Yulanpen Festival in Jianchuan County, Dali

Overview

• Chinese Name: 剑川县盂兰盆节/中元节/目莲会
• English Name: Yulanpen Festival in Jianchuan County, Dali
• Location: Jianchuan County, Dali

Every year on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month is the 'Yulan Pen Festival' or 'Yulan Pen Meeting,' also known as the 'Zhongyuan Festival' (in a certain sense, Zhongyuan Festival belongs to Taoism while Yulan Pen Festival belongs to Buddhism). In some places, it is commonly referred to as 'Ghost Festival' or 'Feeding the Orphans,' and is also known as 'Festival for the Deceased' or 'Seventh Month Half.'

In the Buddhist rituals of India, Buddhists hold the 'Yulan Pen Meeting' to offer tribute to their ancestors. The Buddhist scripture 'Yulan Pen Sutra' encourages filial piety and inspires Buddhist disciples, aligning with the Chinese belief in honoring ancestors and remembering the past, thus becoming more widespread. This practice was adopted in China starting from the Liang Dynasty and has since evolved into the Zhongyuan Festival. However, later on, in addition to preparing offerings for monks, activities such as performing repentance and releasing flames into the air were also added.

Origin and Significance

The Yulanpen Festival originated from the Indian Buddhist tradition, specifically related to the teachings found in the "Yulan Pen Sutra" (or "Ullambana Sutra"), which conveys the importance of filial piety and the practice of honoring one's ancestors. It emphasizes the belief that during this time, the gates of the underworld are opened, allowing spirits, particularly those of deceased ancestors, to roam the earth.

The festival serves as an opportunity for the living to pay respect to their ancestors, ensuring they are received with offerings and remembered with reverence. The concept of "feeding the hungry ghosts" is central to the event, where it is believed that spirits may be restless or in need of sustenance.

Local Activities

The Yulanpen Festival in Jianchuan County features various activities that blend Buddhist rituals with local customs:

1. Offerings and Rituals: Families prepare elaborate altars and make offerings of food, incense, and other items to honor their deceased relatives and appease wandering spirits. These offerings are often placed in front of memorial tablets or at family altars.
2. Cultural Ceremonies: Monks from local temples may conduct ceremonies, chanting sutras and performing rituals to guide and help the spirits of ancestors. This not only serves to benefit the deceased but also helps to create a peaceful atmosphere for the living.
3. Community Gatherings: The festival encourages community participation, where people come together to share meals and perform rituals. Community centers and temples may host larger gatherings, where residents collectively engage in prayers and activities.
4. Filial Piety Displays: Many activities emphasize the value of filial piety, showcasing efforts to honor and respect one's ancestors. This can include sharing stories about family members who have passed or performing traditional songs and dances that express gratitude and remembrance.
5. Cultural Performances: Various cultural performances, including traditional Bai music and dance, may also be part of the festivities, contributing to the communal spirit of the event.
6. Releasing Flame Offerings: Some communities engage in the ritual of releasing flame offerings or paper lanterns, symbolizing the guidance of spirits back to the afterlife or as a way to mark the end of the observance with colorful displays.

Conclusion

The Yulanpen Festival in Jianchuan County is a poignant blend of spiritual reflection, cultural heritage, and community bonding. It emphasizes respect for the past while fostering connections among community members. The festival serves as a meaningful reminder of the importance of honoring those who have come before us, while also reinforcing shared values that bind the Bai community together. Through rituals, communal activities, and cultural performances, the Yulanpen Festival continues to thrive, preserving traditions and fostering a sense of identity among the residents of Jianchuan County.