Basic Introduction

Chinese Name: 澜沧县布朗族丰收节
English Name: Bumper Harvest Festival of Bulang Ethnic Minority in Lancang County, Puer
Location:澜沧拉祜族自治县惠民镇芒景村/Mangjing Village, Huimin Town, Lancang Lahu Autonomous County.

The Bumper Harvest Festival of the Bulang Ethnic Minority is a significant cultural event celebrated in Lancang County, located in the Pu’er region of Yunnan Province, China. This festival is an important occasion for the Bulang people, who have a rich cultural heritage and traditional agricultural practices.

The festival typically takes place in the autumn, coinciding with the harvest season, and it serves as a time for the community to express gratitude for a bountiful harvest. During this vibrant celebration, various activities are organized, including traditional music and dance performances, feasting, and communal gatherings. The festival often features colorful costumes, showcasing the unique attire of the Bulang people, and is an opportunity for communal bonding and cultural expression.

In addition to celebrating the harvest, the Bumper Harvest Festival holds cultural significance as it is a time for passing down traditions, customs, and folklore among the younger generations. It reflects the community’s deep connection to their agricultural roots and emphasizes the importance of unity and gratitude.

Attendees of the festival can expect to experience a blend of culinary delights, traditional crafts, and engaging performances, making it a vibrant display of the Bulang culture and an integral part of their social fabric. This festival not only serves to celebrate agricultural achievements but also strengthens community ties and preserves the unique identity of the Bulang Ethnic Minority.

Overview

Chinese Name:西双版纳勐海县布朗族桑康节
English Name: Sangkang Festival of Bulang Ethnic Minority in Menghai County, XishuangBanna
Location: Bulang ethnic minority in Menghai County, Xishuangbanna

The Sangkang Festival typically takes place in late April or early May and is closely linked to agricultural practices, marking the end of the planting season and expressing gratitude for the harvest. The festival is not only a time for celebration but also serves to reinforce social bonds within the community. It is a period when the Bulang people thank their ancestors and deities for blessings and ask for a good harvest in the coming year. The festivities are lively and involve various customs, rituals, and local activities that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Bulang people. Through rituals, music, dance, and communal activities, the festival not only fosters gratitude and connection among the Bulang people but also promotes the preservation of their unique traditions. It provides an inspiring glimpse into the values of community and harmony that are central to the Bulang culture, making it a meaningful and joyous occasion for everyone involved.

Customs and Activities

1. Ritual Ceremonies:
   • The festival begins with a series of rituals that honor ancestors and local deities. Community leaders often lead these ceremonies, which may include offerings of rice, millet, and other food items, as well as incense and symbolic items to express gratitude and seek blessings for the agricultural year ahead.
2. Rice Wine Blessing:
   • During the Sangkang Festival, rice wine holds a special significance. It is often brewed at home and shared among families and community members. A ceremonial sharing of rice wine can symbolize friendship and community spirit, fostering goodwill among participants.
3. Traditional Music and Dance:
   • The festival features vibrant performances of traditional Bulang music and dance. Folk songs and dances, which often tell stories of everyday life, love, and nature, are performed during the celebrations. Musicians use traditional instruments, contributing to the festive atmosphere.
4. Cultural Exhibits and Craftsmanship:
   • Local artisans may display their crafts during the festival, showcasing traditional Bulang handicrafts such as weaving and bamboowork. This provides an opportunity for cultural exchange and highlights the craftsmanship of the Bulang community.
5. Collective Activities and Games:
   • The Sangkang Festival often includes various fun activities and games. Traditional sports, such as tug-of-war, races, and other competitions, engage the community and add an element of friendly rivalry and festive cheer.
6. Community Feasting:
   • Food plays a central role in the Sangkang Festival. Families prepare a variety of traditional dishes, featuring ingredients from their local environment. Community meals are an integral part of the festival, as it brings people together to share food and celebrate.
7. Socializing and Visiting:
   • It is customary during the festival for families to visit each other and exchange greetings. This practice strengthens social ties and enhances the sense of community among the Bulang people.
8. Cultural Education:
   • The festival serves as an occasion for the younger generation to learn about their cultural traditions. Elders often share stories, teach traditional songs and dances, and explain the significance of the rituals, ensuring the preservation of Bulang cultural identity.

Chinese Name:布朗族厚南节/桑刊节/宋坎节
English Name:  Hounan Festival of Bulang Ethnic Minority

The Hounan Festival, also known as the “Sangkan Festival” or “Songkan Festival,” is a grand annual celebration of the Bulang ethnic group. It is held seven days after the Qingming Festival in the lunar calendar, which corresponds to April 13th to 15th in the Gregorian calendar. The main activity during the festival is splashing water on each other to welcome the sun, hence the festival is also known as the Festival of Welcoming the Sun. In recent times, the content of the Songkan Festival has evolved to include not only traditional activities but also performances of cultural programs and sports competitions, making it more popular among the people.

