Basic Introduction of the Festival

• Chinese Name: 大理云龙县阿昌族祭祖
• English Name: Ancestor Worship Festival of Achang Ethnic Minority in Yunlong County, Dali
• Location: 大理云龙县漕涧镇仁山村丹梯阿昌族文化广场/Dali Yunlong County Caojian Town Renshan Village DanTi Achang Ethnic Culture Square

The Ancestor Worship Festival of the Achang ethnic minority is a significant cultural event that embodies the deep-seated traditions and spiritual beliefs of the Achang people. This festival typically occurs on the 15th day of the first lunar month, coinciding with the Lunar New Year celebrations, and serves as an opportunity for families and communities to honor their ancestors and commemorate their heritage.

The Ancestor Worship Festival of the Achang ethnic minority in Yunlong County is a profound cultural celebration that emphasizes respect, gratitude, and familial bonds. By honoring their ancestors, community members strengthen their connections to heritage and each other, while also ensuring the preservation of their unique cultural identity. This festival not only commemorates the past but also reinforces the values and traditions that are essential to the Achang way of life. Through its vibrant rituals, communal activities, and cultural expressions, the Ancestor Worship Festival stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Achang people and their rich cultural heritage.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance

1. Reverence for Ancestors: The Achang people have a long-standing tradition of ancestor worship, which is rooted in their belief that ancestors continue to watch over and influence the lives of their descendants. The festival is a time to express gratitude for the guidance and blessings received from ancestors.
2. Community Cohesion: The festival fosters a sense of unity and solidarity among members of the Achang community. Families come together to participate in rituals and celebrations, reinforcing social ties and shared cultural identity.
3. Preservation of Heritage: The Ancestor Worship Festival is vital for the preservation of traditional Achang customs, including language, music, dance, and various cultural practices. It provides an opportunity for younger generations to learn about their history and cultural heritage.

Festival Activities and Customs

The Ancestor Worship Festival encompasses a variety of meaningful activities:

1. Ritual Offerings: Families prepare elaborate offerings for their ancestors, which may include food, fruits, incense, and other symbolic items. These offerings are presented at ancestral altars or graves as a sign of respect and devotion.
2. Rituals and Prayers: During the festival, families gather to perform rituals that may involve reciting ancestral names, chanting prayers, and expressing wishes for protection and blessings. These activities may take place at home or at designated ancestral sites.
3. Community Feasts: After the rituals, families often hold communal meals where traditional Achang dishes are shared. These feasts help to strengthen community ties and celebrate cultural heritage.
4. Music and Dance: Traditional music and dance are integral parts of the festival. Performances often feature local instruments and folk songs, showcasing the rich cultural expressions of the Achang people.
5. Storytelling and Cultural Education: Elders often take the opportunity during the festival to share stories about ancestors, local legends, and cultural lessons, ensuring that the knowledge is passed down to younger generations.

Introduction of the Festival

• Chinese Name:阿昌族过新年
• English Name:  Guoxinnian (New Year) Festival of Achang Ethnic Minority

The New Year of the Achang ethnic group is the most important and lively traditional festival for the Achang people. It starts on the first day of the first lunar month of the year and lasts until the sixteenth day of the first lunar month. During this time, the Achang people hold various activities to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.

During the New Year, the Achang people engage in a variety of traditional activities. The most important of these is the sacrifice to the village god. This sacrifice is a must-hold activity during the Achang New Year, representing the Achang people’s awe and gratitude for nature. In addition to the sacrifice to the village god, the Achang people also engage in other celebration activities, such as swinging, dancing, singing, playing ping pong, and eating New Year’s Eve meals.

Swinging is one of the most popular activities during the Achang New Year. The swing is made of a sturdy wooden pole with seats on either side. Young people sit on the swing and are pushed by others, and the height of the swing depends on the strength of the push. Swinging is not only a form of entertainment, but also represents love between young men and women in Achang culture.

Dancing is an essential activity during the Achang New Year. The Achang people have a variety of dances, including elephant-foot dance, peacock dance, and knife dance. These dances are not only a form of performance, but also a way for the Achang people to express their emotions. When dancing, the Achang people wear their most magnificent national costumes, holding various musical instruments and singing as they dance.

During the New Year, the Achang people also eat New Year’s Eve meals. This is the most abundant meal that the Achang people eat throughout the year. The New Year’s Eve meal includes various delicacies that the Achang people enjoy, such as pork, chicken, and fish. In addition to the delicacies, the New Year’s Eve meal also includes gods and ancestors that the Achang people worship.

In short, the Achang New Year is a joyful and mysterious festival that represents the awe and gratitude of the Achang people for nature and showcases the charm and characteristics of Achang culture.

