New Rice Festival of Wa Ethnic Minority
Introduction of The Festival
- Chinese Name: 佤族新米节
- English Name: New Rice Festival of Wa Ethnic Minority
- Time: August 13th-15th
“New Rice” Festival is one of the traditions prevailing among Wa ethnic minority. In the past, it was observed when the rice was ready for harvest and would last three days. During the festival, owners would collect some rice from farmlands, dry and then husk them. Next early morning, the doors of the house would be closed, rejecting visitors and animals, and all the families would stay at home enjoying the new-harvested rice. After the family finished, they would open the doors and invite neighbors to enjoy the rice.
On this day, all the villagers gather in the village square to participate in traditional activities such as the “bull-catching ceremony,” welcoming the new grains, eating new rice, bullfighting, wrestling, hunting, and playing wooden drums. In the evening, they light bonfires, beat wooden drums, set off fireworks, play the lusheng (a type of reed pipe), bamboo flutes, and do some three-stringed instrument playing, while performing traditional wooden drum dances and hair-whipping dances. They hold a song and dance celebration, where young people take advantage of the auspicious occasion to seek kindred spirits and spread love as a symbol of everlasting connection. People revel all night long, singing and dancing, savoring delicious food, and drinking fine wine to celebrate the harvest. They communicate with the heavens, praying for good weather, peace for people and livestock, and a bountiful harvest in the coming year. The activities for the New Rice Festival typically last for three days.
The Local Activities
- Gathering in the Village Square: Villagers come together in the village square to participate in various traditional rituals and celebrations that foster community spirit.
- Bull-Catching Ceremony: This highlights the agricultural lifestyle of the Wa people, where participants engage in traditional methods to catch a bull, symbolizing strength and vitality.
- Welcoming the New Grains: Special ceremonies are held to honor the newly harvested rice, expressing gratitude for the year’s bounty.
- Feasting on New Rice: The community enjoys meals featuring the newly harvested rice, which is a central element of the celebration.
- Traditional Sports: Activities like bullfighting and wrestling are organized, showcasing the physical skills of the participants and adding an element of competition and excitement.
- Hunting Activities: Hunting may take place, both as a traditional practice and for communal sharing of meat during the festival.
- Musical Performances: Participants play traditional instruments such as the lusheng (a type of reed pipe), bamboo flutes, and three-stringed instruments. Music plays a crucial role in the festivities.
- Dance Performances: Traditional dances, including the wooden drum dance and hair-whipping dance, are performed, often reflecting the culture and history of the Wa people.
- Bonfire Celebrations: In the evenings, bonfires are lit, creating a lively atmosphere for singing, dancing, and storytelling.
- Song and Dance Celebrations: “Singing competitions” take place where people engage in traditional song and dance, helping to strengthen community ties and celebrate local culture.
- Blessings and Prayers: The community engages in rituals to pray for good weather, safety for people and livestock, and a successful harvest in the coming year.