The Bulang ethnic group, with a population of 82,280, primarily resides in the Bulang Mountain area and the regions of Xiding, Bada, and Daluo in Menghai County, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province. Some also live scattered in Lincang and Simao.

Detailed Introduction of the Hounan Festival:

Festival Time

The specific date of the Hounan Festival is not fixed; it is generally held in October or November of the lunar calendar, with the exact date decided by the village elders and residents.

Significance of the Festival

The Hounan Festival aims to thank the earth for its harvest, worship ancestors and deities, and pray for favorable weather and abundant crops in the coming year. It reflects the Bulang people’s harmonious relationship with nature, their respect for ancestors, and their aspirations for a good life.

Festival Customs

1. Ancestor Worship Ceremony On the day of the festival, the Bulang people dress in their finest attire and hold a solemn ancestor worship ceremony at the village altar or ancestral hall. The elders lead the people in worshiping their ancestors and thanking them for their protection.
2. Agricultural Activities During the Hounan Festival, villagers symbolically engage in traditional agricultural activities such as plowing and sowing seeds, to relive the ancient farming lifestyle and express their hopes for a good harvest.
3. Song and Dance Performances Throughout the festival, Bulang men and women, young and old, perform traditional songs and dances in the village square. The dances are vibrant and rhythmic, and the songs often praise nature, celebrate labor, and tell love stories.
4. Food Sharing Villagers prepare abundant traditional foods such as sticky rice, bamboo-tube rice, and preserved meats. They gather to share the food, strengthening their bonds.
5. Competitive Activities Traditional competitive activities like tug-of-war and wrestling are held during the festival, adding to the fun and showcasing the strength and beauty of the Bulang people.
6. Handicraft Exhibitions Village artisans display their crafts during the Hounan Festival, including weaving, embroidery, and wood carving, helping the younger generation learn and pass on Bulang traditional skills.

Historical Legend

There is a beautiful legend about the origin of the Hounan Festival: it is said that long ago, after a severe drought, the ancestors of the Bulang people prayed for rain and eventually reaped a good harvest. Since then, the Bulang people have held the Hounan Festival every year after the harvest to express their gratitude to nature and their ancestors.

Festival Culture

The Hounan Festival is not only an important celebration of harvest and ancestor worship for the Bulang people but also a platform to showcase the rich culture of the Bulang ethnic group. Through this festival, Bulang cultural traditions are preserved and promoted, providing an opportunity for others to learn about the Bulang people.

The Hounan Festival is a significant traditional festival for the Bulang people, filled with reverence and gratitude for nature, ancestors, and life. It is a vital moment for displaying Bulang culture. By participating in the Hounan Festival, people can experience Bulang traditional customs and immerse themselves in the rich ethnic cultural atmosphere.

Chinese Name:布朗族新米节
English Name:  New Rice (Xinmi) Festival of Bulang Ethnic Minority

The Bulang people are renowned for their hardworking and simple lifestyles. Over their history, they have developed a unique set of practices for their production and daily life, including tea harvesting and rice cultivation in the mountains and fields of Shuangjiang. After a year of labor—spring planting, summer weeding, and the arrival of golden autumn when the grains ripen and are harvested—every household in the Bulang villages celebrates the New Rice Festival.

Activities of Eating New Rice:

Hakai (Grain Soul Ceremony/哈楷): “Hakai” in the Bulang language means “grain soul” or “grain spirit.” After the grains ripen, a propitious day is chosen to harvest a handful of grain ears, which are brought home and hung at the “batama” (similar to a Han family’s altar). Each household among the Bulang has its own “batama,” a place of worship within the home. Hanging these grain ears, known as the “grain soul,” requires bowing and praying to heavenly gods, Buddha, and ancestors, signifying the harvest’s completion and the spirit’s entry into the home.

Mother of Grains: On the day when the harvested grains are stored in the barns, the host brings back a clump of soil from the fields, divides it into seven parts, and places them atop the grain heap in the barn. This ritual, known as honoring the “Mother of Grains,” involves reciting “Satu” (a prayer for blessing and reverence towards the grains). The Bulang believe that the land is the mother of all things, and by welcoming her into their homes along with the harvested grains, they ensure abundance throughout the year without loss or waste.

