divided into three sections:
  • First Section: “Erzi Making a Feast”: Includes performances like “Jumping in Four Directions” and “Erzig rab Red Meat”.
  • Second Section: “Erzi Making a Wedding”: Includes performances like “Blocking the Color Door”, “Worshiping the God of Happiness”, “Spring Official Trial”, and “Naming the Dishes”.
  • Third Section: “Sending the Earth God”: Includes performances like “Worshiping the Earth God”, “Raising the Five Directions of Earth”, and “Sending the Earth God”.
• Role Division: The performance usually involves 10 people, each playing specific roles such as the old man, Erzi, Erzi’s wife, the Spring Official, the doctor, and the guide. All roles are played by men and are dressed according to their roles. For example, the Spring Official wears Ming Dynasty official clothing and paper glasses, while the old man wears local Bai clothing with a white paper beard and a cane.

Cultural Value

• Characteristics: “Erzi Song” is a primitive theatrical dance that combines dance and drama performance. It has characteristics of “primitiveness, ritualism, theatricality, and danceability”. It preserves ancient symbols of nature worship, fertility worship, and ancestor worship, reflecting the Bai people’s ancient farming culture and cultural psychology.
• Research Value: “Erzi Song” is an important resource for studying the history, ethnic relations, folk religions, and customs of the Bai people. It has high historical and ethnological research value.
• Inheritance Significance: As a precious part of the original culture in mountainous Bai areas, “Erzi Song” is an important carrier of Bai traditional farming culture, folk culture, and religious culture. It is a significant intangible cultural heritage that needs to be protected and passed down.

Heritage and Protection

• Heritage Status: In 2014, “Erzi Song” was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage by the State Council. Currently, there are only a few inheritance people who can perform “Erzi Song”, and the inheritance of this art form is facing challenges.
• Protection Measures: To protect and pass on this precious intangible cultural heritage, Yunlong County has increased publicity and protection efforts, conducted field investigations, and established project archives. In 2002, “Erzi Song” was invited to perform at the “Japan International Folk Art Festival”, bringing it to an international audience. In 2016, three protection and inheritance bases were established in Yunlong County, and a theme cultural square is being built in Jiance Township, the core area of “Erzi Song” transmission.

Representative Inheritors

• Yang Chunwen: As a representative inheritor of the national intangible cultural heritage project “Erzi Song”, Yang Chunwen has made significant contributions to the protection and传承of “Erzi Song”. Between 1998 and 2001, he led the training of local young actors and participated in international exchange activities, bringing “Erzi Song” to the world stage.

Dage Dance of Yi Ethnic Minority in Weishan County, Dali

http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-11111-1226.html

 House Painting of Bai Ethnic Minority in Dali 大理白族民居彩绘

http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-11111-1144.html

Huadeng Opera in Midu County, Dali  弥渡花灯

Huadeng: Festive Lantern

http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-11111-1147.html

Brief Introduction

Tie-dyeing, known as “valerian”(絞缬) in ancient times, is an ancient textile dyeing process in China. Dali City, Zhou Town, Xizhou Town(喜洲镇) , Weishan Yi Hui Autonomous County, Dacang(大仓),  and other places still retain this traditional craft, of which the Bai ethnic minority tie-dyeing in Zhoucheng(周城白) is the most famous, named by the Ministry of Culture in 1996 as “the home of national tie-dyeing art”. Tie-dyed fabrics are widely used in clothing, home decoration, etc. They have high aesthetic value and practical functions. The products are well received by domestic and foreign consumers, and are one of the main types of export products of Dali.

Characteristics of the Tie-dyeing 

Bai People’s tie-dyeing is known as “pimple dyeing” in the folk, that is, before dyeing, the white cloth is overlapped or tightened with needles and threads according to the designed pattern, presenting a “pimple” shape. After repeated impregnation, the untreated “knots” are separated into various flower shapes. The finished products are blue or white flowers with blue background. They are fresh, elegant, unique flavor and very artistic appeal. Tie-dyeing has a variety of varieties, rich patterns and good luck. It mainly includes flowers, plants, birds, animals, fish and insects, patterns and graphics, natural scenery, font symbols and so on. More than 1,000 patterns and patterns contain Bai people’s profound historical and cultural accumulation, reflecting Bai people’s customs and aesthetic taste. 

Tie-dyeing Making Process

Tie-dyeing materials are generally white cotton or cotton-linen blended white cloth. The main dyes are plant indigo or Indigo (commonly known as Banlangen板蓝根). The main steps of traditional tie-dyeing include tie-up, soaking, dyeing, drying, thread removal, rinsing and grinding. The key technology of tie-dyeing is tie-up technique and dip-dyeing process. The tie-up process is very complicated. The patterns of each tie-dyed cloth adopt several different tie-up needles, such as tie, pinch, crepe, bundle, wrap, twist, fold, fold, sew and pick. For repeated dyeing, it is necessary to go through many processes, sometimes several days before dyeing a piece of cloth. Besides the number of times of dyeing, the color of the dyed cloth is also related to the dyeing technology, the distribution of dyes, drying, climate and so on. Dyeing cylinder, dyeing rod, drying rack, stone mill and so on are its main tools.

