Cattle-butchering Ceremony of Wa Ethnic Minority

Chinese Name:佤族剽牛节
English Name: Cattle-butchering Ceremony of Wa Ethnic Minority

The Cattle-Butchering Ceremony (佤族剽牛节) of the Wa ethnic minority (佤族) is a unique and deeply symbolic ritual that has been passed down through generations. The Wa people, who live deep in the forests and mountains of Ximeng (西盟), southwest Yunnan (滇西南), continue to uphold their ancient beliefs and customs. The Wa people, who refer to themselves as “A Wa” (阿佤), meaning “people living in the mountains,” have a rich cultural heritage tied to the natural environment and their close connection with their ancestors.

The Cattle-Butchering Ceremony, also known as “Lengte Mo Ai” (棱特莫艾) in the Wa language, involves the butchering of a sacred cow as an offering to the gods. This act is performed to express gratitude and veneration for the divine, while also celebrating the vital role cattle have played in Wa culture.

The Legend Behind the Ceremony

Ancient Myth

According to Wa legend, in ancient times, the earth was flooded, and the ancestors of the Wa people found themselves stranded on a large tree, facing certain death. At this critical moment, a water buffalo (水牛) appeared and allowed the ancestors to ride on its back, saving them and carrying them to a safe place. After the floodwaters receded, the survivors faced the threat of hunger. The water buffalo then offered itself to the ancestors as a source of food, with the only condition being that its head would be preserved and revered as a sacred offering.

Since then, the Wa people have held the water buffalo in high esteem. Each time they conduct important sacrificial rituals, they slaughter a cow and offer its head in a ceremony to show gratitude for the water buffalo’s selfless sacrifice.

Symbolism of the Cattle-Butchering Ceremony

The Cattle-Butchering Ceremony is not merely a physical act; it is a deeply spiritual expression of respect toward the divine. In the past, cattle were the primary wealth of the Wa people, and the sacrifice of the cattle symbolized their devotion to the gods. After the cow is slaughtered, the position and orientation of the cow’s body are believed to predict future fortune or misfortune.

Ritual Details

1. Sacred Cow Selection:
   The cow chosen for sacrifice must be a “good-hearted” cow (心好). This is determined by the color and pattern of its fur, with the most healthy, strong, and docile animals being selected for the ceremony.

2. Ceremonial Process:
   Traditionally, the cattle-butchering (剽牛) involves a darting spear (梭镖). The cow is tethered to a wooden stake, and the butcher (known as the “piercer” or “spear handler” – 剽手) thrusts a sharp dart into the cow’s chest, aiming directly for the heart.

   This dramatic act symbolizes both a deep respect for the natural world and a solemn offering to the divine.

The Ceremony Rituals

1. Opening Ceremony: “Kai Men Yi” (开门仪)

• The ceremony begins with the Opening Ceremony (开门仪), presided over by the shaman (巫师) and village elders (族中长者). The group gathers around a fire pit to perform the “Knife Dance” (刀舞). This ritual dance serves to drive away evil spirits and call for divine blessings.

• The prayer recited during this part of the ritual includes:

  • “I offer this cow as an honor to the entire village. I sacrifice this cow as pride for our people. This cow was brought from distant lands, purchased with golden coins and silver. It is an offering of respect to our ancestors and a tribute to the gods.”

2. Insertion of the Sacred Wood Post: “Xin Lang De Jia” (新朗德甲)

• After the Opening Ceremony, the next ritual involves inserting a sacred wooden post (木桩) into the ground. This post is used as a protective symbol (驱邪求福) and is marked with charcoal symbols (“×” marks) by the shaman to ensure the safety of the ceremony.

• The post is carried to the sacrifice site, accompanied by a traditional dance called the “Walking Dance” (来回走舞). The shaman blesses the post with rice wine (水酒) and prays for the success of the cattle butchering ritual.

