Sanduo Festival of Naxi Ethnic Minority in Lijiang

Chinese Name:纳西族三朵节/北岳庙会
English Name: Sanduo Festival of Naxi Ethnic Minority
Date: lunar 8 February (19 March)
Places to celebrate Sanduo Festival in Lijiang:
(1)-Sanduoge Temple (also named Beiyue Temple)
(2)-Jade Water Village (Yushuizhai Scenic Spot)
(3)-Yufeng Temple
(4)-Dongba Valley
Activities include celebrations, sacrificial ceremonies and Naxi ethnic cultural show.

The Sanduo Festival (三多节), celebrated annually on the 8th day of the second lunar month, is one of the most significant and sacred festivals for the Naxi people (纳西族) in Lijiang (丽江). The festival, also known as the Sanduo Worship (三多颂), is a grand celebration dedicated to Sanduo God (三多神), the greatest protector of the Naxi people. The origins of the festival can be traced back to the Baisha Yulong Village (白沙玉龙村) and the North Mountain Temple (北岳庙), where the rituals have been performed for over a thousand years.

In 2021, the Sanduo Festival was officially included in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage list by the State Council of China, marking its cultural significance.

History and Origins

The Sanduo God is considered the chief protector and deity of the Naxi people. Legend has it that Sanduo was a warrior god, known for riding a white horse, wearing white armor and helmet, and wielding a white spear. He was believed to safeguard the Naxi people from harm, especially during times of war.

The festival commemorates Sanduo’s protection and is celebrated through grand rituals and sacrifices. These rituals typically include offering a whole sheep as a sacrifice and conducting ceremonies at Sanduo Temple (北岳庙) located at the foot of the Yulong Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山).

Origins of the Sando God

Sando is a central figure in Naxi culture, symbolizing the people’s love for peace, harmony, and indomitable spirit. Often depicted as a god of war riding a white horse and wearing white armor, Sando is believed to be a divine manifestation of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Three legends explain the origins of Sando:

The White Deer Legend: A hunter, possibly Macong (an ancestor of the Mu clan chieftains), encountered a white deer on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. As he aimed to shoot, the deer transformed into a shining white stone. The hunter carried the stone down the mountain, but it became too heavy to move near Beiyue Temple. Believing it to be divine, the Naxi people built the Sando Temple there and began annual sacrifices.

The Naxi-Beng War: According to the Naxi symphony “Bengshi Xili,” Sando helped the Naxi tribe win a war against the Beng tribe by tricking them into dulling their swords, leading to their defeat.

The Three Brothers: Sando was the youngest of three brothers who migrated from the west of Lijiang. He promised great fortune to a king in exchange for offerings, but when the king complained about the lack of blessings, Sando withdrew his protection, leading to the kingdom’s decline. He later appeared to Macong, a Naxi leader, promising aid in battle, and after numerous victories, the Naxi people honored him as an invincible god of war.

Legend of Sanduo

1. The White Stone Legend: A hunter, while in the forest near Yulong Mountain, came across a mystical white stone that eventually became rooted at the foot of the mountain. It was believed that this stone was transformed by Sanduo and was honored by the Naxi people as a manifestation of their god. The Sanduo Temple was constructed to worship the god, and people began holding sacrifices in his honor on the 8th day of the second lunar month.

2. The Battle Strategy Legend: In the Naxi Symphony (纳西交响乐), the Naxi tribe won a battle against the Beng Tribe (崩部落) due to Sanduo’s intervention. Sanduo tricked the enemy soldiers into overeating the night before the battle, causing their swords to become stuck in their scabbards, which led to their defeat.

3. The Story of the Three Brothers: The third brother, Sanduo, was said to have lived on the cliffs of Yulong Snow Mountain. He was known for his bravery and was also believed to be the protector of the Naxi people, helping them in times of battle.

