Huanhuangdan Festival of Achang Ethnic Minority
Introduction of The Festival
- Chinese Name: 阿昌族换黄单节
- English Name: Huanhuangdan Festival of Achang Ethnic Minority
Ah Chang New Year Festival is one of the grandest and most lively traditional festivals celebrated by the Ah Chang people, also known as the “New Year of the Ah Chang People.” This festival is typically held from the 9th day to the 15th day of the 9th month of the lunar calendar, celebrating the Ah Chang traditional new year.
During the Ah Chang New Year Festival, Ah Chang people engage in various activities to celebrate the arrival of the new year. The most important activity is the sacrifice to the autumn god. This sacrifice is a must-attend event during the Ah Chang New Year, representing the Ah Chang people’s awe and gratitude for nature. In addition to the sacrifice to the autumn god, Ah Chang people also engage in other celebration activities, such as swinging, dancing, singing, playing shuttlecock, and eating New Year’s Eve meals.
Swinging is one of the most popular activities during the Ah Chang New Year Festival. The swing is made of a sturdy wooden pole with two 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 recreational activity; in Ah Chang culture, it also symbolizes love between young men and women.
Dancing is an essential activity during the Ah Chang New Year Festival. Ah Chang people have a wide variety of dances, including elephant-foot dance, peacock dance, and knife dance. These dances are not only performances but also a way for Ah Chang people to express their emotions. When dancing, Ah Chang people wear their most magnificent traditional costumes, holding various musical instruments and singing as they dance.
During the New Year, Ah Chang people also eat New Year’s Eve meals. This meal is the most sumptuous of the year for Ah Chang people. The New Year’s Eve meal includes various delicacies that Ah Chang people enjoy, such as pork, chicken, and fish. In addition to the delicacies, the meal also includes gods and ancestors whom Ah Chang people worship.
In conclusion, the Ah Chang New Year Festival is a joyous and mysterious holiday that not only represents the Ah Chang people’s awe and gratitude for nature but also showcases the charm and characteristics of Ah Chang culture.
Key Activities of the Huanhuangdan Festival:
- Preparation and Rituals:
- Prior to the festival, families engage in various preparations, including cleaning their homes and preparing special foods. Rituals performed to honor ancestors and deities are also a significant part of the lead-up to the festival, reflecting respect for traditions.
- Traditional Clothing:
- During the festival, members of the Achang community dress in traditional clothing, showcasing their cultural heritage. This attire often features vibrant colors and intricate designs, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
- Cultural Performances:
- The festival is marked by various performances that include traditional songs, dances, and dramas. These performances often depict folk tales and historical stories of the Achang people, and they are a way of passing down cultural traditions to younger generations.
- Feasting:
- Food plays a central role in the Huanhuangdan Festival. Families prepare a variety of traditional dishes, often featuring rice, vegetables, meats, and locally sourced ingredients. Community feasts may be organized where people come together to share meals, reinforcing bonds within the community.
- Dragon and Lion Dances:
- Cultural performances may include dragon and lion dances. These lively displays are believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. The vibrant costumes and rhythmic movements contribute to the joyous ambiance of the festival.
- Games and Competitions:
- Various traditional games and competitions are held during the festival. These can include athletic contests, folk games, and local sports, providing entertainment and an opportunity for community engagement.
- Ceremonial Offerings:
- Community rituals often involve making offerings to ancestors and deities, seeking blessings for prosperity and good fortune. This may include the burning of incense and the presentation of symbolic items.
- Community Gathering:
- The Huanhuangdan Festival serves as a significant occasion for family and community reunions. People often return home from distant places to celebrate together, thus strengthening familial ties and fostering a sense of belonging.