Pounding Rice: The Bulang people believe that all things possess spirits, including rice. Historically, they used wooden pounders to process rice, as they believe that grinding or milling rice with machinery would cause pain and lamentation among the rice spirits, cursing the household with poverty and hunger. Instead, they use wooden pestles and mortars, pounding rice with respect and reverence—hands clasped in a gesture of prayer and respect. This way, the rice spirits remain content and ensure a year-round abundance of food in their homes.

Slaughtering Chickens: During the New Rice Festival, it’s customary to slaughter chickens. Chickens are considered not only a delicacy but also symbols of auspiciousness, their crowing heralding dawn and scaring away evil spirits. Before slaughtering, chickens’ feet and heads are washed. Apart from chicken meat, the more diverse the menu, the better.

Ancestral Worship: Before cooking or eating during the festival, no one is allowed to taste food. Once prepared, a bowl of new rice and whole cooked chickens are offered on the “batama” altar. Bowed heads and prayers invite gods, Buddha, and ancestors to partake, blessing the family with health, prosperity, and abundance.

Fire Altar Worship: In Bulang areas, fire altars historically hold significance. Offerings include three leaves of “maliga” fruit tree, folded into “leaf baskets” with bamboo sticks, filled with new rice, cooked rice, and bits of chicken to symbolize offerings to the fire altar deity. Water is dripped as prayers are silently recited, acknowledging fire as sacred and capable of driving away evil spirits.

Water Dropping: A Buddhist activity, after ancestral and fire altar worship, involves taking a pot of new rice and dishes to the temple, praying and chanting with monks. Upon returning home, a feast is prepared.

Prayer before Meals: Once all activities are completed, the entire family and guests gather to enjoy a meal. Before eating, everyone raises their bowls to their foreheads, quietly chanting “Satu.” Elders may recite prayers before the meal, blessing longevity, prosperity, and wealth.

Good Luck Chanting: After the meal, a ritual called “Good Luck Chanting” is conducted, led by elders or religious leaders, praising the year’s harvest and wishing for continued prosperity.

Leftover Rice: A bowl of leftover rice is kept in the cupboard or grain barn for at least a day, symbolizing year-round abundance and prosperity.

Feeding Plow Oxen: Feeding the oxen used for plowing is a significant activity, reflecting gratitude for their assistance in farming and ensuring their well-being.

Plow and Harrow Worship: Simple rituals are performed to honor the plow and harrow, essential tools in agricultural production.

Chicken Bone Divination: Finally, divination with chicken bones concludes the festival, providing guidance and insight for the coming year.

Through the New Rice Festival, we gain deeper insights into the cultural and psychological aspects of the Bulang people, their reverence for ancestors, and their ethical values. This festival encapsulates multiple dimensions of Bulang culture and serves as a crucial focal point for studying and understanding their way of life.

Chinese Name:布朗族年节
English Name:  Spring Festival (Xinnian) Festival of Bulang Ethnic Minority
布朗族年节，是布朗族的一项传统节日。在农历清明后十日左右，家家都要杀年猪，全寨要宰牛，妇女们做糯米粑粑；年节的当天，晚辈都必须向家族长拜年，并准备两份糯米粑粑用芭蕉叶包好，每份上面放一对蜡烛、两朵鲜花，其中一份糯米粑粑供奉给祖宗，另一份献给家族长；有的布朗族在年节时，要到佛寺前的菩提树下堆沙、种花，向佛爷献米花、糯米糕、芭蕉等食品。

Chinese Name: 布朗族祭坟节
English Name: Offering Grave (Jifen) Festival of Bulang Ethnic Minority

The Jifen Festival is an important ritual observed by the Bulang ethnic minority in Shidian County. The frequency of tomb-sweeping varies among different villages. Some villages perform tomb-sweeping twice a year, such as the Ha Village in Mulaoyuan Township. One occasion is on the 23rd day of the sixth lunar month, when the Bulang people clean the graves and pay respects to their ancestors. This custom resembles the Han and Yi ethnic groups’ Qingming Festival tomb-sweeping traditions but is not strictly associated with Qingming and occurs at a different time from the local Han and Yi practices. Before offering sacrifices at the grave, weeds growing on the grave mound are cleared, and offerings such as food, incense, and paper money are placed in front of the tomb. An ancient custom called “placing water” involves burying a jar of water in the grave; during tomb-sweeping, the depth and clarity of the water are examined to predict the family’s fortune for the coming year.