Local Activities of the Guoxinnian (New Year) Festival

1. Preparation and Cleaning: In the days leading up to the festival, families engage in thorough cleaning of their homes to sweep away bad luck and make room for good fortune. Decorations, often in red (a color symbolizing good luck), are put up around the house.
2. Ritual Ceremonies: The festival begins with ritual ceremonies that may include offerings to ancestors and deities to seek blessings for the upcoming year. This often involves setting up an altar with food, incense, and symbolic items that represent prosperity and health.
3. Family Reunions: The Guoxinnian Festival is a crucial time for family gatherings, where relatives come together to celebrate and share meals. Family members often travel from far and wide to reunite, strengthening familial bonds.
4. Traditional Meals: Food plays a central role in the festival. Families prepare a variety of traditional dishes, often including rice, meats, and special delicacies specific to Achang culture. Some dishes are prepared with symbolic meanings, such as ensuring abundance and good luck.
5. Cultural Performances: Traditional music and dance performances are a highlight of the festival. The Achang people may perform local folk songs and dances that feature vibrant costumes and rhythmic movements, celebrating their cultural heritage.
6. Games and Competitions: Various traditional games and competitions are organized during the festival, providing entertainment and encouraging community participation. These may include traditional sports and contests that highlight local skills and talents.
7. Storytelling and Oral Traditions: Elders share stories and legends that encapsulate Achang history and cultural values. These storytelling sessions are important for preserving the community’s traditions and passing knowledge to younger generations.
8. Visiting Neighbors and Friends: It is customary to visit neighbors and friends during the festival, exchanging greetings and gifts. This practice promotes goodwill and strengthens community ties.
9. Cultural Exhibitions: Some celebrations may include exhibitions of traditional crafts, such as weaving, embroidery, and pottery. This allows artisans to showcase their skills and contributes to the preservation of Achang craftsmanship.
10. Environmental Activities: As part of the celebrations, community activities such as planting trees or participating in environmentally friendly initiatives may take place, reflecting the Achang people’s respect for nature and commitment to sustainability.

Introduction of The Festival

• Chinese Name: 阿昌族换黄单节
• English Name:  Huanhuangdan Festival of Achang Ethnic Minority

Ah Chang New Year Festival is one of the grandest and most lively traditional festivals celebrated by the Ah Chang people, also known as the “New Year of the Ah Chang People.” This festival is typically held from the 9th day to the 15th day of the 9th month of the lunar calendar, celebrating the Ah Chang traditional new year.

During the Ah Chang New Year Festival, Ah Chang people engage in various activities to celebrate the arrival of the new year. The most important activity is the sacrifice to the autumn god. This sacrifice is a must-attend event during the Ah Chang New Year, representing the Ah Chang people’s awe and gratitude for nature. In addition to the sacrifice to the autumn god, Ah Chang people also engage in other celebration activities, such as swinging, dancing, singing, playing shuttlecock, and eating New Year’s Eve meals.

Swinging is one of the most popular activities during the Ah Chang New Year Festival. The swing is made of a sturdy wooden pole with two seats on either side. Young people sit on the swing and are pushed by others, and the height of the swing depends on the strength of the push. Swinging is not only a recreational activity; in Ah Chang culture, it also symbolizes love between young men and women.

Dancing is an essential activity during the Ah Chang New Year Festival. Ah Chang people have a wide variety of dances, including elephant-foot dance, peacock dance, and knife dance. These dances are not only performances but also a way for Ah Chang people to express their emotions. When dancing, Ah Chang people wear their most magnificent traditional costumes, holding various musical instruments and singing as they dance.

During the New Year, Ah Chang people also eat New Year’s Eve meals. This meal is the most sumptuous of the year for Ah Chang people. The New Year’s Eve meal includes various delicacies that Ah Chang people enjoy, such as pork, chicken, and fish. In addition to the delicacies, the meal also includes gods and ancestors whom Ah Chang people worship.

In conclusion, the Ah Chang New Year Festival is a joyous and mysterious holiday that not only represents the Ah Chang people’s awe and gratitude for nature but also showcases the charm and characteristics of Ah Chang culture.

Key Activities of the Huanhuangdan Festival:

1. Preparation and Rituals:
   • Prior to the festival, families engage in various preparations, including cleaning their homes and preparing special foods. Rituals performed to honor ancestors and deities are also a significant part of the lead-up to the festival, reflecting respect for traditions.
2. Traditional Clothing:
   • During the festival, members of the Achang community dress in traditional clothing, showcasing their cultural heritage. This attire often features vibrant colors and intricate designs, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
3. Cultural Performances:
   • The festival is marked by various performances that include traditional songs, dances, and dramas. These performances often depict folk tales and historical stories of the Achang people, and they are a way of passing down cultural traditions to younger generations.
4. Feasting:
   • Food plays a central role in the Huanhuangdan Festival. Families prepare a variety of traditional dishes, often featuring rice, vegetables, meats, and locally sourced ingredients. Community feasts may be organized where people come together to share meals, reinforcing bonds within the community.
5. Dragon and Lion Dances:
   • Cultural performances may include dragon and lion dances. These lively displays are believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. The vibrant costumes and rhythmic movements contribute to the joyous ambiance of the festival.
6. Games and Competitions:
   • Various traditional games and competitions are held during the festival. These can include athletic contests, folk games, and local sports, providing entertainment and an opportunity for community engagement.
7. Ceremonial Offerings:
   • Community rituals often involve making offerings to ancestors and deities, seeking blessings for prosperity and good fortune. This may include the burning of incense and the presentation of symbolic items.
8. Community Gathering:
   • The Huanhuangdan Festival serves as a significant occasion for family and community reunions. People often return home from distant places to celebrate together, thus strengthening familial ties and fostering a sense of belonging.

