Huashan Festival of Miao Ethnic Minority in Pingbian County, Honghe
Overview of The Festival
- Chinese Name: Huashan Festival of Miao Ethnic Minority in Pingbian County, Honghe
- English Name: 屏边县苗族花山节
- Location: Pingbian County, Honghe
- Festival Time: From the second to the sixth day of the first lunar month.
The Miao Flower Mountain Festival is a traditional folk activity popular in Pinguo Miao Autonomous County, Yunnan Province, and is one of the national intangible cultural heritages.
The Flower Mountain Festival is also known as ‘Jumping Field,’ ‘Jumping Flowers,’ ‘Playing on Flower Mountain,’ and ‘Stepping on Flower Mountain.’ It is a festival that worships the ancient Miao ancestor ‘Chiyou,’ usually held between the first and fifteenth days of the first lunar month. The main activities include climbing flower poles, singing duets, jumping the bamboo flute, practicing martial arts, and horse racing and bullfighting.
Historical Origins
The ancestors of the Miao people faced invasions from foreign tribes. Under the leadership of their chief Chiyou, the Miao people rose up to resist but were ultimately defeated due to their inferior numbers and were forced to scatter. To gather his people, Miao chief Chiyou erected a flower pole on the mountain and had musicians play the bamboo flute. Upon hearing the familiar sound of the flute, the Miao people gathered from all directions around the flower pole and began to start their lives anew. Since then, the Miao people have held the “Flower Mountain Festival” every year to commemorate their chief Chiyou and celebrate the reconstruction of their lives.
Folk Activities
The Miao Flower Mountain Festival is held from the second to the sixth day of the first lunar month each year. During this time, Miao people from all directions flood into the Flower Mountain venue. They dance the three-step dance and foot-stomping dance around the “flower pole,” perform the bamboo flute ensemble, dance the lion dance, and engage in bullfighting, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the Flower Mountain venue. Young men and women sing mountain songs to express their love. Once in love, they exchange tokens, solidifying their bond for a lifetime.
Activity Process
Miao Bullfighting
Bullfighting is an important aspect of the Miao Flower Mountain Festival, reflecting the Miao people’s admiration for strength and robust health. It embodies their hopes for favorable weather, abundant harvests, and prospering livestock in the coming year.
Stepping on Flower Mountain
First, a flower pole must be erected; without it, there can be no Flower Mountain. The flower pole is made from a straight cedar tree, about 30 meters high. The bark is stripped, and branches are trimmed off, leaving only a lush green crown, which is then planted in the center of the chosen Flower Mountain venue. At a distance of about two to three meters from the top of the pole, red, yellow, blue, and white long banners are hung, along with bamboo flutes, pig heads, and several kilograms of white wine to symbolize celebration and reward for the winners of the pole climbing.
Miao Duet Singing
An entertaining activity during the Flower Mountain Festival is the duet singing between young Miao men and women. This form of singing is a way for them to get to know each other, understand one another, and express their affection. While traditional activities like bullfighting, horse racing, and pole climbing are ongoing, some eager young singers may be “multitasking.” They have secretly identified their duet partners and walk around, looking for suitable targets. When they approach a girl, they open an umbrella to shield her and clear their throat before singing tender and melodious love songs. The girl, sheltered by the umbrella, listens attentively while observing the boy. If she feels dissatisfied, she remains silent or sings a line or two, politely declining. If she is pleased, she will softly respond with a song.
Miao Bamboo Flute Competition
The bamboo flute competition is an important event during the Flower Mountain Festival, a beloved form of entertainment among the Miao people. The Flower Mountain venue is filled with colorful decorations, accompanied by beautiful and melodious bamboo flute tunes and lively flute dances.
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