Spring Festival (Xinshuijie) of Wa Ethnic Minority

Chinese Name:佤族新水节/迎新水/接新水
English Name:  Spring Festival (Xinshuijie) of Wa Ethnic Minority

The Spring Festival (Xinshuijie) of the Wa ethnic minority (佤族) is a unique celebration that combines the worship of nature with joyful festivities and communal cooperation. It is celebrated on the 1st to 3rd day of the Wa lunar new year, a significant event in the Wa culture, typically coinciding with the Chinese New Year (春节) (Spring Festival).

Overview of the Spring Festival (Xinshuijie)

Date and Timing

The Wa lunar new year (佤历新年) begins on the 1st to 3rd day of the first lunar month, which usually falls in early October according to the Gregorian calendar.

In some villages, the festival is celebrated around the 28th to 30th day of the 11th lunar month (农历十一月二十八至三十日).

Alternate Names

De Ruo Kao (的若靠) in the Wa language.

New Water Festival (新水节), Welcoming New Water (迎新水), or Receiving New Water (接新水).

Core Meaning

The festival centers around worshiping the Water God “An A Long” (安阿龙), or Dragon Princess An Rong (龙公主安荣) and the Tree God “Sang Luo” (桑洛).

The primary prayers are for abundant water sources and the peace and prosperity of the village.

Festival Process

Preparation Phase

Village Planning:

• The festival begins with a village-wide meeting, during which a host family is selected. This family must meet certain economic criteria, and they will be responsible for the preparations and hosting.

• The host family and other villagers contribute a bowl of rice, one chicken, one bamboo tube of rice wine, and a bamboo shoot (用于引水槽) to the ceremony.

• Before the festival, the village’s water channels (水渠) are repaired and the women prepare food and traditional clothing for the celebrations.

Shaman Rituals at the Water Source:

• On the day before the festival begins, the shaman (巫师) takes offerings, including dried mouse (鼠干巴), rice (米), and eggs (鸡蛋), to the water source (水源地).

• The shaman chants the “Secret Branch Sutra” (密枝经), invoking the Water God to bless the village with abundant water. The offerings are placed on banana leaves (芭蕉叶), and rice is scattered into the water as a symbol of gratitude and respect.

Water Channeling

The entire male population of the village (全寨男性) comes together to repair and clear the water channels (水渠). Bamboo troughs (竹槽) are built to direct the fresh water from the natural source to the village.

The water must be directed to the village gates (寨门) but cannot enter the village itself.

Welcoming the New Water

Procession:

• On the third morning, all villagers, young and old, don their finest traditional attire (节日盛装). A long procession (长队) forms as the villagers walk together from the village’s outskirts to the gates, where they welcome the new water (新水).

Shaman’s Blessing:

• The shaman (巫师) stands at the water channel, holding a bamboo tube (竹筒) in one hand and banana leaves (芭蕉叶) in the other. He performs a ritual, waving the banana leaves across the water to show respect and love for the water.

• The shaman chants words like:
  “We have waited for you, day and night, and now you have arrived at our village. May you flow endlessly and bring blessings to all the people here.”

Drinking the New Water:

• The villagers eagerly drink the new water (喝新水) as it flows down the channel. They collect the water in bamboo tubes (竹筒) and take it back to their homes, symbolizing the purification of the body and the removal of illness.

“Divine Water Rice” (神水饭):

• The host family (接待户) prepares a special “Divine Water Rice” (神水饭) that includes new water, mouse meat, and rice, which is shared with the entire village. This is a communal feast and a symbol of unity.

Special Customs and Rituals

Taboo Practices

First Day: On the first day of the festival (农历正月初一), all work is forbidden, and no one is allowed to leave the village (不准出寨). Outsiders are not permitted to enter the village during the night.

Second Day: On the second day (初二), villagers start visiting one another’s homes, exchanging gifts of bananas (香蕉) and sugar cane (甘蔗) as symbols of good fortune and friendship. This day marks the start of the “Kao Ao Wo” (考敖窝) celebrations, a traditional collective song and dance performance.

Cultural Performances

The night before the festival culminates in a grand celebration where villagers participate in the “Kao Ao Wo” (考敖窝) dance. This collective activity is a way to celebrate unity and pay tribute to ancestors, with joyful singing and dancing around the fire.

Modern Day Evolution

In certain villages, such as Simo La Wa Village (司莫拉佤寨), the festival has evolved with the tourism industry, offering opportunities for visitors to take part in activities such as hand-washing rituals (净手祈福), new water drinking ceremonies (接新水仪式), and bamboo tube water collection experiences.

Cultural Significance

Worship of Nature and Unity

The Wa Spring Festival (Xinshuijie) (佤族新水节) reflects the Wa people’s deep connection with nature (自然), specifically the worship of the Water God (水神), which is considered sacred, as well as the Tree God (树神). The belief in water’s life-giving power is integral to their agricultural and communal lifestyle.

Collective Cooperation

The entire village is involved in the preparations and rituals, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation (集体协作). Every family contributes resources and labor to ensure the success of the festival, reinforcing the bonds of friendship and unity within the village.

Strengthening Social Bonds

The festival also serves to strengthen social cohesion (社会凝聚力), ensuring that village members work together to maintain their water resources (水源管理) and continue to live in harmony with nature. The rituals foster community identity (社区认同), which is crucial for the survival of the Wa people’s traditions.

A Rich Cultural Experience

The Wa Spring Festival (Xinshuijie) (佤族新水节) offers an immersive experience for travelers who wish to learn about the traditions of one of China’s most distinctive ethnic groups. Visitors can explore the rituals (仪式), customs (习俗), and the festive atmosphere (节日氛围) that are integral to the Wa people’s way of life. From the sacred worship of water to the joyful dances and songs, the Xinshuijie Festival offers an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of the Wa culture.

The festival is not just a celebration but a living tradition (活态传承) that continues to unite the Wa people in their shared values of respect for nature and mutual cooperation. As tourism (旅游业) continues to grow, it provides an opportunity for outsiders to experience these ancient traditions and connect with the Wa community in a meaningful way.

By participating in or witnessing the Spring Festival of the Wa ethnic minority (佤族), visitors are not only exposed to the beauty of this unique cultural celebration but also gain insight into the values of respect for nature (尊重自然), community cooperation (集体合作), and cultural heritage (文化遗产) that the Wa people hold dear. Whether you are interested in the rituals, the festive events, or the opportunity to engage with the local people, this is a festival that promises a deep and enriching cultural experience.