Jiejingu Festival in Weishan County, Dali
Overview
- Chinese Name:大理巍山县接金姑
- English Name: Jiejingu Festival in Weishan County, Dali
- Location: Weishan County, Dali
- Significance: The festival is primarily a religious and agricultural event, where local communities offer thanks for the harvest, pray for good fortune, and celebrate the bond between people and nature. It is also a time for commemorating ancestors and reinforcing community ties.
The Jiejingu Festival, celebrated in Weishan County, Dali, is an important cultural event for the local Bai and Yi ethnic communities. This festival is characterized by various traditional activities that showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage, community spirit, and agricultural practices.From the 9th day of the second lunar month to the 23rd day of the fourth lunar month, in Dali and Weishan (Xizhou Shengyuan Temple, Dali Chenghuang Temple, Qiwucun, Dacanglong Xuanshan Tienmoya Temple): On the 9th day of the second lunar month, depart from Qiangdong Shengyuan Temple to welcome the Golden Aunt (no activities, departure by mutual agreement); on the 11th, arrive at Dacanglong Xuanshan Tienmoya Temple, the Golden Aunt Temple; on the 14th, go to Qiwucun at the foot of Santai Po; then return to Shengyuan Temple; on the 23rd of April, during the ‘Around the Three Spirits’ event, send the Golden Aunt to Dali Chenghuang Temple; finally, escort her back to Tienmoya Temple.
Local Activities
- Ceremonial Offerings: The festival begins with ceremonial offerings made to deities and ancestors, expressing gratitude for the harvest and seeking blessings for future crops. Locals might present food, incense, and other symbolic items.
- Cultural Performances: Traditional music and dance performances are integral to the festival. Bai and Yi performers showcase folk songs, dances, and theatrical performances that reflect local legends, historical stories, and daily life.
- Singing Competitions: Similar to the Xiaojizu Singing Festival, the Jiejingu Festival features singing contests where participants perform traditional songs. These competitions often involve elaborate costumes and are judged based on vocal ability and cultural expression.
- Community Feasting: The festival includes communal meals where families and friends gather to enjoy traditional dishes. Food may include local specialties made from fresh ingredients, symbolizing abundance and unity.
- Processions: Various processions may take place during the festival, featuring floats and participants dressed in traditional attire. These processions can include music and dance, creating a festive atmosphere that engages the entire community.
- Agricultural Displays: Farmers may display their harvests, showcasing the bounty of their crops. This is often an opportunity for local artisans to sell their goods, including handmade agricultural tools, textiles, and crafts.
- Games and Competitions: Traditional games and competitions may be organized, encouraging participation from all age groups. These activities promote interaction and competition in a friendly and festive environment.
- Rituals for Blessings: Specific rituals, such as prayers for good harvests and blessings for health and happiness, are conducted during the festival. These rituals reflect the spiritual connection of the local people to their land and ancestors.
- Cultural Exchange: The festival serves as a hub for cultural exchange, where locals and visitors can learn about the Bai and Yi cultures through demonstrations of art, tradition, and culinary practices.
- Educational Workshops: Some festivals may include workshops or demonstrations about traditional crafts, farming techniques, or cooking methods, allowing attendees to engage with and learn from local traditions.
The Jiejingu Festival is a vibrant and essential celebration in Weishan County, emphasizing community spirit, gratitude, and cultural heritage. Through various activities, locals honor their agricultural roots and strengthen their social bonds, making it a significant event in the regional calendar. Visitors to the festival can experience the authentic culture and traditional practices of the Bai and Yi communities while participating in the joyous celebrations.
