Jiandan (February 8th) Festival of Naxi Ethnic Minority

The Jiandan Festival (建丹节), also known as the Eryueba Festival (二月八), is a traditional holiday celebrated by the Naxi people (纳西族) in the Lijiang Basin (丽江坝区). It takes place annually on the 8th, 18th, and 28th days of the second lunar month, with the 8th being the most significant. The festival marks a time for communal gatherings, honoring the pastoral traditions of the Naxi people.

Historical Significance

Originally, the Jiandan Festival began as a celebration of herdsmen and was known as Herdsmen’s Festival (牧童节). Its roots lie in honoring the work of shepherds, offering them a break and providing them with communal feasts. The festival also includes rituals worshiping the Sanduo God (三朵神), the patron deity of herdsmen.

In 1986, the festival was officially recognized as a traditional holiday for the Naxi people and became a city-wide celebration in Lijiang (丽江).

Traditional Customs

Original Form of the Festival

Herdsmen’s Day Off: Traditionally, on the Jiandan Festival, the elder villagers (德高望重的老人) would tend to the sheep in place of the shepherds (牧童), giving them a break from their duties.

Communal Outdoor Feasts: The shepherds were invited to picnic in nature (山上野餐), with food provided by their masters as a token of appreciation for their hard work.

Worship Rituals: Villagers would perform rituals to honor the Sanduo God (三朵神), praying for protection over the herds and blessings for the year ahead.

Modern Evolution of the Festival

Over time, the festival expanded beyond the shepherds to include people of all ages, with many communities calling it the Youth Gathering (青年会), especially in Dayan Town (大研镇) near Lijiang Old Town (丽江古城).

Celebrations are now organized based on age groups, and people gather at scenic locations such as parks, mountains, and temples to enjoy the festivities.

Festival Activities

Morning Gatherings in Nature

The festival begins with group gatherings (三五成群) in natural settings like parks, forests, or temples. Families and friends bring prepared food, including meat, vegetables, and snacks, to share during the feast.

Division of Tasks

Men engage in outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, or mountain climbing (爬山、钓鱼等).

Women focus on preparing the food, showcasing their culinary skills by cooking traditional dishes (烧饭做菜).

Communal Feasting and Singing

Once the food is prepared, everyone gathers for a communal feast (野餐), enjoying the delicious meals while singing the Jiandan Festival Song (建丹节歌). The festival song celebrates togetherness, good food, and joyful drinking, embodying the spirit of community and celebration.

Festival Song Lyrics:

“Together we come in joy,
Together we share this meal,
Together we drink with cheer,
Together we feast so dear.”

This song encapsulates the spirit of the Jiandan Festival, with a focus on shared joy, unity, and gratitude.

Cultural Significance

Celebrating Naxi Women’s Skills

The festival highlights the Naxi women’s culinary skills (纳西族妇女勤劳、能干的美德), as they are responsible for preparing the feast. This showcases their important role in family and community life.

Strengthening Community Bonds

The Jiandan Festival fosters a sense of unity and strengthens friendships within the community. People from different age groups come together to enjoy the festivities, share meals, and participate in the rituals. This tradition helps to cultivate deep-rooted relationships and mutual respect among the Naxi people.

Embodying the Naxi Zest for Life

The festival is a reflection of the Naxi people’s love for life and their ability to enjoy the simple pleasures, such as good food, companionship, and nature. It also represents their resilience and connection to the natural world, particularly their pastoral traditions.

Contemporary Celebrations

In modern times, the Jiandan Festival has incorporated new elements, blending tradition with modernity. Activities now include:

Music systems (录音机) for entertainment, where families listen to music or play instruments.

Photography and videography (摄影摄像) to capture memories of the event.

Group dancing (集体舞蹈), with people dancing to the rhythms of traditional and contemporary tunes.

The festival has evolved into a celebration not only of Naxi culture but also of modern prosperity and community vitality, while still preserving its ancient traditions.

The Jiandan Festival (建丹节) is a vibrant celebration of Naxi culture, offering an immersive experience of the community’s traditions, food, and music. It provides visitors with a unique opportunity to connect with the heritage of the Naxi people and witness the deep bonds between family members, friends, and the natural world. Whether you are interested in traditional food, music, or the beauty of nature, the Jiandan Festival offers a memorable experience that showcases the spirit of the Naxi people (纳西族).