Overview 

• Chinese Name:阿昌族火把节
• English Name:  Torch Festival of Achang Ethnic Minority

The Torch Festival is a key cultural celebration for the Achang ethnic minority. This vibrant festival, celebrated on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, is rich in tradition and community spirit. It combines elements of mythology, agriculture, and local customs, making it a significant event in the Achang cultural calendar.

The Torch Festival of the Achang ethnic minority is more than just a cultural event; it is a profound expression of community, spirituality, and heritage. Through its rich traditions and communal activities, the festival reinforces the Achang people’s cultural identity and serves as a vital link between generations, ensuring the preservation and continuation of their unique customs and traditions.

Origin

The origins of the Torch Festival among the Achang people can be traced back to ancient agricultural practices and rituals aimed at blessing the harvest. The festival is believed to have evolved from a fire-worshipping tradition, associated with agricultural fertility and the driving away of evil spirits. It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and is a time when communities come together to honor their ancestors while praying for a bountiful harvest and good fortune in the forthcoming agricultural season.

Significance

1. Cultural Identity: The Torch Festival is an essential expression of Achang cultural identity. It serves to strengthen community bonds and reinforce social values by bringing families and neighbors together to celebrate.
2. Agricultural Importance: Given the festival’s association with agriculture, it marks a time to celebrate the harvest and prepare for the agricultural cycles ahead. It is also seen as a way to seek blessings for favorable weather and abundant crops.
3. Spiritual Roots: The festival emphasizes spiritual beliefs, including honoring ancestors and seeking protection from evil spirits. The lighting of the torches signifies purification and the dispelling of negativity.

Local Activities

1. Lighting of Torches:
   • One of the most significant activities is the lighting of large torches made from bamboo, wood, and other natural materials. These torches are often adorned with colorful decorations. Once lit, they symbolize the driving away of darkness and evil spirits.
2. Traditional Performances:
   • The festival features various traditional music and dance performances, showcasing Achang folk songs and dances. Local artists perform cultural dances that often depict myths, legends, and everyday life, celebrating the community’s heritage.
3. Games and Competitions:
   • Numerous traditional games and athletic competitions are organized, including wrestling, tug-of-war, and other local sports. These activities foster camaraderie and friendly competition among participants.
4. Feasting:
   • Community feasts play a central role in the celebration. Families prepare and share traditional dishes, including rice, meat, vegetables, and other local delicacies. This communal sharing of food emphasizes unity among community members.
5. Rituals and Offerings:
   • Preceding the main festivities, rituals are performed to pay homage to ancestors and deities. Offerings of food, fruits, and incense may be made at sacred sites or family altars, seeking blessings for prosperity and protection.
6. Night Celebrations:
   • As night falls, the torchlight creates a vibrant atmosphere for social gatherings. People gather around bonfires, sharing stories, singing, and enjoying the camaraderie of the festival spirit.
7. Firework Displays:
   • Fireworks often cap off the evening celebrations, symbolizing joy and festivity. The bright lights and sounds add excitement to the already lively festivities.

Introduction of the Festival

• Chinese Name:阿昌族进洼节/开门节
• English Name:  Shaobaichai Festival of Achang Ethnic Minority

“Jinwa Festival” is a Chinese translation of the De’ang language, which means “Closing the Door Festival”. It is a festival celebrated by the Dai and De’ang ethnic groups in Yunnan Province, China, every year on the 15th day of the 9th month of the Dai calendar, lasting for three months. On the 14th day, early in the morning, young girls carry clean water to the Buddhist temple to bathe the Buddha. At midnight, the “Jinwa” begins, as the sound of drums is heard from the temple. Elders bring offerings such as incense, candles, rice, and flowers to the back of the Buddha’s statue to deposit them.

On the 15th day, a ceremony called “Danfo” is held, during which people offer food, flowers, and money to the Buddha, light incense and candles, and burn money and paper. From this day on, a small “Danfo” is held every seven days. On the eighth day of each household, food and drinks are brought to the Buddhist temple for sacrifice, and people listen to the Buddha’s lectures and pray for God’s blessing. In addition to being rich in religious significance, the Jinwa Festival is also held during the busy farming season to enable people to concentrate on productive labor. Therefore, marriage and love are prohibited during this period, and Buddhist monks and young monks are not allowed to stay in other villages.