The second occasion is on the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month. The Bulang people of Shidian County first “welcome” their ancestors home to celebrate. They prepare offerings such as food, wine, meat, and fruits in front of the ancestral shrine in their homes and perform a kneeling ceremony. The next day, under the leadership of the patriarch, the entire extended family gathers to visit the ancestral graves. They offer sacrifices, burn incense and paper money, repair the graves, and clear weeds from the grave mound. After completing the ritual of kowtowing and kneeling, everyone gathers beside the graves to cook and share meals such as chicken. Only after dinner do they return to their respective homes.

Some villages perform tomb-sweeping only once a year, such as the Dazhongshan Village in Bailang Township.

Zhao Xingguo, a young Bulang man, explains, “During the Jifen Festival, we slaughter chickens to worship at the graves. In our village, this activity happens only once a year, specifically on the 24th day of the twelfth lunar month.” The specific practice involves offering nine sticks of incense, three bowls of rice, meat, paper money, and other items outside their home’s front door to welcome the souls of their ancestors and “bring them” home. The following day, on the 24th day of the twelfth lunar month, the entire family cleans the grass from the gravesite, performs rituals of slaughtering chickens, burning incense, kowtowing, and worshiping at the graves. Afterward, they cook and eat together at the gravesite.

During the “Torch Festival,” which occurs on the 23rd day of the sixth lunar month, the Bulang people also “welcome” their ancestors home to celebrate. On the following day at noon, they place offerings such as three stoves of incense and a bowl of rice outside their front doors, while verbally expressing wishes for peace and good luck, thereby “sending off” their ancestors. However, during the Torch Festival, the Bulang people do not visit the graves; they refrain from tomb-sweeping during this period.

These variations in tomb-sweeping practices reflect regional cultural differences among the Bulang people in Shidian County. Despite these differences, the overall observance of the Jifen Festival remains an integral part of the Bulang ethnic identity and cultural heritage.

Chinese Name:布朗族年猪饭
English Name:  Pig-Killing Festival (Nianzhufan) of Bulang Ethnic Minority

Pig-Killing Festival(年猪饭) is a traditional custom of Bulang Nationality in Shidian County(施甸县). Both winter and the twelfth month of the lunar calendar every year, every family do the same thing that is pig-killing. Sometimes pig-killing will occur not only in the same family but also in the same day. Relatives and friends enjoyed a happy gathering. So dinner as a reason for the party.

In addition, formed a deep local special dishes which is pickled vegetables mixing with pork tenderloin(花水腌菜拌猪生里脊肉).(the popular name is called uncooked meat of pork/猪生 ) with pickled vegetables mixing with roast suckling pig(花水腌菜拌火烧肉皮). Chopped pork liver cold and dressed with sauce(剁生猪肝凉拌). Cooked pig blood steak(血蘸薄片肉). The custom of pork-killing to be lost, and there are many changes in the inheritance.

In 1958, the communistic belief has strong impact on humans. Before the reform and opening up policy, Collective corporation, unite commune. collective labor period, Bulang’s pig-killing festival has been missing for more than 20 years. At that time it was difficult for the general public to eat wear and shelter. When food is not available, pig-killing become unsustainable. When the author was a child, he had experienced the scene of eating one meal without the next. Few families are able to slaughter pigs during the Spring Festival. The policy at the time stipulated that anyone who butchered a pig must pay half of it to the state. The country pays the money for merchant according to the standard meat price at that time. Pig’s head can keep by ourselves. But we must pay the tax for pig’s head. Therefore, pork has been eaten up during the spring festival. Some families have no chance to eat. Families depend on food supply for the government or call relatives for help. The food is composed of Roughage, buckwheat, Corn, potato and radish. sometimes Dioscorea japonica and Chinese banana root,as for food. Even though when recall my childhood, my friends in hazhai, including me is  underfed. Since the reform and opening up, Bulang shanzhai’s life has changed dramatically. the household contract responsibility system has been implemented.

Nowadays,every family in shidian Bulang  has a warehouse full of grain.every family can eat rice, Traditional customs of pig-killing were quickly restored. Ham,sausage of toufu Bone residue,natto, Pickled shredded and Pickled pig’ head and so on,not only the special dishes for shidian bulang but also Gradually extend to the whole county,the dishes also exported to other places and popular with all ethnic group.

The custom of pig-killing in the village of bulang nationality is different from pig-killing of local people of shidian.

Example, people kill pig must avoid the animal zodiac,if not,call the head of family for help. When you kill the pig, you should place the fruit cake, wine, rice sugar, tea and other things in the center of the patio. Which means “Tian Di “Put the knife on the table. the function is fending off evil. Presented tea wine, ginger, salt, rice and other offerings, burned paper fire, throw a few rice before eating. And then use the “knife” which is on the table to kill pig In the courtyard. After enshrine for the mountain people can eat.

