Lilame Village of Midian Town in Xiangyun County, Dali
Chinese Name:大理祥云县米甸镇楚场村委会立腊么村
English Name: Lilame Village (Lisu Ethnic Minority) of Midian Town in Xiangyun County, Dali
Dragon Worship Festival in Xiangyun County is held in Lilame Village of Midian Town.
Overview:
Li Lame Village, part of the Chuchang Village Committee in Midian Town, is a remote natural village situated in the mountains. It is located 5 kilometers east of the village committee and 27 kilometers from the town government. Covering an area of 4.80 square kilometers, it sits at an altitude of 1,900 meters, with an average annual temperature of 15.4°C and annual precipitation of 830 millimeters. The area is suitable for growing crops such as corn.
Li Lame is a secluded village in Chuchang, Midian Town, with 35 households and a population of 132. 70% of the residents are Lisu, with the remaining population comprising Yi, Han, and Miao ethnic groups. The village is characterized by its dispersed households and is a typical mountain ethnic village.
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:
- Morning Rituals:
- Venue Preparation: Cleaning the site and arranging for the celebration.
- Rituals: Traditional Lisu ceremonies and offerings are performed by the ritual priest.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