Local Activities of the Shaobaichai Festival

1. Culinary Traditions:
   • A major highlight of the Shaobaichai Festival is the preparation and sharing of traditional dishes. Families come together to cook a variety of foods, with Shaobaichai (a local dish made with fermented vegetables, typically mustard greens), being the centerpiece. This dish symbolizes abundance and hospitality.
2. Decorating Houses:
   • In preparation for the festival, families often clean and decorate their homes. This includes putting up traditional ornaments, as well as displaying banners and symbols that represent good fortune and prosperity. This activity is meant to invite blessings and create a festive atmosphere.
3. Ritual Offerings:
   • Rituals play an important role during the Shaobaichai Festival. People make offerings to their ancestors at family altars, expressing gratitude and seeking blessings for health and prosperity. This may include fruits, incense, and food items.
4. Traditional Music and Dance:
   • The festival features performances of traditional Achang music and dance. Local musicians play traditional instruments, and dancers perform folk dances that highlight Achang history and stories. This aspect of the celebration helps preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Achang people.
5. Games and Competitions:
   • The festival often includes various games and sports competitions that foster community engagement and camaraderie. These may include traditional sports, tug-of-war, and racing events, providing an opportunity for friendly rivalry and fun.
6. Community Gatherings:
   • Shaobaichai Festival brings the community together, encouraging social interactions among families and friends. People gather to enjoy food, participate in activities, and share in the joyous atmosphere of the festival.
7. Connecting with Nature:
   • Some celebratory practices may involve engaging with nature, such as gathering herbs, collecting wild plants, or participating in outdoor activities. These activities reflect the Achang people’s deep connection to their environment and the importance of agriculture in their lives.
8. Cultural Exhibitions:
   • There may also be cultural exhibitions or storytelling sessions held during the festival, where local elders share legends and tales that are significant to the Achang culture. This helps to pass down traditions and educate younger generations about their heritage.

Chinese Name:阿昌族出洼节/关门节
English Name:  Chuwa (Kaimen/Opening Door) Festival of Achang Ethnic Minority

The Chuwa Festival of the Achang people is held annually on the 15th day of the twelfth month of the Dai calendar. It signifies the departure of the Buddha from the temple and lasts for three days. As the harvest season ends and enters the agricultural off-season, restrictions on activities are lifted, allowing young people to freely enjoy themselves.

Day 1 (15th day): Unmarried young men in the village, adorned with flower paper and playing elephant-foot drums, parade around the village. Meanwhile, elders visit the temple to burn incense and retrieve offerings previously placed behind the Buddha’s statue during the Inwa Festival, symbolizing the Buddha’s departure from the temple.

Day 2 (16th day): The ceremony of the Buddha’s departure is held, where all unmarried young women visit the temple to pay homage to the Buddha.

Day 3 (17th day): Young men and women from each village gather to listen to the Buddha’s teachings. Afterwards, they celebrate with songs and dances, exchanging blessings and congratulations. From this day onward, young men and women are free to court and form romantic relationships, potentially leading to marriage.

The Festival of Emerging from the Lowlands, also known as the “Opening Door Festival,” marks the end of a year-long period of religious seclusion in which people follow strict rules and abstain from worldly pleasures. During this time, they focus on spiritual growth and renewal. The festival lasts for three days and is held to celebrate the harvest and the beginning of a new agricultural cycle.

On the 15th day of the festival, young unmarried men carrying colored paper and playing elephant-foot drums parade through the village, while elderly people visit the Buddhist temple to burn incense and offer sacrifices to the Buddha. This symbolizes the Buddha’s emergence from his seclusion.

On the 16th day, a ceremony is held to officially release the Buddha from his seclusion. All unmarried girls are required to visit the temple to pay their respects to the Buddha.

On the 17th day, young men and women from different villages gather to listen to a sermon by the local Buddhist monk. After the sermon, people celebrate by singing, dancing, and congratulating each other. From this day on, young people are free to pursue romantic relationships and form partnerships.

Introduction of the Festival

• Chinese Name:阿昌族进洼节/开门节
• English Name:  Jinwa (Guanmen/Closing Door) Festival of Achang Ethnic Minority

“Jinwa Festival” is a Chinese translation of the De’ang language, which means “Closing the Door Festival”. It is a festival celebrated by the Dai and De’ang ethnic groups in Yunnan Province, China, every year on the 15th day of the 9th month of the Dai calendar, lasting for three months.

