Matsutake Picking and Kaishan Festival in Nanhua County, Chuxiong
Chinese Name: 南华县五街镇松茸采摘开山节
English Name: Matsutake Picking and Kaishan Festival in Nanhua County, Chuxiong
Location:南华县五街镇/Wujie Town, Nanhua County
Overview
Celebration in the Mountains
In the mountain forests, amidst the myriad of mushrooms, accompanied by the wafting aroma of fungi and the persistent chirping of cicadas, a grand and unique celebration unfolds — the Wujie Town Matsutake Mushroom Opening Ceremony with a thousand people dancing in celebration of the harvest! Wujie is a tranquil place hidden among mountains and waters, where peaks rise and streams flow gently. Every matsutake mushroom growing here is laden with the blessings of nature, drawing on the essence of the mountains and rivers, and embodying the spirit of Wujie’s landscapes.
The Opening Ceremony
Once again, it’s time for the opening ceremony. With awe and joy, we pray for peace in the mountains, a bountiful matsutake harvest, and a prosperous life. At the ceremony site, colorful flags flutter as thousands gather to celebrate. The cheerful music of “Ge Xie Lie” rings out, signaling the official start of the thousand-person dance. Men, women, and children, dressed in vibrant ethnic costumes, beam with radiant smiles, holding hands to form tightly interconnected circles. Their steps are light and their postures strong. Joyful dance steps resonate on the earth, and enthusiastic singing soars into the sky, harmonizing with the streams and fresh breeze, telling the stories of the mountains, ancient legends, and the passage of history.
The Dance Experience
On a midsummer afternoon, the heat takes on a romantic quality. The dancing crowd flows like a rushing river, full of vitality and vigor; some dance smoothly, their movements graceful, while others might appear slightly awkward but are brimming with enthusiasm. Everyone moves to the rhythm of the music, sometimes spinning quickly and sometimes stepping slowly. Each motion is imbued with deep ethnic emotion, as if collectively performing a grand dance epic. In everyone’s eyes, there is a sparkle; the sounds of singing and laughter intertwine. People express the grandeur and beauty of life with their most sincere feelings and boldest postures, conveying their appreciation for the harvest and gratitude to nature.
Cultural Reflection
The thousand-person dance is a lively experience of being guided, inspired, and uplifted, something beyond the tumult of city life. It vividly reflects the deep connection among the people of Wujie Town, showcasing their simplicity and enthusiasm, as well as their love for their hometown and confidence in the future. This is not just a celebration of the harvest; it is also a transmission and fusion of ethnic culture. Each step we take while dancing echoes through history towards the future.
Embracing the Spirit
In the fervent atmosphere of the thousand-person dance, we can feel the charm of Yi culture, experience the strength of unity, and touch the truth of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. Every encounter with ethnic culture is a cleansing of the soul. In this vast land amidst mountains and people, let us not squander this encounter. Everyone leaves unforgettable memories in the melodies of the thousand-person dance, embracing the gifts of nature and envisioning a bright future. Together, we step into this vibrant and joyous celebration, sharing in the joy of the matsutake harvest and witnessing the prosperity and beauty of this land.