Translated by Xu Min/徐敏

Chinese Name:布朗族茶祖节
English Name:  Worship of Tea Ancestor Festival of Bulang Ethnic Minority

Chinese Name: 布朗族关门节/考瓦沙
English Name: Guanmen (Closing Door) Festival of Bulang Ethnic Minority

The Guanmen Festival, also known as “Kaowasha,” is a religious holiday observed by some Bulang people who follow Mahayana Buddhism. It is held annually from the 15th day of the ninth month to the twelfth month in the Dai calendar (roughly mid-June to September in the lunar calendar), and is celebrated in the southwestern and southern Bulang settlement areas of Yunnan Province. The Guanmen Festival marks the closing of the doors to love and marriage among the Bulang people. During this festival, young men and women of the Bulang ethnicity are forbidden to engage in romantic relationships or marriages.

On the 15th day of the ninth month according to the Dai calendar, the entire Bulang village attends a Buddhist ceremony at the monastery, listens to Buddhist scriptures, and performs the “drip water” ritual. Elderly men and women over 40 years old stay in the monastery, and the entire village suspends production activities for a day. In the evening, young people drum and dance, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the village.

Early in the morning, every household is busy steaming colorful glutinous rice and preparing pastries. Offerings are made to the Buddha and given to relatives and friends, and feasts are prepared. Three days later, the monastery gates are closed for three months, during which monks chant scriptures day and night, and people refrain from leaving the monastery.

During the three-month period of the Guanmen Festival, the main activity for the people is to listen to Buddhist scriptures at the monastery. The scriptures mainly consist of stories of those who have attained enlightenment, inspiring the listeners to aspire to achieve Buddhahood. From the Guanmen Festival to the opening ceremony three months later, the Bulang people do not hold weddings, build new houses, or travel far from home. They concentrate on production activities and regularly visit the monastery to worship and make offerings. The devout elders wear white clothes and white headscarves, observing strict dietary rules, and some stay in the monastery. Every seven days, there is a Buddhist worship ceremony where offerings of food and candles are made to the Buddha and ancestors, while monks recite scriptures and explain Buddhist teachings, rules, and stories. A significant event during this period is the “redemption of sutras,” where Buddhist scriptures are offered.

When the three-month period of the Guanmen Festival is completed on the 15th day of the twelfth month according to the Dai calendar, the Opening Door Festival is celebrated. People bring paper flowers, candles, fruit trees, food, and coins to the monastery for a grand Buddhist ceremony. Similar to the Guanmen Festival, there are offerings of alms, chanting of scriptures, and communal meals. At night, fireworks are set off, sky lanterns are released, dances are performed, and lanterns are paraded around the village to celebrate the end of the closed-door period and the beginning of an open-door period. After this night, the village returns to its usual romantic and festive life. Monks are allowed to leave the monastery, people can travel far from home, farmers can build new houses, and young men and women can date and marry.

During the Guanmen Festival, usually around the 14th day of the ninth month according to the Dai calendar (July 15th in the Gregorian calendar), Bulang believers prepare to go to the monastery to burn incense and prepare Buddhist offerings. Men are busy making gold and silver baskets and other offerings, while women start making dumplings and steamed meat for the following morning’s trip to the monastery. On this day, all Bulang villages in Xishuangbanna begin the drip water ritual. People start preparing the items they need to bring to the monastery early in the morning, and believers rush to the monastery to offer their offerings, hoping to be the first to receive merit. Inside the monastery, people wash their ears and listen respectfully to the Buddha’s recitation of the “Merit Sutra” and “Amitabha Sutra,” praying for peace and safety for themselves and their livestock.

They also call upon the spirits of deceased relatives to pay attention to the living and bless them, accepting the offerings made to them by their loved ones. After listening to the Buddha’s recitation, people return to their homes to apologize and bless their elders (Su Ma), such as grandparents and parents, and start a sincere three-month period of guarding the summer. During this period, people are busy with the things they need to do around the three-month period of guarding the summer.

Chinese Name:布朗族开门节/奥瓦沙
English Name:  Kaimen (Opening Door) Festival of Bulang Ethnic Minority

The Bulang People’s Open Door Festival is held annually on the 15th day of the twelfth month of the Dai calendar. During the festival, all the villagers bring offerings to the local Buddhist temple to perform charitable acts. The elderly listen to the monks recite scriptures in the temple for three days, during which time all production activities in the village cease. During these three nights, young men and women celebrate by singing, dancing, and playing drums and gongs. After three days, the doors of the temple are opened, allowing monks to visit different villages.