On the 14th day, early in the morning, young girls carry clean water to the Buddhist temple to bathe the Buddha. At midnight, the “Jinwa” begins, as the sound of drums is heard from the temple. Elders bring offerings such as incense, candles, rice, and flowers to the back of the Buddha’s statue to deposit them. On the 15th day, a ceremony called “Danfo” is held, during which people offer food, flowers, and money to the Buddha, light incense and candles, and burn money and paper. From this day on, a small “Danfo” is held every seven days. On the eighth day of each household, food and drinks are brought to the Buddhist temple for sacrifice, and people listen to the Buddha’s lectures and pray for God’s blessing.

In addition to being rich in religious significance, the Jinwa Festival is also held during the busy farming season to enable people to concentrate on productive labor. Therefore, marriage and love are prohibited during this period, and Buddhist monks and young monks are not allowed to stay in other villages.

Local Activities of the Jinwa (Guanmen/Closing Door) Festival

1. Ritual Offerings:
   • The Jinwa Festival begins with ritual offerings to ancestors and deities. Families prepare food, incense, and symbolic items at home altars or at local temples to express gratitude and seek blessings for the coming year. This practice underscores the community’s respect for their ancestors and spiritual beliefs.
2. Culinary Preparations:
   • Just as in many festivals, food plays a central role during the Jinwa Festival. Families prepare traditional dishes, often featuring local ingredients. The cooking process brings family members together, highlighting cooperation and communal bonds. Special foods may include rice cakes and preserved meats, symbolizing abundance and good fortune.
3. Closing Doors Ceremony:
   • The name “Closing Door” comes from a specific ritual where families symbolically “close” their doors to evil spirits and negative influences as the year comes to an end. This can involve simple practices like locking doors at sunset and performing prayers or chants to invite protective blessings for the household.
4. Cultural Performances:
   • The festival often features traditional music and dance performances, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Achang people. Local musicians may play traditional instruments, while community members participate in vibrant dance routines that often depict historical tales and local legends.
5. Community Gatherings:
   • The Jinwa Festival serves as an opportunity for community bonding. People come together to celebrate, share food, and enjoy each other’s company. These gatherings foster social cohesion and are crucial for maintaining relationships within the community.
6. Games and Competitions:
   • Various traditional games and physical competitions are organized during the festival. These may include tug-of-war, races, and other local sports that promote teamwork and community spirit. Such activities also allow for friendly competition among villagers.
7. Planting Seeds:
   • A unique aspect of the Jinwa Festival may include symbolic acts related to agriculture, such as planting seeds or preparing the fields for the next growing season. This practice emphasizes the connection between the community’s agricultural lifestyle and their spiritual beliefs, reinforcing the idea of renewal and hope.
8. Storytelling and Oral Traditions:
   • Elders in the community may take the opportunity to tell stories or recite legends that are significant to the Achang culture. Such storytelling sessions not only entertain but also serve to educate younger generations about their history, cultural values, and life lessons.
9. Closing the Year:
   • The festival represents the closing of a year and the opening of a new one, both literally and metaphorically. Communities hold discussions or reflective activities about the past year, sharing successes and challenges while planning for the future.

Introduction of the Festival

• Chinese Name:阿昌族泼水节
• English Name: Water Splashing Festival of Achang Ethnic Minority

The Water-Splashing Festival of the Achang people coincides with the Dai people’s Water-Splashing Festival but is celebrated differently. It starts on the seventh day after the Qingming Festival and lasts for a week. The Achang Water-Splashing Festival consists of several distinct processes: gathering flowers on the mountain, offering to the Buddha, presenting to the Buddha, bathing the Buddha, and splashing water on each other to convey blessings.

The Water-Splashing Festival is one of the most important traditional festivals for the Achang people. It typically takes place during the New Year according to the Dai lunar calendar, usually in mid-April in the Gregorian calendar. This festival, celebrated with great enthusiasm, is not only a time for the Achang people to welcome the new year but also an opportunity to pray for blessings and celebrate life.

Festival Activities

The central activity of the Water-Splashing Festival is, as the name suggests, splashing water. This act symbolizes washing away the misfortunes of the past year and welcoming a fresh, prosperous new year. Here are some of the key elements of the festival:

• Water Splashing: The most joyous part of the festival is when people gather in the streets, armed with buckets, basins, and any containers they can find, to splash water on each other. It is believed that the more water one gets splashed with, the more luck and blessings they will receive in the coming year. The atmosphere is filled with laughter and joy as everyone participates in this water battle.
• Cultural Performances: During the festival, various cultural performances take place, including traditional Achang dances, music, and singing. These performances are a display of the rich cultural heritage of the Achang people and are enjoyed by both locals and tourists.
• Feasting: Like many festivals, the Water-Splashing Festival also involves preparing and sharing special foods. Families cook delicious traditional meals, including dishes like sticky rice, pickled vegetables, and various meats, to share with friends and relatives.
• Religious Ceremonies: The Achang people also perform religious ceremonies during the festival. These may include offerings to ancestors and local deities, praying for good health, abundant harvests, and peace in the community.

