Qiushanhui Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Yaoan County, Chuxiong

Chinese Name: 姚安县左门乡彝族秋山会
English Name: Qiushanhui Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Yaoan County, Chuxiong
Location:姚安县左门乡/Zuomen Township, Yao’an County

The Lengends of Qiushanhui Festival

The legend tells that a very long time ago, the practice of arranging marriages for infants was popular in this region. Regardless of the occasion or familiarity, the young men from the Yi community would gather around the fire pit to drink. Sometimes, when they were happily drinking and found compatibility in conversation, a marriage proposal would arise. Typically, if one party proposed and there was a possibility for such a match, the other side would readily agree, and they would then finalize the deal with a drink, regardless of whether the child had been born or not. Once a child was born, regardless of whether one party was male and the other female, whether they were disabled or not, the marriage would become a firm commitment that could not be revoked. Thus, this custom continued from generation to generation, leading to countless tales of unrequited love and tragic romances.

The legend speaks of an opportunity when twenty-four young men playing the hulusi (a traditional flute) and twenty-four young women dancing the left-foot dance met at a wedding in a wealthy household. After spending a day and night together, they fell in love at first sight and could not resist their feelings. Each found their soulmate and secretly agreed to commit for life. However, following the customs of the time, they had both already been contracted in arranged marriages and did not have the right to choose their partners. If others were to learn of this, they would face severe punishment from their clan. Thus, torn between the fear of punishment and their unwillingness to part, they agreed to be married in death. They decided to meet in a clean, secluded place, adorned with blooming flowers and flowing streams, where they would celebrate and then leave the world together.

In the legend, the twenty-four pairs of lovers left the host’s home but did not return to their own homes. Instead, they gathered together, winding through the mountains until sunset, leaving their village behind and discovering a landscape full of vibrant wildflowers. They paused to wash away the dust in a clean mountain stream, adorned the young women with red wildflowers, and lit a bonfire to brighten the night. They drank spicy corn wine to ward off the cold and ate bitter buckwheat cakes to stave off hunger. The night was vast, the wine was strong, and the affections were deep as the twenty-four pairs lovingly shared their feelings around the fire. Suddenly, the hulusi, yearning for company, began to play, breaking the mountain’s silence, dispersing the night’s chill, and awakening youthful vitality. One by one, hand in hand, the pairs danced around the bonfire, moving to the rhythm of the hulusi amid laughter and song. The sound of the hulusi and the songs continued, and the dance was unceasing. The joyful celebrations filled with a lively atmosphere soared into the night sky, reaching the stars, enchanting them, and causing them to fall as glowing fireflies, dancing amid the festivities.

The legend says this celebration lasted until dawn. As day broke, the stars had to return to the heavens. However, after spending a night with these young people, the stars understood their desires and were deeply moved. They gathered the strength of many stars and combined their powers to transform the twenty-four pairs of lovers into immortals, turning them into twenty-four mountain peaks and paths, so they could be together forever, ensuring that love would bless the Yi people year after year.

At the end of the legend, the immortal lovers sent dreams to the young men and women in the nearby mountains, asking them to visit the twenty-four mountain paths on the day of the Autumn Equinox to dance and look for their soulmates. Indeed, on that day, many people flocked to the twenty-four mountain paths. The young men donned intricately embroidered clothes made by their mothers, wearing sheepskin jackets and bravely carrying their beloved hulusi. The young women also wore garments they had embroidered themselves, adorned with embroidered caps and carrying delicious food as they arrived radiantly. Even the curious older couples and children came to join the excitement. It was a bright sunny day on the green hillside, bursting with colorful mountain flowers and lively young women dressed in festive attire. This was the Autumn Mountain Festival, where the joyful crowd danced freely, celebrating happiness as the ever-present theme and showcasing their shared quest for love. With the annual Autumn Mountain Festival, the tradition of infant engagements began to fade in Yi marriage customs, allowing the youth to pursue their happiness and choices in marriage.

Faced with the joy of the human world, the clouds—symbols of jealousy—became displeased and turned into snakes, spreading across the mountains and fields, attempting to prevent people from going out on the day of the Autumn Equinox. Fortunately, the Yi people had a powerful priest who used a practice called “Setting Up Autumn Poles” to subdue the clouds and used the hulusi to scare away the snakes; those that could not be frightened away were stomped out with traditional dance. This explains why the Han people stayed indoors on the Autumn Equinox, while the Yi people went out to celebrate the festival. Over time, this tradition became an annual event for the Yi people in the Jianghuai region.

Activities during the Qiushanhui Festival

1. Traditional Music and Dance:

Musical Performances: Various traditional instruments, such as the hulusi and the suona, are played during the festival. Musicians often perform lively songs that reflect the history and culture of the Yi people.
Dances: The festival includes vibrant group dances. Participants often wear traditional clothing, making the dances visually stunning. Popular dances such as the “Yi Dance” are performed, showcasing the community’s rhythm and harmony.

2. Culinary Delights:

Local Cuisine: Food plays a central role in the festivities. Traditional dishes are prepared and shared among attendees, including dishes made from millet, corn, and wild vegetables, as well as grilled meats.
Food Stalls and Tasting: Vendors often set up stalls where visitors can sample a variety of local delicacies during the festival.

3. Competitive Games and Sports:

Traditional Competitions: Various games and competitions are held, such as archery, horse racing, and tug-of-war. These activities not only strengthen community bonds but also add a spirited competitive element to the festival.
Singing and Poetry Competitions: Recognizing the importance of oral tradition, community members may engage in singing contests or reciting traditional poetry.

4. Cultural Exhibitions:

Traditional Clothing Display: The Yi people take pride in their vibrant clothing. During the festival, many showcase their traditional attire, and there are often contests for the most beautiful garments and accessories.
Craft Exhibits: Local artisans may exhibit their crafts, such as weaving, embroidery, and silverwork, providing a glimpse into the artistic heritage of the Yi.

5. Rituals and Blessings:

Animal Sacrifices: To honor ancestors and seek blessings for the harvest, rituals involving animal sacrifices may be performed. These ceremonies are integral to connecting the community with their traditions.
Prayers for Abundance: People gather to pray for a bountiful harvest and good fortune in the coming year, often inviting elders or spiritual leaders to lead these ceremonies.

6. Social Gatherings and Bonding:

Family Reunions: The Qiushanhui Festival serves as an opportunity for families to reunite, honoring their cultural identity and heritage.
Community Gatherings: The entire community comes together, fostering a spirit of cooperation and camaraderie. It is a time for strengthening social ties and celebrating shared traditions.

7. Fire Festivals:

Bonfire Celebrations: In the evenings, bonfires are lit, and people gather around to sing, dance, and share stories, creating a festive atmosphere that lasts late into the night.