3. Leading the Cow Around the House: “Qian Niu Rao Fang Yi” (牵牛绕房仪)

• In the “Leading the Cow Around the House” ritual (牵牛绕房仪), the chosen cow is brought to the doorstep of the family home. The female head of the household (or a female relative) dresses the cow with a colorful blanket (五彩花纹毯子) and adorns its horns with colorful necklaces (珠子项链), symbolizing a beautiful and dignified farewell to the animal.

• The cow is led around the house in circles, with the number of circles depending on local customs. In some villages, the cow is made to circle the house three or seven times, while in others, it is based on the number of people in the family.

• During the ritual, the participants throw grains (五谷杂粮) and rice wine (水酒) onto the cow as a symbol of good fortune, while some women shed tears to express gratitude and sorrow for the sacrifice of the cow.

4. The Final Ritual: Cattle-Butchering

• The final ritual is the Cattle-Butchering (剽牛), during which the entire village gathers around the sacrificial site to watch the dramatic event. As the shaman drinks rice wine (水酒) and chants prayers for prosperity and longevity, the butcher (剽牛司) prepares to pierce the cow’s heart with a dart (标枪).

• The shaman performs the “Spear Dance” (剽牛司舞) as he approaches the cow, chanting:
  “Who is stronger, you or I? If you are strong, I cannot pierce you. But if I am strong, I will pierce your heart, bringing honor to my people!”

• As the shaman strikes the cow’s heart with the spear, the cow falls to the ground, symbolizing the divine will.

• After the cow is slaughtered, the cow’s head (牛头) is carefully removed and paraded back to the village as a sign of honor and victory. The villagers share the meat (牛肉) and enjoy the feast together, celebrating their unity and the blessings of the gods.

The Spiritual Significance

The Cattle-Butchering Ceremony serves as a powerful expression of the Wa people’s gratitude and reverence for nature. The sacrifice of the cow is not just a ritual; it is a deeply spiritual offering that connects the Wa people to their ancestors and the divine forces that govern their lives.

This ancient tradition, which has been preserved for thousands of years, is a symbol of the Wa people’s resilience, their connection to the natural world, and their unyielding spirit in the face of challenges. Despite the passage of time, the ceremony remains an essential part of the Wa people’s cultural identity and a reminder of their rich spiritual heritage.

Dance Styles and Movements

Dance Routines

The Cattle-Butchering Dance is composed of more than fifty different routines, most of which are performed at the butchering site (剽牛舞场). The dance is highly varied and features numerous thematic movements that reflect the Wa people’s (佤族) daily life, work, and beliefs. Notable dances include:

• “Rice Milling Dance” (搓小米舞): Reflects daily life and labor.

• “Washing Clothes Dance” (洗衣舞): A dance that imitates the act of washing clothes.

• “Knife Dance” (刀舞): Symbolizes the strength and power needed for butchering the cow.

• “Star Gazing Dance” (望星星舞): A dance that reflects the Wa people’s reverence for nature and the cosmos.

• “Happy Dance” (欢跳舞), “Jumping Dance” (蹦蹦跳舞), and “Gong and Drum Dance” (铓锣舞): These dances celebrate joy and communal spirit.

• “Crow Dance” (乌鸦舞): Imitates hunting and animals, particularly the crow, symbolizing the Wa people’s connection to nature and hunting traditions.

These dances, like paintings, vividly depict the Wa people’s (佤族) historical and cultural scenes through the rhythm of movement.

Basic Dance Movements

The basic rhythm and movements of the Cattle-Butchering Dance are predominantly focused on the legs and feet, with complex and varied footwork. In some routines, a single basic movement is repeated, while others may involve a combination of several basic movements. These steps are complemented by upper body movements, including forward bending, backward tilting, and side-to-side swaying. Although these upper body movements are subtle, they are crucial to shaping the dance’s unique style, rhythm, and artistic characteristics.

Regional Variations

Although the basic style and rhythm of the Cattle-Butchering Dance remain largely consistent, there are distinct regional differences in how the dance is performed. These differences are most notable in the Makou (马库) and Bapo (巴坡) regions in the lower reaches of the Dulong River (独龙江).