Inheritance and Protection

In recent years, although the prospect of tie-dyeing of Bai nationality is good, there are still some worries about its protection and inheritance, such as: some traditional techniques and tools are gradually being replaced by modern techniques and machinery; plant dye Banlangen has a long planting cycle and a small number of planting, which can not meet the needs of large-scale and industrial development; pollution caused by tie-dyeing; The confusion of market operation and the dilution of folk characteristics need to be further solved.

Chinese Version: http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-11110-1251.html
Translated by Winnie/张赢

Raosanling Ceremony

Raosanling Ceremony is one of the important folk festivals of Bai Ethnic Minority in Dali region, which originated from Nanzhao and was originally a ritual of Bai nationality’s ancient religious sacrifice.  Raosanling is called “Guanshanglan”(逛山林)( “strolling through mountains and forests). It is spread in Bai villages in Cangshan(苍山)  urhai(洱海) area of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture. So far, it has a history of more than 1000 years. In 2006, it was approved by the State Council to be included in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage list.

The Origin And Meaning of the Celebrate

“Three spirits” refers to the three God symbols on the West Bank of Erhai Lake. They are the important masters worshiped by Bai nationality and the Buddhist gods introduced into Dali area. The temples dedicated to them are called “Buddha Capital” (Dali Holy Temple), “Shendu神都” (Duan Zongbang Temple段宗榜) and “Xiandu仙都” (Duan Chicheng’s Erhe Temple段赤诚的洱河神祠). There are different legends about the origins of the three spirits. It is more common to say that the villagers of 71 villages in Dali worship the central master of the “god capital” on behalf of the “owner”, and pray for a ceremony held in good years. Confused by witchcraft, praying for offspring and disaster. “Rao” is the meaning of singing and dancing.

When And How To Celebrate

Every year, from April 23 to 25 of the lunar calendar, men, women and children in Bai villages around Erhai Lake, led by a pair of singers dressed in disguise, sing and dance, begin to move around three flexible movements.

From Chongsheng Temple (Buddha Capital) , along Cangshan foothill “around” to Shengyuan Temple (Shendu) in Xizhou Qingdong(喜洲庆洞), the team carried out religious activities such as praying for the New Year in Shengyuan Temple(圣源寺)  during the day, and at night they sang and danced in the fields and woods near Shengyuan Temle.

The next day, starting from Qingdong(庆洞),  arrived at Jingui Temple (金圭寺) in Yicheng Village(矣城村), Riverside of Erhai Lake, offering sacrifices to the Lingdi Emperor of Erhe River. At night, they were still singing and dancing to entertaining gods.

On the third day, we walked south along the West Bank of Erhai Lake and returned to Majiuyi village(马久邑村) near Chongsheng Temple in Dali. During the three spirits period, tens of thousands of people participated and danced with men, women and children. Bai tune, Daben tune crificial tune, Sanxian(三弦), Suona(唢呐) tune were heard all the time. Money drum and tyrant whip rose and fell one after another. 

Social Impact And Important Significance

Raosanling Ceremony has a long history of inheritance, a deep mass base, a large scale of activities, a vast space for visiting sacrifices, and pious attitudes of the participants, reflecting the Bai people’s ability to absorb and innovate in culture. They have a strong practical role in enhancing cultural identity and cohesion of the Bai people. They are  symbols of Bai culture with symbolic significance. One of them is of great historical, scientific and artistic value. Its religious color is increasingly weak, and the content of cultural activities is increasingly rich and colorful. It has become a festival for Bai people’s spring outings and social activities.

Chinese Version: http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-11110-1402.html
Translated by Winnie/张赢

The Tiaocai Dance of the Yi ethnic minority in Nanjian County, Yunnan Province, is a traditional dance that has a long history and is deeply rooted in the culture of the Yi people. It is a unique and fascinating dance that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Yi people.

History of Tiaocai Dance

The Tiaocai Dance of the Yi people has a long history, dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. It originated from the Yi people’s celebration of the harvest and their gratitude for the blessings of the gods. The dance is traditionally performed during the “New Year’s Festival” of the Yi people, which is held in the twelfth month of the lunar year.

Features of Tiaocai Dance

The Tiaocai Dance is characterized by its unique choreography, lively music, and colorful costumes. The dancers wear traditional Yi costumes, with red and black as the main colors. The dance is performed to the beat of drums, gongs, and horns, and the dancers move in a lively and energetic manner, following the rhythm of the music.

The dance is divided into two parts, each with its own unique features. The first part is called “Wagging the Head,” where the dancers move their heads from side to side, simulating the movement of a chicken. The second part is called “Stamping the Feet,” where the dancers stamp their feet on the ground, creating a strong and vibrant rhythm.

Significance of Tiaocai Dance

The Tiaocai Dance of the Yi people is not only a form of entertainment but also a way for the Yi people to express their gratitude to the gods and to celebrate their harvest. The dance is also a way for the Yi people to showcase their rich cultural heritage and to preserve their traditional customs.

