Kaimen Festival of Deang Ethnic Minority
Overview of The Festival
- Chinese Name: 德昂族开门节
- English Name: Kaimen Festival of Deang Ethnic Minority
The religious festival of the Deang ethnic minority is called “Jinwa” (the Closure Festival), which is the most significant fasting and purification festival for devout Buddhists. It begins on the fifteenth day of the ninth month of the Dai calendar. During this time, the Buddha statue in the temple is closed to visitors, and the monks engage in meditation and recitation of scriptures. The community offers food, fresh flowers, and money to the Buddha, with offerings made every seven days. Devout elderly believers reside in the temple to listen to the teachings of the great monk until the fifteenth day of the twelfth month of the Dai calendar (the Opening Festival). After this date, monks are allowed to go out.
activities that foster community bonding and cultural expression.
Local Activities during the Kaimen Festival
- Ritual Preparations: Leading up to the Kaimen Festival, families prepare by cleaning their homes and organizing offerings for ancestors and local deities. This preparation symbolizes a welcoming of blessings and good fortune.
- Ceremonial Offerings: Families prepare various offerings, including fruits, rice, meat, and other traditional foods, to present at temples or family altars. These offerings are made to honor ancestors and seek blessings for the coming year.
- Community Gathering and Prayers: On the day of the festival, community members gather at local temples or designated gathering spots. They participate in group prayers, chanting, and other spiritual activities to invoke blessings and express gratitude.
- Traditional Music and Dance: Music and dance play a vital role in the Kaimen Festival. Traditional performances featuring unique instruments and folk dances are organized, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Deang people. These performances often involve storytelling through dance, reflecting their history and customs.
- Feasting and Sharing: The festival is marked by communal feasting, where families and friends come together to share meals. This symbolizes unity and the importance of community ties. Traditional dishes made from local ingredients are served, and everyone is encouraged to partake.
- Cultural Competitions and Games: Various traditional games and competitions are held during the festival, encouraging participation from all age groups. These games may include athletic contests, tug-of-war, or skill-based activities that foster friendly rivalry and strengthen community bonds.
- Crafts and Art Exhibitions: Local artisans may display their crafts and artworks, allowing community members to appreciate traditional skills. This is an opportunity for the transmission of knowledge and the promotion of local culture.
- Storytelling and Folklore: Elders often take center stage during the festival, sharing stories, legends, and folklore of the Deang people. This oral tradition is crucial for passing down cultural values and history to younger generations.
- Candle Lighting and Lantern Processions: As night falls, many communities participate in candle lighting and lantern processions. This creates a beautiful ambiance and symbolizes the dispelling of darkness, ushering in hope and positivity.
- Closing Ceremony: The festival typically concludes with a closing ceremony that involves gratitude prayers and blessings for health, prosperity, and peace for the community. This is an important moment to reflect on the lessons learned during the festival.