• In Makou and Bapo, where dancers are predominantly women, the style is more graceful, lyrical, and detailed, with complex rhythms and diverse movements.

• In villages in the upper reaches, such as Kongdang (孔当), Xianjiudang (献九当), Longyuan (龙元), and Dizhengdang (迪政当), the style tends to be more simple, primitive, and rugged, with larger and more expansive movements.

In the Makou and Bapo areas, all dances are performed by women, while men only participate in the Knife Dance (刀舞) and the Walking Dance (来回走舞) when escorting the wooden post and the sacrificial cow. These dances are also linked to the region’s matrilineal society, as women traditionally lead the community’s rituals.

Traditional Dance Forms and Rituals

1. Ritual Opening: “Kai Men Yi” (开门仪)

• The “Opening Ritual” (开门仪) is a significant part of the Cattle-Butchering Dance. Led by the shaman (巫师) and village elders (族中长者), the ritual begins with a Knife Dance (刀舞). The shaman performs prayers around the ceremonial fire, invoking blessings for the sacrificial cow and the people involved.

2. Sacred Post Insertion: “Xin Lang De Jia” (新朗德甲)

• In this ritual, a large wooden post (木桩), symbolizing protection and good fortune, is erected at the sacrificial site. The shaman and dancers (舞者) carry the post to the ceremony area, where the ritual dance begins. The wooden post is adorned with charcoal markings (×), and the shaman prays for a successful sacrifice.

3. Leading the Cow Around the House: “Qian Niu Rao Fang Yi” (牵牛绕房仪)

• Before the sacrifice, the cow (牛) is led to the village house, where the female head of the family (女主人) dresses it in a colorful blanket (五彩花纹毯子) and adorns its horns with necklaces (珠子项链). The cow is then led around the house in circles, with the number of circles depending on local customs.

• As the cow circles the house, grains (五谷杂粮) and rice wine (水酒) are sprinkled over it, and women express their sorrow and gratitude for the sacrifice.

4. The Final Dance: Cattle-Butchering

• In the final part of the ritual, the Cattle-Butchering Dance (剽牛舞) reaches its climax. The shaman (巫师) and villagers (村民) gather in a circle around the cow, performing a vigorous dance. As the shaman sings a prayer for prosperity and good fortune, the cattle butcher (剽牛司) prepares to sacrifice the cow by stabbing it in the heart with a dart (标枪).

• The cow is then butchered, and its head (牛头) is carried back to the village as a symbol of honor. The meat is shared among the participants in a grand feast, and the cow’s horns (牛角) are displayed in the family home as a symbol of wealth and generosity.

Dance Forms and Music

The Cattle-Butchering Dance is accompanied by gong and drum music, with the rhythmic beats of the gong (铓锣) serving as the primary soundtrack for the dance. The gong is a vital element of the ritual, and it is said that without it, the Cattle-Butchering Ceremony cannot take place. The gong not only accompanies the dance but also plays a symbolic role in the ceremony, helping to create the sacred atmosphere necessary for the ritual.

In the Makou and Bapo areas, the gong is accompanied by hand-clapping (合掌击节), adding an extra layer of rhythm and excitement to the dance. The gong plays a crucial role, as it marks the rhythm for the dancers, signaling when to begin, when to stop, and when to celebrate the victory of the sacrifice.

The Cattle-Butchering Dance of the Wa ethnic minority (佤族) is an important and fascinating part of the Cattle-Butchering Ceremony (剽牛祭天). Through intricate dance forms, rhythmic movements, and powerful symbolic rituals, this ceremony reflects the Wa people’s (佤族) deep reverence for nature, their ancestors, and the spiritual world.

For visitors interested in experiencing one of China’s most unique and ancient traditions, attending the Cattle-Butchering Ceremony provides a rare opportunity to witness a vivid display of Wa culture (佤族文化) in its purest form.