As the three-month Buddhist Lent (Vassa) comes to an end, the Bulang people of Xishuangbanna, who follow Theravada Buddhism, begin preparations for the Open Door Festival. The entire region buzzes with festive activities, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Families make decorative gold and silver flower baskets and ritual trees called “Jiebo Trees.” On the 14th day of the twelfth month in the Buddhist calendar, Bulang women descend to the plains to purchase items to be offered at the temple. They also prepare zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) and other foods to give to laypeople.

Early the next morning, people carrying their handmade offerings arrive at the temple to burn incense and pay their respects. They enter the temple one by one to present their offerings, listen to the teachings, take precepts, and receive blessings through water sprinkling. The monks recite the “Merit Sutra” and the “Abhidhamma” (the Great Law), instructing the faithful to remember the merits accumulated during the Vassa and to continue practicing generosity, ethical conduct, and good deeds after its conclusion.

The Open Door Festival is a unique cultural phenomenon that emerged from the fusion of ethnic traditions and religious practices in Xishuangbanna. It is celebrated by the Dai and Bulang people who follow Theravada Buddhism and has a strong Buddhist influence. The festival includes a variety of rich Buddhist cultural activities and is considered the most sacred event of the year by the Dai and Bulang communities.

Chinese Name:布朗族冈永节
English Name:  Gangyong Festival of Bulang Ethnic Minority

Gangyong Festival of the Bulang Ethnic Minority

The Gangyong Festival, also known as the Festival of the Bamboo Rat, is a significant cultural event for the Bulang ethnic minority. The festival is sometimes celebrated in the fourth month and sometimes in the ninth month of the Dai calendar, with the specific timing decided by the villagers. It is primarily held in the areas of Old Man’e and New Man’e in Menghai County.

Festival Customs

During the Gangyong Festival, all villagers, young and old, dress in their finest attire and head to the mountains with hoes and bamboo baskets to dig for bamboo rats. Once a bamboo rat is caught, it is decorated with wildflowers and grass, adorned with a flower garland, and tied to a long bamboo pole. The villagers then carry the decorated bamboo rat around the village, accompanied by the sound of bamboo clappers.

The decorated bamboo rat is then taken to the home of the Daman (a village elder or leader), where the flowers and ornaments are removed, and the rat is beheaded. The head is left with the Daman, while the rest of the rat is cleaned. Each household takes a small piece of the meat home, where they touch it to the three legs of an iron tripod (or place it on the stone tripod above the hearth) as a sign of reverence to the spirits.

Origins of the Festival

The origins of the Gangyong Festival are rooted in a legend about a Bulang woman named Yakushan. She obtained a rice seed that was larger than a pumpkin and stored it in her granary. One day, the seed rolled out of the granary and grew so large that it nearly collapsed her bamboo house. Angered, Yakushan struck the seed with a stick, causing it to break into small pieces that fell through the bamboo floor and into the ground.

A spiritually endowed bamboo rat then dug into the earth, retrieving each seed and scattering them on the ground, allowing them to sprout, grow, and produce crops. Grateful for the bamboo rat’s help in recovering the rice seeds, the Bulang people established the Gangyong Festival. The act of placing bamboo rat meat on the immovable iron tripod signifies respect and gratitude. It is believed that by offering this tribute during the festival, the year’s crops will thrive and yield a good harvest.

Modern Observance

Historically, the Gangyong Festival was celebrated by only a few villages. However, with the spread of scientific knowledge and agricultural advancements after the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, some of the villages that originally observed the festival have discontinued it. Despite this, the festival remains a vital part of the cultural heritage and traditional practices of the Bulang people.

The Gangyong Festival is a unique blend of myth, agrarian ritual, and community celebration, reflecting the Bulang people’s deep connection with nature and their agricultural roots. It is a vivid example of how folklore and traditional beliefs can shape and sustain cultural practices over generations.

Basic Introduction

• Chinese Name: 施甸县布朗族跳会
• English Name: Tiaohui Festival of Bulang Ethnic Minority in Shidian County, Baoshan
• Location: Shidian County, Baoshan

The Tiaohui Festival is a vibrant celebration of Bulang culture, uniting the community and preserving traditions for future generations. Through various activities, the festival fosters a sense of identity and belonging while celebrating the unique customs, artistry, and agricultural roots of the Bulang people. The Bulang, who primarily reside in the mountainous regions of Yunnan, have distinct customs, language, and a rich history that is intimately connected to the land and nature. The Tiaohui Festival is not only a celebration of cultural identity but also serves as a gathering for the community to strengthen social ties and reinforce their heritage.