Significance of the Festival

The Water-Splashing Festival holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Achang people. It is a time to honor their ancestors, celebrate their cultural identity, and strengthen community bonds. The festival reflects the Achang’s respect for nature and their hope for harmony between humans and the environment.

Modern Celebrations

While maintaining its traditional essence, the Water-Splashing Festival has also adapted to modern times. It attracts many tourists who come to experience the unique cultural heritage of the Achang people. The festival has become a platform for cultural exchange and tourism, helping to promote and preserve Achang traditions in the broader Chinese cultural landscape.

Conclusion

The Water-Splashing Festival is a vibrant and significant celebration for the Achang ethnic minority, embodying their cultural richness and communal spirit. Through water-splashing, cultural performances, feasting, and religious ceremonies, the Achang people not only celebrate the New Year but also reinforce their cultural identity and social cohesion. This festival is a testament to the enduring traditions and joyful spirit of the Achang people.

Introduction of the Festival

• Chinese Name:阿昌族赶摆
• English Name: Ganbai Festival of Achang Ethnic Minority

Achang Ethnic People’s religious festival, also known as the “Bazzar Festival,” is typically held once a year, but can sometimes be held every three or four years. The festival lasts for three days, usually in the eighth or ninth month of the lunar calendar. The Achang Ethnic People believe in Theravada Buddhism, so the Bazzar Festival is similar in content and form to the Dai People’s New Year Festival. The Achang Ethnic People believe that the Bazzar Festival can bring prosperity and peace to their village, and that participating in the festival is a virtuous act that will bring good fortune in the afterlife.

In preparation for the festival, people need to prepare a large amount of pork, rice, oil, paper, incense, and seven statues of Buddha. During the festival, the host village receives a large number of guests who must be treated hospitably and provided with food and accommodation. For the three days of the festival, people eat and drink at the Bazzar Festival site, resulting in a huge expense. As a result, this custom is now less common.

On the first day of the festival, people beat drums and gongs to welcome the Buddha to the temple. Once the Buddha arrives, people offer sacrifices and then spend the night celebrating. The next day is the most lively day of the festival. In the morning, people worship the Buddha and listen to the Buddha’s sermon. After breakfast, the festival begins with a parade around the village. The parade is led by several young girls carrying offerings, followed by several statues of Buddha, and a few people throwing rice flowers and setting off firecrackers. The parade continues until the afternoon. After dinner, people celebrate as usual.

On the third day of the festival, the atmosphere begins to wind down as people from outside the village begin to leave. The villagers gather in the square and erect a tall pole with flags and streamers, believing that the pole can guide people to their place in heaven. Finally, everyone gathers together for a big meal, marking the end of the Bazzar Festival.

Origin of the Ganbai Festival

The Ganbai Festival has its roots in the agricultural practices of the Achang people and is linked to ancestral worship and the celebration of harvest. The name “Ganbai” translates to “Feasting on Rice,” which encapsulates the essence of the festival as a time for expressing gratitude for a bountiful harvest. Traditionally, the festival has served as a way for communities to honor their ancestors and the spirits of nature that are believed to bring fertility and abundance to the land.

Significance of the Ganbai Festival

1. Agricultural Gratitude:
   • The Ganbai Festival is primarily a celebration of the harvest, allowing the Achang people to express their gratitude for the crops gathered over the year. It reflects the deep connection between the people and their agricultural practices.
2. Cultural Identity:
   • The festival plays a key role in preserving and promoting the cultural traditions and identity of the Achang ethnic minority. It is a time for family gatherings, cultural performances, and communal rituals that reinforce a sense of belonging.
3. Community Bonding:
   • The festival strengthens social ties among community members as they come together to participate in various activities. It fosters cooperation and solidarity, contributing to the overall well-being of the community.
4. Ancestral Respect:
   • The Ganbai Festival often includes rituals that honor ancestors, reflecting the importance of ancestry and lineage in Achang culture. These practices help maintain connections with past generations.

Local Activities of the Ganbai Festival

1. Feasting and Culinary Preparations:
   • A central aspect of the Ganbai Festival is the preparation and sharing of traditional foods. Families cook a variety of dishes using freshly harvested ingredients. A special focus is placed on rice dishes, symbolizing abundance and unity. The communal feasting serves to strengthen social bonds.
2. Ritual Offerings:
   • Families create altars adorned with offerings to honor their ancestors and deities. This may include food, incense, and decorative items. Rituals are performed to seek blessings for health, prosperity, and protection.
3. Traditional Music and Dance:
   • Cultural performances are a highlight of the festival, showcasing Achang music, dance, and folklore. Local musicians play traditional instruments, while dancers perform intricate folk dances that often depict historical narratives or themes from nature.
4. Games and Competitions:
   • Various traditional games and competitions are held during the Ganbai Festival. Activities like tug-of-war, races, and other group-oriented games encourage participation and foster a sense of community spirit.
5. Community Gatherings:
   • The festival provides an opportunity for members of the Achang community to come together, socialize, and share stories. People exchange greetings and well-wishes, reinforcing relationships and promoting a sense of belonging.
6. Cultural Exhibitions:
   • Educational events or exhibitions may take place, showcasing Achang crafts, traditional clothing, and artworks. These activities help promote cultural heritage and provide younger generations with insight into their history.
7. Rituals of Abundance:
   • Some rituals performed during the Ganbai Festival may include symbolic planting or scattering of seeds, expressing a desire for future fertility and prosperity. This act reinforces the connection between the community and the land.
8. Ceremonial Activities:
   • Specific ceremonies may be performed to honor natural forces or spirits believed to influence agriculture. These involve chants, prayers, and sometimes animal sacrifices as offerings to ensure a favorable growing season ahead.