The Tiaocai Dance has become a symbol of the Yi people and is an important part of their cultural heritage. It is a dance that is deeply rooted in the culture of the Yi people and is a testament to their rich and diverse cultural traditions.

Visiting Nanjian County

If you are interested in visiting Nanjian County to see the Tiaocai Dance of the Yi people, you can plan your trip during the “New Year’s Festival” of the Yi people, which is usually held in the twelfth month of the lunar year. During this time, the streets of Nanjian County are filled with lively music and colorful costumes, and the Tiaocai Dance is performed throughout the county.

You can also visit the Nanjian Yi Autonomous County Museum, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Yi people. The museum has a collection of traditional Yi artifacts, including costumes, utensils, and musical instruments. Here, you can learn more about the history and culture of the Yi people and the significance of the Tiaocai Dance.

What is Tiaocai Dance

Tiaocai Dance” is also known as “lifting the dish dance” (called “Wu Cheba（吾切巴）” in the Yi language ). It is a one that dances to honor guests and increase the atmosphere of joy when serving in the banquet of the Yi Ethnic Minority in Nanjian （南涧县）,Customary etiquette dance. people from the kitchen to the table are accompanied by music beats, dancing the unique dance steps of the Yi people, and humorously placing a dance, music and diet in a “chess” style.

 Two Categories

“Dance between the tables”,also known as “mealing and dance” or “sudden dance”, is a major occasion for Nanjian people in wedding celebrations, bulid new houses, welcoming guests, and birthdays for the old peoples. Dish, “eat and be happy.”

“The stage dance” is the staged performance of the tiaocai, which are performed by the Nanjian peasants. The actors are usually around 20 people, and the number of actors is up to 100. The dance moves are bold and bold, strong and powerful, and the voice is high and bright. The “square-hopping dishes” actors are dozens of people, and many can reach hundreds of people, reflecting a magnificent, neat and harmonious artistic effect.

Reputation

In March 2003, the Ministry of Culture officially named Nanjian County as the “Hometown of Chinese Tiaocai Dance Art”. In 2008, “Nanjian Tiaocai Dance” was announced by the State Council as the second batch of national  intangible cultural heritage protection projects. Since being moved to the stage by Nanjian native artists in April 1991, he has won numerous national, provincial and state music and dance awards.

Chinese Verrion:  http://www.zgnj.gov.cn/dlnjwg/1154619150560133120/20101103/2506.html
http://www.sohu.com/a/206464268_660239

Translated by Winnie/张赢

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Intangible Cultural Heritages in Dali

With a large number of ethnic minorities, the intangible cultural heritages in Dali are characterized by ethnic characteristics.

“Erzi Song” Folk Dance of Bai Ethnic Minority in Yunlong County, Dali

Historical Origin Origin: The “Erzi Song” dance is a traditional dance art with Nu culture characteristics, preserved among the Bai people in Jiance Township, Yunlong County, Dali Bai Autonomous...

Bai Ethnic Minority    Veiw

• Dali
• Intangible Cultural Heritages in Dali
• Yunlong County

Dage Dance of Yi Ethnic Minority in Weishan County, Dali

Dage Dance of Yi Ethnic Minority in Weishan County, Dali http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-11111-1226.html...

Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritages in Yunnan    Veiw

• Dali
• Intangible Cultural Heritages in Dali
• Weishan County
• Yi Ethnic Minority

House Painting of Bai Ethnic Minority in Dali

 House Painting of Bai Ethnic Minority in Dali 大理白族民居彩绘 http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-11111-1144.html...

Bai Ethnic Minority    Veiw

• Bai Ethnic Minority
• Dali
• Dali City
• Intangible Cultural Heritages in Dali

Huadeng Opera in Midu County, Dali 

Huadeng Opera in Midu County, Dali  弥渡花灯 Huadeng: Festive Lantern http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-11111-1147.html...

Culture    Veiw

• Dali
• Intangible Cultural Heritages in Dali
• Midu County
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 Tie-dyeing Skills of Bai Ethnic Minority in Dali

Brief Introduction Tie-dyeing, known as “valerian”(絞缬) in ancient times, is an ancient textile dyeing process in China. Dali City, Zhou Town, Xizhou Town(喜洲镇) , Weishan Yi Hui Autonomous County,...

Culture    Veiw

• Bai Ethnic Minority
• Dali
• Dali City
• Intangible Cultural Heritages in Dali

Raosanling Ceremony of Bai Ethnic Minority in Dali 

Raosanling Ceremony Raosanling Ceremony is one of the important folk festivals of Bai Ethnic Minority in Dali region, which originated from Nanzhao and was originally a ritual of Bai...

Culture    Veiw

• Bai Ethnic Minority
• Dali
• Intangible Cultural Heritages in Dali
• Yunnan Festivals in April

Tiaocai Dance of Yi Ethnic Minority in Nanjian County, Dali

The Tiaocai Dance of the Yi ethnic minority in Nanjian County, Yunnan Province, is a traditional dance that has a long history and is deeply rooted in the culture...

Culture    Veiw

• Dali
• Intangible Cultural Heritages in Dali
• Nanjian County
• Yi Ethnic Minority