Customs and Celebrations

The Sanduo Festival has evolved from a military and protective ritual to a large-scale celebration of Naxi culture. The festival is observed with a variety of activities:

Rituals and Sacrifices

• Sacrifice: Villagers offer sacrifices, including a whole sheep, to the Sanduo God at the North Mountain Temple (北岳庙), which is located at the foot of Yulong Snow Mountain.

• Worship: People gather to burn incense, chant prayers, and offer food to Sanduo, asking for blessings for prosperity, peace, and protection.

Community Celebrations

• Feasts and Singing: After the religious ceremonies, Naxi people gather for communal feasts and participate in traditional singing competitions and dances.

• Traditional Foods: The highlight of the celebration includes consuming lamb (羊肉), which is a symbolic offering to the god.

• Cultural Events: The festival is accompanied by folk performances, such as dancing and singing, to honor Sanduo’s protection.

Symbolism of the Sanduo God

Sanduo, the patron deity of the Naxi people, is often depicted as a warrior riding a white horse, wearing white armor and holding a white spear. The legend portrays him as a protector during times of war, offering divine support in battle, especially in moments of conflict or invasion.

Customs and Characteristics

Sando is associated with sheep, and sacrifices are offered twice a year, with the second lunar month’s celebration being the grandest. The festival is characterized by gatherings, singing, dancing, and various lively activities. Since 1986, it has been recognized as the legal traditional festival of the Naxi people. On this day, Naxi people from all over Lijiang gather at Beiyue Temple to offer sacrifices, including fragrant wine, sumptuous meat, and incense, praying for Sando’s protection and blessings. The celebration includes outdoor feasts, singing, dancing, and competitions.

Tradition and Development

The Sando Festival holds deep cultural significance for the Naxi people, honoring Sando as their protector god and symbolizing their resilience and cultural heritage. Since 1983, the festival has become the most significant event for the Naxi people in Lijiang and a time for Naxi people from various regions to gather and celebrate their rich cultural traditions.

Cultural Significance

Spiritual Importance

The Sanduo Festival is a manifestation of the Naxi people’s deep reverence for their guardian god. It is also a celebration of their ethnic identity and the unity of their community, as it strengthens the bonds within families and villages.

National Recognition

The Sanduo Festival became a recognized Naxi cultural heritage in 1986 when it was officially declared a public holiday for the Naxi people. In 2021, the festival was included in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage list, ensuring its preservation and future recognition.

Social and Economic Impact

As the most significant Naxi ethnic holiday, the Sanduo Festival also boosts tourism and local culture in Lijiang (丽江). The vibrant celebrations attract both domestic and international tourists, offering them a unique experience of Naxi culture, rituals, and traditions. It has become a central event in the cultural calendar of Northwestern Yunnan (滇西北).

Modern-Day Observances

Since 1986, the Sanduo Festival has become an annual cultural highlight for the Naxi people, with celebrations lasting for several days. The festival has expanded beyond traditional ceremonies to include:

• Music and Dance Performances: Folk music and dance performances play an integral role in the modern festival, adding a lively atmosphere to the sacred rituals.

• Community Gatherings: People from different villages and even cities like Beijing and Kunming (昆明) join in the celebration, creating a multicultural experience for Naxi people living outside of Lijiang.

Additionally, activities such as horse racing, singing contests, and outdoor picnics have become part of the modern festival. The festival now attracts large crowds of Naxi and non-Naxi visitors who come to experience the rich culture of the region.

Legal Recognition

The Sanduo Festival was officially recognized as a traditional ethnic holiday by the Lijiang People’s Congress (丽江人民代表大会) in 1986. In 2005, after the administrative changes in Lijiang, the Yulong Naxi Autonomous County (玉龙纳西族自治县) confirmed the festival as a public holiday lasting three days.

Preservation and Protection

In 2021, the Sanduo Festival was inscribed in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage list, cementing its importance in the preservation of Naxi culture. The festival’s status ensures that future generations will continue to celebrate and honor their ancestral traditions and heritage. The Yulong Naxi Autonomous County‘s Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center (非物质文化遗产保护中心) plays a vital role in the ongoing protection of the festival’s practices and cultural elements.