Conclusion

The Ganbai Festival is a vibrant celebration that encapsulates the rich cultural heritage, agricultural traditions, and communal spirit of the Achang ethnic minority. Through various activities such as feasting, rituals, music, dance, and games, the festival serves not only as a time of gratitude for the harvest but also as a significant occasion for reinforcing social ties and preserving cultural identity. The Ganbai Festival stands as a testament to the Achang people’s deep-rooted connection to their land and community.

Chinese Name: 阿昌族阿露窝罗节
English Name: Aluwoluo Festival of Achang Ethnic Minority

Achang is a unique ethnic group with a small population in Yunnan province. It is mainly distributed in lianghe(梁河), longchuan(陇川)and luxi (潞西) counties of Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous prefecture (德宏傣族景颇族自治州)in western Yunnan, and in Tengchong(腾冲)of Baoshan city(保山市)and longling counties (龙陵县) and Yunlong county(云龙县) of Dali Bai Autonomous prefecture(大理白族自治州).

Aluwoluo, a traditional festival of the Achang people, used to be held every year on the 10th day of the 9th lunar month. “Alu” and “Woluo” are two festivals based on two legends. The “Aluwoluo festival” is a combination of the “Woluo festival” popular in Lianghe(梁河), Luxi(潞西), Tengchong(腾冲), Longling (龙陵), Yunlong (云龙)and other Achang regions ，and the “Alu festival” popular in Husa（ 户撒）and Lasa（腊撒） regions of Longchuan （陇川）county.

Introduction of festival

In the festival, the hospitable Achang people dressed in gorgeous costumes sang and danced with the rhythm of Xiangjiaogu(象脚鼓) and Mangluo(芒锣), accompanied by the sound of firecrackers that resounded through the whole household, danced with blue dragon and white elephant, and shared the joy of the festival with the guests from afar.

Festival activities

Aluwole activities are usually held in villages.

Select the sacred tree(选神树)

All the men, women and children in the village should choose a straight chestnut tree as a sacred tree on the mountain. After the venerable old man presided over the sacrifice, the tree could be cut down. The tree cannot be carried on one’s shoulders; instead, the tree body was tied with countless ropes. All the participants dragged it to the village，crossed the ditch and ridge，All the way, they beat gongs, drums and cheered to welcome the sacred tree into the village.

Build the altar(建祭台)

After the sacred tree arrived at the sacrificial field in the village, the sacred tree was set up，and sacrificial platform was built around the sacred tree, a big bow was hung on the tree, the sun was installed , flowers and green leaves were hung on the tree, and the sacrificial platform was painted with the patterns of Achang’s costumes. With the woodcut otter cat was raised to the throne, the sacrificial platform was set up entirely.

Sacrifice

The Da huopao(大活袍) who has supernatural spirit (wizard) placed the five cereals and tea wine, flowers and fruits on the altar. Then he waved the eagle tail fan to chant the Sutra, preached the Creation Epic of zhepamazhemima, and praised the great kindness of human ancestors. Then the lion dance team and the elephant dance team worships the throne and salute to the ancestor.

的创世史诗是阿昌族民间创世史诗。流传於云南省梁河县阿昌族地区。诗中的主人公遮帕麻与遮米麻是阿昌人传述的两位开辟神

Achang folk creation epic . It spreads in the Achang area of Lianghe County, Yunnan Province. The protagonists in the poem, Zhepama and Zhemima(遮帕麻and遮米麻), are the two pioneering gods Eulogized by Achang people.

Dance

After that, all the villagers dressed in festival costumes, holding flowers and green leaves, dipped in clear spring water, sang songs around the God seat, and danced Aluwole to express their deep gratitude to their ancestors. Subsequently, various artistic activities are carried out successively until the end of ceremony.

Other cultural activities

Festival activities can last from a few days to half a month. Nearby villages can visit each other. The lion and elephant dance teams can also go to the villages to express congratulations. The young men and women then carry on the singing activity, and use the leaves of mountain flowers dip in the water to sprinkle each other, to expresses the blessing. This period is a time for girls to fully display their beauty and wisdom, and it is also a good time for young men to pursue love and companionship. From this, many touching love stories and countless blissful marriages have been achieved.