Origin

The Tiaohui Festival has ancient roots that can be traced back to agricultural practices and religious beliefs. Traditionally, the festival marks the beginning of the farming season, serving as an expression of gratitude for the harvests and an appeal for good fortune in the coming year. It is believed that the festival originated from a mix of agricultural rituals and ancestral worship, providing a platform for the Bulang people to express their respect for nature and their ancestors. Over time, the festival has transformed into a vibrant celebration of the Bulang culture.

Cultural Activities

• Traditional Performances: The festival showcases folk songs, dances, and theatrical performances that reflect Bulang history, mythology, and daily life. Participants often wear traditional costumes that symbolize their ethnic heritage.
• Sports Competitions: Various traditional sports and games are organized, promoting physical health and friendly competition among community members. Activities may include tug-of-war, archery, and racing events.
• Tea Tasting and Cultural Exchange: The Bulang people are known for their tea production. During the festival, there are opportunities for tea tasting, allowing visitors and participants to appreciate this vital aspect of Bulang culture.
• Ancestral Worship Ceremonies: Rituals honoring ancestors and nature spirits are conducted, reflecting the spiritual beliefs of the Bulang people. Offerings may include food and ceremonial items meant to invoke blessings for the community.

Local Activities

• Market Stalls: Local artisans and farmers set up stalls to sell handicrafts, traditional clothing, herbal medicines, and agricultural products. This showcases the craftsmanship of the Bulang people and supports the local economy.
• Social Gatherings and Feasting: The festival provides an opportunity for families and friends to come together, share meals, and celebrate community bonds. Traditional dishes featuring local ingredients are prepared and shared, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
• Workshops: Educational workshops on Bulang traditions, crafts, and herbal medicine may be held, allowing younger generations and visitors to learn about their cultural heritage.

Yunnan Travel Guide

Things To Do

• Yunnan Overview
• Yunnan Attractions
• Yunnan Tours
• Yunnan Shopping
• Yunnan Culture
• Festivals and Activities

Travel Information

• Yunnan Travel Tips
• Yunnan Climate
• Yunnan Transportation
• Yunnan Maps
• Yunnan Photos
• Yunnan Dining
• Yunnan Accommodation
• Yunnan Education
• Yunnan Travel News
• Administrative Divisions

Create My Trip

You Might Like

• 7 Days Yunnan RV Caravan Self-Driving and Tea Tour (Kunming-Lincang-Xilinshan-Fengqing-Kunming)
• 14 Days China High Speed Train Tour with Yunnan Minorities Exploration
• 2 Days Fuxian Lake and Modou Mountain Cycling Tour from Kunming
• 2 Days Jianshui Ancient Architecture Tour from Kunming
• 10 Days Yunnan Classic Tour with the Upper Yangtze River Rafting Tour
• 3 Days Tengchong City Tour
• 1 Day Kunming Tea Culture Tour
• 3 Days Puer City Ethnic Culture Tour to Lancang and Ximeng Counties

Festivals of Bulang Ethnic Minority

Bumper Harvest Festival of Bulang Ethnic Minority in Lancang County, Puer

Basic Introduction Chinese Name: 澜沧县布朗族丰收节 English Name: Bumper Harvest Festival of Bulang Ethnic Minority in Lancang County, Puer Location:澜沧拉祜族自治县惠民镇芒景村/Mangjing Village, Huimin Town, Lancang Lahu Autonomous County. The Bumper Harvest...

Bulang Ethnic Minority    Veiw

• Bulang Ethnic Minority
• Festivals of Bulang Ethnic Minority
• Lancang County

Sangkang Festival of Bulang Ethnic Minority in Menghai County, XishuangBanna

Overview Chinese Name:西双版纳勐海县布朗族桑康节 English Name: Sangkang Festival of Bulang Ethnic Minority in Menghai County, XishuangBanna Location: Bulang ethnic minority in Menghai County, Xishuangbanna The Sangkang Festival typically takes place...

Bulang Ethnic Minority    Veiw

• Bulang Ethnic Minority
• Festivals of Bulang Ethnic Minority
• Menghai County

Hounan Festival of Bulang Ethnic Minority

Chinese Name:布朗族厚南节/桑刊节/宋坎节 English Name:  Hounan Festival of Bulang Ethnic Minority The Hounan Festival, also known as the “Sangkan Festival” or “Songkan Festival,” is a grand annual celebration of the...

Ethnic Minority Festivals    Veiw

• Baoshan
• Bulang Ethnic Minority
• Festivals of Bulang Ethnic Minority
• Lincang
• Puer

New Rice (Xinmi) Festival of Bulang Ethnic Minority

Chinese Name:布朗族新米节 English Name:  New Rice (Xinmi) Festival of Bulang Ethnic Minority The Bulang people are renowned for their hardworking and simple lifestyles. Over their history, they have developed...

