Ganbai Festival of Achang Ethnic Minority
Introduction of the Festival
- Chinese Name:阿昌族赶摆
- English Name: Ganbai Festival of Achang Ethnic Minority
Achang Ethnic People’s religious festival, also known as the “Bazzar Festival,” is typically held once a year, but can sometimes be held every three or four years. The festival lasts for three days, usually in the eighth or ninth month of the lunar calendar. The Achang Ethnic People believe in Theravada Buddhism, so the Bazzar Festival is similar in content and form to the Dai People’s New Year Festival. The Achang Ethnic People believe that the Bazzar Festival can bring prosperity and peace to their village, and that participating in the festival is a virtuous act that will bring good fortune in the afterlife.
In preparation for the festival, people need to prepare a large amount of pork, rice, oil, paper, incense, and seven statues of Buddha. During the festival, the host village receives a large number of guests who must be treated hospitably and provided with food and accommodation. For the three days of the festival, people eat and drink at the Bazzar Festival site, resulting in a huge expense. As a result, this custom is now less common.
On the first day of the festival, people beat drums and gongs to welcome the Buddha to the temple. Once the Buddha arrives, people offer sacrifices and then spend the night celebrating. The next day is the most lively day of the festival. In the morning, people worship the Buddha and listen to the Buddha’s sermon. After breakfast, the festival begins with a parade around the village. The parade is led by several young girls carrying offerings, followed by several statues of Buddha, and a few people throwing rice flowers and setting off firecrackers. The parade continues until the afternoon. After dinner, people celebrate as usual.
On the third day of the festival, the atmosphere begins to wind down as people from outside the village begin to leave. The villagers gather in the square and erect a tall pole with flags and streamers, believing that the pole can guide people to their place in heaven. Finally, everyone gathers together for a big meal, marking the end of the Bazzar Festival.
Origin of the Ganbai Festival
The Ganbai Festival has its roots in the agricultural practices of the Achang people and is linked to ancestral worship and the celebration of harvest. The name “Ganbai” translates to “Feasting on Rice,” which encapsulates the essence of the festival as a time for expressing gratitude for a bountiful harvest. Traditionally, the festival has served as a way for communities to honor their ancestors and the spirits of nature that are believed to bring fertility and abundance to the land.
Significance of the Ganbai Festival
- Agricultural Gratitude:
- The Ganbai Festival is primarily a celebration of the harvest, allowing the Achang people to express their gratitude for the crops gathered over the year. It reflects the deep connection between the people and their agricultural practices.
- Cultural Identity:
- The festival plays a key role in preserving and promoting the cultural traditions and identity of the Achang ethnic minority. It is a time for family gatherings, cultural performances, and communal rituals that reinforce a sense of belonging.
- Community Bonding:
- The festival strengthens social ties among community members as they come together to participate in various activities. It fosters cooperation and solidarity, contributing to the overall well-being of the community.
- Ancestral Respect:
- The Ganbai Festival often includes rituals that honor ancestors, reflecting the importance of ancestry and lineage in Achang culture. These practices help maintain connections with past generations.
Local Activities of the Ganbai Festival
- Feasting and Culinary Preparations:
- A central aspect of the Ganbai Festival is the preparation and sharing of traditional foods. Families cook a variety of dishes using freshly harvested ingredients. A special focus is placed on rice dishes, symbolizing abundance and unity. The communal feasting serves to strengthen social bonds.
- Ritual Offerings:
- Families create altars adorned with offerings to honor their ancestors and deities. This may include food, incense, and decorative items. Rituals are performed to seek blessings for health, prosperity, and protection.
- Traditional Music and Dance:
- Cultural performances are a highlight of the festival, showcasing Achang music, dance, and folklore. Local musicians play traditional instruments, while dancers perform intricate folk dances that often depict historical narratives or themes from nature.
- Games and Competitions:
- Various traditional games and competitions are held during the Ganbai Festival. Activities like tug-of-war, races, and other group-oriented games encourage participation and foster a sense of community spirit.
- Community Gatherings:
- The festival provides an opportunity for members of the Achang community to come together, socialize, and share stories. People exchange greetings and well-wishes, reinforcing relationships and promoting a sense of belonging.
- Cultural Exhibitions:
- Educational events or exhibitions may take place, showcasing Achang crafts, traditional clothing, and artworks. These activities help promote cultural heritage and provide younger generations with insight into their history.
- Rituals of Abundance:
- Some rituals performed during the Ganbai Festival may include symbolic planting or scattering of seeds, expressing a desire for future fertility and prosperity. This act reinforces the connection between the community and the land.
- Ceremonial Activities:
- Specific ceremonies may be performed to honor natural forces or spirits believed to influence agriculture. These involve chants, prayers, and sometimes animal sacrifices as offerings to ensure a favorable growing season ahead.
Conclusion
The Ganbai Festival is a vibrant celebration that encapsulates the rich cultural heritage, agricultural traditions, and communal spirit of the Achang ethnic minority. Through various activities such as feasting, rituals, music, dance, and games, the festival serves not only as a time of gratitude for the harvest but also as a significant occasion for reinforcing social ties and preserving cultural identity. The Ganbai Festival stands as a testament to the Achang people’s deep-rooted connection to their land and community.