Chinese Version: https://baike.baidu.com/item/阿露窝罗节/4660236?fr=aladdin
Translated By Zhao Lijiao/赵丽娇

Overview

Chinese Name: 阿昌族会街

English Name:Huijie Festival of Achang Ethnic Minority

Date: during the eighth and ninth months of the lunar calendar

As a traditional holiday of the Achang people, theHuijie Festival usuallyfalls in mid-September of each Chinese lunar year. The Achang people believe in the Hinayana. Huijie used to be a religious get-together. Legend has it that a Ge Da Ma (In Achang language, it means Bodhisattva) overcame many difficulties on his way to the heaven for acquiring the scriptures and finally succeeding in it. Then he decided to return to the world on September 15. To welcome his return, the Achang people arranged the black dragon and white elephant; young men and women collected rice and prepared vegetarian diet for the offering. This gradually became a traditional festival.

On the occasion, men dress in blue, black or white frocks with buttons down the front and black trousers, with a bag on the shoulder. And they wear a long piece of headcloth. Married women put on clothes buttoned down the front with long and narrow sleeves, and skirts covering the knees. They also wrap puttees and black or blue head cloth. Girls mostly set their braids over their heads. They have on their chests four ranges of silver buttons on juxtaposition, on which hang four silver chains. They also wear ornaments such as flowers, chaplets, and earrings. During the holiday, the main activities includeplayingwhite elephant and black dragon dance.The white elephants and black dragons are made by handicraftsmen in the villages, who use bamboo as the frames, paper as body cover and cloth as trunk. While playing the white elephants, a man hides himself inside and draws the rope on the pulley to control the swing up and down of the trunk. Young men in attires wave the black dragons.

At the beginning of the Huijie, people tie red silk on the white elephant and black dragon. By beating drums and gongs, men and women, young or old, gather around the elephant and dragon playing team, going around the village once. Then they all come to the square, and encircle the elephant and dragon. Abruptly the drums, gongs and cymbals start beating together. People begin to perform the merry and bold Elephant-Leg Drum Dance. While dancing, the cymbal beaters keep standing side on side with the drummers, jumping left and right, extending and drawing back from time to time, body heaving like wave. They make a large stride ahead while dancing, then squat by retreating, with striding, retreating and squatting three times. When the performance reaches the upsurge, the crowd of onlookers cheer and applaud. At the same time, the white elephants shake their trunks much more frequently and the black dragons dance more fiercely.

Festival Introduction 

The Achang people regard the Green Dragon and White Elephant as symbols of good fortune and happiness. Before the festival, they must prepare the Green Dragon and White Elephant properly. On the day of the festival, as the first light of dawn breaks, young men carry long knives on their backs and play the elephant foot drum, while the young women wear vibrant ethnic costumes. They gather around the Green Dragon and White Elephant, adorned in red and green, entering the festival square amidst the sounds of drums and firecrackers. When the elder presiding over the festival announces its commencement, the sounds of drums, gongs, and clanging instruments intertwine into a harmonious medley. The Green Dragon and White Elephant come to life, with the dragon shaking its head, swaying its tail, and opening its mouth to laugh; the white elephant swings its long trunk, moves forward, and retreats, performing sliding steps, kneeling, tilting backward, and leaning forward, its clumsy antics provoking waves of laughter from the crowd. At this moment, the young men and women dance gracefully around the Green Dragon and White Elephant, leaping and moving their feet, their bodies undulating like waves, dancing and squatting together. The festival site is alive with the sounds of drums and music, with the dragon dancing and the elephant leaping, creating an atmosphere of jubilance.

Making the Green Dragon and White Elephant is not a simple task. Skilled artisans first build a frame from wood, then cover it with paper, and create the elephant’s trunk, dragon head, and dragon tail from cloth. They need to be sturdy yet lightweight, and visually appealing. During the performances, the performers hide inside the dragon’s body and the elephant’s belly. Some are responsible for lifting the dragon or moving the elephant, while others handle the dragon’s head, tail, and the elephant’s trunk. As a result, the Green Dragon can raise its head, open and close its mouth, and sway its tail, while the White Elephant can toss its trunk up and down and side to side.

Significance

The Achang people worship white tin, and the most captivating aspect of their festival is the men’s lively dance around the white elephant while playing the elephant foot drum. This also serves as a great opportunity to showcase their skills. They play and dance simultaneously, with the drumbeat varying in tempo—sometimes slow, sometimes fast—creating a brisk rhythm. The performance is often accompanied by various impressive movements involving shaking, tossing, and displaying the drum, all performed with vigor and ease. When the joyful atmosphere reaches its peak, the sound of the “chachacha” from the drums blends with laughter, expressing the open-heartedness of the Achang people and their joy in the harvest.

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