Gatangpa Festival in Menghai County, XishuangBanna
The Introduction of The Festival
Chinese Name: 西双版纳勐海县嘎汤帕节
English Name: Gatangpa Festival in Menghai County, XishuangBanna
Location: Menghai County, XishuangBanna
Every year, from January 2 to January 4 on the Gregorian calendar, the Hani ethnic group in Xishuangbanna celebrates its most grand traditional festival—the “Gatangpa Festival.” “Gatangpa” is a term in the Hani language, meaning “wholesale renewal.” The term “Gatang” is thought by some to refer to a year in the Hani calendar, known as the “Gatang Era.” However, most people believe that “Gatangpa” signifies wholesale renewal or the revival of all things, marking the beginning of a new year.
The Gatangpa Festival lasts four to five days and is similar to the Spring Festival celebrated by the Han ethnic group, carrying meanings of honoring ancestors and discarding the old to welcome the new. The main activities of the festival include the following:
On the first day, women prepare torches early in the morning; as dawn breaks, all the women carry empty bamboo tubes on their backs and rush to the spring water at the edge of the village. This is a tradition that the Hani people have maintained for hundreds of years—rushing to fetch the “new water.” On the second day, they slaughter pigs and chickens, and prepare spring glutinous rice. On the third day, the whole family comes together for a reunion dinner, including daughters who have gotten married and returned home to participate. On the fourth day, neighbors visit each other to exchange New Year greetings and offer glutinous rice cakes. In the evening, activities such as singing competitions, bamboo tube dancing, jaw harp playing, and folk dancing take place. On the fifth day, they offer chickens and duck eggs as sacrifices to their ancestors. The Hani people in Menghai also hold horse racing events.
Local Activities of The Festival
1. Preparation of Torches
- On the first day of the festival, women prepare torches early in the morning. This involves gathering materials and creating the torches, which are an essential part of the festival’s traditions.
2. Fetching New Water
- As dawn breaks, women carry empty bamboo tubes and run to the nearest spring to fetch “new water.” This practice symbolizes renewal and is a custom that has been passed down through generations.
3. Animal Slaughter and Festive Feasts
- On the second day, families engage in the slaughter of pigs and chickens. This is followed by preparing special dishes, including spring glutinous rice, which plays a crucial role in the celebratory meals.
4. Family Reunion Dinner
- The third day is dedicated to family gatherings. Families come together to share a reunion dinner, embracing not only immediate family members but also daughters who have married and returned home for the festivities.
5. Visiting Neighbors
- On the fourth day, it is common for neighbors to visit each other, exchanging New Year greetings and gifts, such as glutinous rice cakes. This fosters community spirit and strengthens social bonds within the village.
6. Cultural Performances
- In the evening of the fourth day, various cultural performances take place, including singing competitions, bamboo tube dancing, and jaw harp playing. These activities highlight the rich cultural heritage of the Hani people and allow community members to showcase their talents.
7. Ritual Offerings
- On the fifth day, families pay homage to their ancestors by offering chickens and duck eggs as sacrifices. This is a crucial aspect of the festival, reflecting respect for ancestral traditions and beliefs.
8. Horse Racing
- In Menghai County, a unique feature of the Gatangpa Festival includes horse racing, which attracts many participants and spectators. This traditional event showcases the athleticism of the horses and the skills of their riders, further enhancing the festive atmosphere.
9. Community Bonding
- Throughout the festival, various activities promote community bonding, joy, and celebration of Hani culture. The Gatangpa Festival serves as a time for reflection, gratitude, and the welcoming of a new year.