Bulang Ethnic Minority    Veiw

• Bulang Ethnic Minority
• Festivals of Bulang Ethnic Minority
• Lincang
• Puer

Spring Festival (Xinnian) Festival of Bulang Ethnic Minority

Chinese Name:布朗族年节 English Name:  Spring Festival (Xinnian) Festival of Bulang Ethnic Minority 布朗族年节，是布朗族的一项传统节日。在农历清明后十日左右，家家都要杀年猪，全寨要宰牛，妇女们做糯米粑粑；年节的当天，晚辈都必须向家族长拜年，并准备两份糯米粑粑用芭蕉叶包好，每份上面放一对蜡烛、两朵鲜花，其中一份糯米粑粑供奉给祖宗，另一份献给家族长；有的布朗族在年节时，要到佛寺前的菩提树下堆 ...

Bulang Ethnic Minority    Veiw

• Bulang Ethnic Minority
• Festivals of Bulang Ethnic Minority
• Lincang
• Puer

Offering Grave (Jifen) Festival of Bulang Ethnic Minority

Chinese Name: 布朗族祭坟节 English Name: Offering Grave (Jifen) Festival of Bulang Ethnic Minority The Jifen Festival is an important ritual observed by the Bulang ethnic minority in Shidian County....

Ancestor Worship Festivals    Veiw

• Bulang Ethnic Minority
• Festivals of Bulang Ethnic Minority
• Lincang
• Puer
• XishuangBanna

Pig-Killing Festival (Nianzhufan) of Bulang Ethnic Minority

Chinese Name:布朗族年猪饭 English Name:  Pig-Killing Festival (Nianzhufan) of Bulang Ethnic Minority Pig-Killing Festival(年猪饭) is a traditional custom of Bulang Nationality in Shidian County(施甸县). Both winter and the twelfth month...

Bulang Ethnic Minority    Veiw

• Bulang Ethnic Minority
• Festivals of Bulang Ethnic Minority
• Lincang
• Puer

Worship of Tea Ancestor Festival of Bulang Ethnic Minority

Chinese Name:布朗族茶祖节 English Name:  Worship of Tea Ancestor Festival of Bulang Ethnic Minority The Tea Ancestor Festival is an important traditional festival among the Bulang ethnic minority, akin to...

Ancestor Worship Festivals    Veiw

• Bulang Ethnic Minority
• Festivals of Bulang Ethnic Minority
• Lancang County
• Lincang
• Puer

Guanmen (Closing Door) Festival of Bulang Ethnic Minority

Chinese Name: 布朗族关门节/考瓦沙 English Name: Guanmen (Closing Door) Festival of Bulang Ethnic Minority The Guanmen Festival, also known as “Kaowasha,” is a religious holiday observed by some Bulang people...

Bulang Ethnic Minority    Veiw

• Bulang Ethnic Minority
• Festivals of Bulang Ethnic Minority
• Lincang
• Puer
• XishuangBanna

Kaimen (Opening Door) Festival of Bulang Ethnic Minority

Chinese Name:布朗族开门节/奥瓦沙 English Name:  Kaimen (Opening Door) Festival of Bulang Ethnic Minority The Bulang People’s Open Door Festival is held annually on the 15th day of the twelfth month...

Bulang Ethnic Minority    Veiw

• Bulang Ethnic Minority
• Festivals of Bulang Ethnic Minority
• Lincang
• Puer
• XishuangBanna

Gangyong Festival of Bulang Ethnic Minority

Chinese Name:布朗族冈永节 English Name:  Gangyong Festival of Bulang Ethnic Minority Gangyong Festival of the Bulang Ethnic Minority The Gangyong Festival, also known as the Festival of the Bamboo Rat, is...

Bulang Ethnic Minority    Veiw

• Bulang Ethnic Minority
• Festivals of Bulang Ethnic Minority
• Gengma County
• Jinghong
• Lancang County
• Lincang
• Menghai County
• Mojiang County
• Puer
• Shuangjiang County
• XishuangBanna
• Yongde County
• Yunxian County

Tiaohui Festival of Bulang Ethnic Minority in Shidian County, Baoshan

Basic Introduction Chinese Name: 施甸县布朗族跳会 English Name: Tiaohui Festival of Bulang Ethnic Minority in Shidian County, Baoshan Location: Shidian County, Baoshan The Tiaohui Festival is a vibrant celebration of Bulang culture,...

Festivals and Events    Veiw

• Baoshan
• Bulang Ethnic Minority
• Festivals of Bulang Ethnic Minority
• Shidian County