Guoxinnian (New Year) Festival of Achang Ethnic Minority
Introduction of the Festival
- Chinese Name:阿昌族过新年
- English Name: Guoxinnian (New Year) Festival of Achang Ethnic Minority
The New Year of the Achang ethnic group is the most important and lively traditional festival for the Achang people. It starts on the first day of the first lunar month of the year and lasts until the sixteenth day of the first lunar month. During this time, the Achang people hold various activities to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.
During the New Year, the Achang people engage in a variety of traditional activities. The most important of these is the sacrifice to the village god. This sacrifice is a must-hold activity during the Achang New Year, representing the Achang people’s awe and gratitude for nature. In addition to the sacrifice to the village god, the Achang people also engage in other celebration activities, such as swinging, dancing, singing, playing ping pong, and eating New Year’s Eve meals.
Swinging is one of the most popular activities during the Achang New Year. The swing is made of a sturdy wooden pole with seats on either side. Young people sit on the swing and are pushed by others, and the height of the swing depends on the strength of the push. Swinging is not only a form of entertainment, but also represents love between young men and women in Achang culture.
Dancing is an essential activity during the Achang New Year. The Achang people have a variety of dances, including elephant-foot dance, peacock dance, and knife dance. These dances are not only a form of performance, but also a way for the Achang people to express their emotions. When dancing, the Achang people wear their most magnificent national costumes, holding various musical instruments and singing as they dance.
During the New Year, the Achang people also eat New Year’s Eve meals. This is the most abundant meal that the Achang people eat throughout the year. The New Year’s Eve meal includes various delicacies that the Achang people enjoy, such as pork, chicken, and fish. In addition to the delicacies, the New Year’s Eve meal also includes gods and ancestors that the Achang people worship.
In short, the Achang New Year is a joyful and mysterious festival that represents the awe and gratitude of the Achang people for nature and showcases the charm and characteristics of Achang culture.
Local Activities of the Guoxinnian (New Year) Festival
- Preparation and Cleaning: In the days leading up to the festival, families engage in thorough cleaning of their homes to sweep away bad luck and make room for good fortune. Decorations, often in red (a color symbolizing good luck), are put up around the house.
- Ritual Ceremonies: The festival begins with ritual ceremonies that may include offerings to ancestors and deities to seek blessings for the upcoming year. This often involves setting up an altar with food, incense, and symbolic items that represent prosperity and health.
- Family Reunions: The Guoxinnian Festival is a crucial time for family gatherings, where relatives come together to celebrate and share meals. Family members often travel from far and wide to reunite, strengthening familial bonds.
- Traditional Meals: Food plays a central role in the festival. Families prepare a variety of traditional dishes, often including rice, meats, and special delicacies specific to Achang culture. Some dishes are prepared with symbolic meanings, such as ensuring abundance and good luck.
- Cultural Performances: Traditional music and dance performances are a highlight of the festival. The Achang people may perform local folk songs and dances that feature vibrant costumes and rhythmic movements, celebrating their cultural heritage.
- Games and Competitions: Various traditional games and competitions are organized during the festival, providing entertainment and encouraging community participation. These may include traditional sports and contests that highlight local skills and talents.
- Storytelling and Oral Traditions: Elders share stories and legends that encapsulate Achang history and cultural values. These storytelling sessions are important for preserving the community’s traditions and passing knowledge to younger generations.
- Visiting Neighbors and Friends: It is customary to visit neighbors and friends during the festival, exchanging greetings and gifts. This practice promotes goodwill and strengthens community ties.
- Cultural Exhibitions: Some celebrations may include exhibitions of traditional crafts, such as weaving, embroidery, and pottery. This allows artisans to showcase their skills and contributes to the preservation of Achang craftsmanship.
- Environmental Activities: As part of the celebrations, community activities such as planting trees or participating in environmentally friendly initiatives may take place, reflecting the Achang people’s respect for nature and commitment to sustainability.
