Huashan Festival of Miao Ethnic Minority in Jinping County, Honghe
Overview
- Chinese Name: 金平县苗族花山节
- English Name: Huashan Festival of Miao Ethnic Minority in Jinping County, Honghe
- Location: Jinping County, Honghe
The Huashan Festival, also known as “Tiaochang,” “Tiaohua,” “Shuahuas山,” and “Caihuashan,” is a festival that honors the ancient ancestors of the Miao ethnic group, particularly “Chiyou.” It usually takes place between the first and fifteenth day of the first month of the lunar calendar. Main activities include climbing the flower pole, singing duets, dancing with the lusheng (a traditional reed wind instrument), practicing martial arts, horse racing, and bullfighting.
Historical Origins
The Miao people’s ancestors faced invasions from foreign tribes. Under the leadership of their chief, Chiyou, the Miao people rose up in resistance. However, they were ultimately defeated due to their smaller numbers and were forced to scatter. To gather his people, Miao leader Chiyou erected a flower pole on the mountain and had the lusheng musicians blow their instruments. Upon hearing the familiar sound of the lusheng, the Miao people began to converge from all directions to the base of the flower pole and started life anew. Since then, the Miao people have held the “Huashan Festival” every year to commemorate their leader Chiyou and celebrate the rebuilding of their new lives.
Main Activities
The Miao Huashan Festival is held annually from the second to the sixth day of the first month in the lunar calendar. During this time, Miao people from all directions stream into the Huashan grounds like a tidal wave. They engage in activities around the “flower pole,” such as performing the three-step dance, the kicking dance, playing the lusheng, dancing the lion dance, and bullfighting. The entire Huashan area is filled with joy and excitement. Young men and women sing mountain songs to each other, expressing their affection; once they fall in love, they exchange tokens of love, pledging themselves to one another for life.
- Miao Bullfighting: Bullfighting is a significant aspect of the Miao Huashan Festival. It embodies the Miao people’s esteem for strength and a robust physique, reflecting their hopes for favorable weather, abundant crops, and thriving livestock in the coming year.
- Miao Climbing the Flower Pole: To start the flower mountain festivities, a flower pole must be erected; without it, there is no flower mountain. The flower pole is made from a straight fir tree, about 30 meters tall, with its bark removed and branches trimmed, leaving only a lush green crown. It is then planted at the center of the designated flower mountain area. At a distance of about two to three meters from the top of the pole, colorful banners in red, yellow, blue, and white are hung, along with lusheng instruments, a pig’s head, and several jin of white liquor as symbols of celebration and rewards for those who successfully climb the pole.
- Miao Singing Duets: Another interesting activity during the Huashan Festival is the duet singing between Miao boys and girls. This form of singing serves as a way for them to get to know one another, understand each other, and express their affections. While traditional activities like bullfighting, horse racing, and climbing the flower pole are taking place, some eager participants may be “multitasking” and already scouting for duet partners. They wander around, searching, and make their way toward the individuals they have chosen to duet with. Upon reaching a girl, they open a floral umbrella over her, clear their throats, and begin to sing a tender and melodious love song. The girl under the umbrella listens attentively, eyeing her suitor. If she feels unsatisfied, she may remain silent or sing a line or two politely to decline. If she finds him suitable, she responds with a gentle reply.
- Miao Lusheng Competition: The lusheng competition is an important part of the Huashan Festival and is a beloved form of entertainment for the Miao people. The vibrant Huashan grounds are filled with beautiful and melodious lusheng tunes and lively, delightful lusheng dances.
