Axi Tiaoyue Dance Festival of Axi Ethnic People in Mile County, Honghe

Introduction 

Chinese Name: 阿细跳月
English Name: Axi Tiaoyue Dance Festival of Axi Ethnic People in Mile County, Honghe
Location: Mi’le County, Honghe Prefecture

Axi Jumping Moon is also known as “Axi Tiaoyue” or “Tiaoyue.” It is a traditional folk dance of the Yi ethnic group, self-identified as “Axi” or “Sani.” It is popular in areas such as Mile, Lunan, and Luxi in Yunnan. This dance serves as a social recreational activity for young men and women. Male dancers play the large sanxian or flute, while the females dance in sync with them. They may join hands in a circle, swaying side to side, clapping and stamping their feet, and spinning while dancing. It is one of the folk dances of the Yi people’s Sani and Axi groups, prevalent in the Yi region of Yunnan. The main movements include jumping in threes, clapping, and turning. The rhythm is distinctive, and the mood is cheerful. It is also known as Tiaole.

Historical Changes

The Axi Tiaoyue, or Axi Jumping Moon, is a collective dance of the Axi people, a branch of the Yi ethnic group living in the Xishan area of Mile City, Yunnan Province. It flows, burns, and is passed down through this land like the refreshing mountain breeze, the cheerful mountain stream, and the blazing torch. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Axi Tiaoyue has once again demonstrated the unique charm of ethnic culture and has been favored by the domestic literary and artistic communities as well as international friends. Accompanying the growth of New China, the connotation carried by Axi Tiaoyue has long transcended the simplicity of being just a dance. It has evolved from a dance into a grand festival of a nation, telling the story of a nation’s history of struggle and development.

The Axi are a branch of the Yi ethnic group, self-identified as “Axi Pu,” residing in the Xishan area of Mile City. The Axi people have been known since ancient times for their singing and dancing. “Axi Tiaoyue” is one of their most beloved and widely practiced folk collective dances. Originally called “Tiaole,” it gained its name “Tiaoyue” because they often danced under the moonlight, with connotations of courtship. Therefore, they would avoid the elders and arrange to gather outside the village in the mountains or forests at night to dance in the moonlight or around a bonfire. During the Anti-Japanese War, it began to be known as “Axi Tiaoyue.”

There are many legends about the origin of “Tiaoyue,” all of which are related to fire. One legend suggests that it originated from labor when farming with slash-and-burn techniques in ancient times, where burnt bushes would easily injure the feet, leading to jumping while sowing seeds, eventually evolving into the dance; another says that the Axi village faced disaster from “heavenly fire.” The children of the Axi, Azhang and A’e, led the people courageously to extinguish the fire. As the ground was scorched, they would alternate between jumping with both feet, forming the basic movements of today’s “Tiaoyue.” “Axi Tiaoyue” has a brisk rhythm, and its dance movements are rugged and unrestrained, featuring both elderly and youth dances. The elderly’s dance involves playing a small sanxian (a traditional three-stringed instrument) with gentle, slow, and steady movements. The youth’s dance is passionate and exuberant, serving as a recreational activity for young men and women to communicate their feelings and choose partners. During festivals or in the slack farming seasons, unmarried young men and women from neighboring villages would first agree on the time and place for their gathering. If one side failed to meet the agreement, the other side would place stones on tree branches along the path to signify “pressing the soul” (soul is the interpretation of life in the Yi culture). The side that was pressed must explain the reason, apologize, and seek forgiveness before a new date could be set. In this arrangement, men would come from one village, and women from another. Before the meeting, the women would groom themselves in the woods, purposely delaying their arrival, while the men, aware of the women’s preparations, would play short, urgent notes on their flutes or strum their sanxians rapidly. One side would be in a hurry, and the other would be slow, creating an intriguing dynamic. Just as the flute plays gracefully and the strings resonate, the women would clap their hands and dance out of the woods, forming a line on the lawn to joyfully sing and dance with the men. The melodies would match the dance steps, and the sound of the strings would echo the sentiments of the heart, occasionally erupting in roars of “Oh! Oh!” The music is lively and passionate, and the dance steps resemble jumping on fire, first with one foot jumping three times (making three beats), then both feet hitting the ground (making four beats), and then jumping with the other foot, continuously repeating this pattern. While singing and dancing, the participants search for suitable partners before switching formations to dance as pairs. Due to the high intensity of “Axi Tiaoyue,” especially for young men carrying large sanxians weighing four to five kilograms while playing, singing, jumping, and twirling, they often end up sweating profusely. Yet the compelling nature of “Axi Tiaoyue” continues to attract young men and women to dance year after year, generation after generation.

The Local Activities

1. Traditional Dance Performances

The centerpiece of the festival is the Axi Tiaoyue dance itself, where participants engage in lively group dances under the moonlight. Both men and women showcase their dancing skills, often accompanied by traditional music played on instruments like the sanxian (a three-stringed lute) and flutes. The dances are characterized by energetic movements, colorful costumes, and a strong sense of community.

2. Cultural Exhibitions

The festival often features exhibitions that highlight Axi culture, including displays of traditional clothing, handicrafts, and other forms of artistic expression. Participants may also share stories about the history and significance of the Axi culture, enriching attendees’ understanding of their heritage.

3. Food and Drink Stalls

Local culinary delights feature prominently at the festival. Stalls selling traditional Axi foods allow visitors to taste dishes like roasted meats, rice, and various local snacks. Special beverages, such as traditional rice wine, may also be available, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

4. Community Engagement Activities

The festival encourages community involvement through various interactive activities. This may include competitions, such as dance-offs or games that foster cooperation among participants. It is a time for both the young and the elderly to come together and strengthen community bonds.

5. Ceremonies and Rituals

The festival may begin with a ceremonial event, where local leaders and elders bless the activities. Rituals that pay homage to ancestors and express gratitude for blessings can be an important element, reflecting the Axi people’s respect for tradition and spirituality.

6. Cultural Roadshows

In addition to the main festival activities, some events may take place in nearby villages, allowing for a broader cultural exchange. These roadshows can feature performances by dance troupes, storytelling, and showcases of local crafts, encouraging participation from a wider audience.

7. Youth Engagement

Youth participation is crucial, as the festival serves as a platform for young people to learn about their cultural roots and develop their identities. Workshops or mentoring sessions may be organized to teach traditional dance, music, and crafts to the younger generations.