Wuxi Festival of Pumi Ethnic Minority
Introductioon of The Festival
- Chinese Name:普米族大过年/吾昔节
- English Name: Wuxi Festival or Daguonian Festival of Pumi Ethnic Minority
The “Big New Year,” also known as “Wuxi Festival,” is one of the most grandiose festivals for the Pumi ethnic minority. It generally lasts for about seven or eight days, starting from the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month, when ancestors are honored and the New Year’s meal is eaten, until the 7th day of the first lunar month, which is celebrated as people’s birthdays.
On the morning of the first day of the New Year, elders must incense the “Zongbala” (the altar for spirits) and pray to pay respects to their ancestors. For both boys and girls who turn thirteen, a coming-of-age ceremony called “putting on pants” for boys and “putting on skirts” for girls is held. Additionally, there are activities such as hunting in the mountains, herding around the mountains, playing “Moqiu” (a traditional game), worshiping mountain gods, and dancing “Guozhuang” (a traditional dance).
After finishing the reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve, boys and girls who are thirteen years old gather separately by gender and celebrate all night long. When dawn breaks, they return to their homes, where their family members hold the “putting on pants” or “putting on skirts” coming-of-age ceremony for them. For girls living by the Lancang River, they walk to the “female pillar” in front of the fire pit, standing with each foot on a piece of pig fat and a bag of grain; the pig fat symbolizes wealth, while the grain bag symbolizes a good harvest. In their right hand, they hold earrings or beads, and in their left hand, they hold hemp yarn or hemp cloth, symbolizing women’s rights to material enjoyment and their obligations to undertake family labor.
Then, the mother removes the girl’s long hemp shirt and changes it for a short shirt, putting on a pleated skirt and tying an embroidered belt. If it is a boy, he walks to the “male pillar” in front of the fire pit, standing with each foot on a piece of pig fat and a bag of grain; in his right hand, he holds a pointed knife, and in his left hand, he holds a silver dollar, which symbolizes wealth, while the knife symbolizes bravery. After that, the uncle removes the boy’s long hemp shirt and changes it for a short shirt, puts on long pants, and ties a belt around his waist. After the ceremony, these boys and girls are considered to have grown up and are qualified to participate in formal social activities.
The Local Activities of The Festival
1. Ancestral Offerings
Families honor their ancestors by preparing offerings of food and incense. This is an important ritual for expressing gratitude and seeking blessings for the new year.
2. New Year’s Eve Reunion Dinner
Like many cultures, families gather for a reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve. This meal is an essential part of the celebration, where family members share traditional dishes and enjoy each other’s company.
3. The Coming-of-Age Ceremony
One of the most significant aspects of the Wuxi Festival is the coming-of-age ceremony for boys and girls who turn thirteen.
- For Girls: They participate in a ritual near the “female pillar” involving stepping on pig fat (symbolizing wealth) and grain (symbolizing harvest), while holding jewelry and household items that represent rights and responsibilities. They then change into a short shirt and pleated skirt.
- For Boys: Boys perform a similar ritual at the “male pillar,” stepping on pig fat and grain, while holding a pointed knife (symbolizing bravery) and a silver dollar (symbolizing wealth), followed by changing into a short shirt and long pants.
4. Singing and Dancing
Traditional songs and dances, including the Guozhuang dance, are performed during the festival. These cultural expressions are a way to celebrate and preserve Pumi heritage.
5. Hunting and Gathering Activities
Group activities such as hunting in the mountains and gathering resources reflect the community’s connection to nature and its reliance on local resources. These activities often serve as both leisure and practical necessity.
6. Playing Traditional Games
Various traditional games, such as “Moqiu” (a game similar to tug-of-war), are played among community members. This promotes interaction and camaraderie.
7. Worshiping Mountain Gods
Special rituals are held to honor mountain deities, recognizing their importance in agricultural and pastoral life. This may involve offerings or processions to sacred sites.
8. Community Feasts
Throughout the festival, the community may organize large feasts where people come together to share food, celebrate, and strengthen social bonds.
9. Firecracker Celebrations
Like many other Chinese festivals, using firecrackers is common during the Wuxi Festival. This is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck for the new year.
10. Decorating Homes
Homes are often decorated with traditional ornaments, such as paper cuttings and colorful banners, to celebrate the arrival of the new year and to attract prosperity and good fortune.
Conclusion
The Wuxi Festival is not just a time of celebration; it is a profound expression of the Pumi people’s values, community spirit, and cultural heritage. Through these local activities, the festival serves as an important link between past traditions and contemporary life, allowing the Pumi ethnic minority to maintain and celebrate their unique identity.
