Overiew of The Festival

• Chinese Name: 德昂族烧白柴节
• English Name: Shaobaichai (Firewood) Festival of Deang Ethnic Minority

Burning White Firewood is the Deang people’s festival for honoring the Buddha, celebrated on December 14th of each year according to the Gregorian calendar. On this evening, a 5-meter-high white firewood pagoda is erected in the square outside the village and set on fire. The De’ang people believe that as the cold season approaches, the Buddha may feel chilly, so they need to burn white firewood to provide warmth for the Buddha, driving away the cold and symbolizing the addition of warmth.

Local Activities during the Shaobaichai Festival

1. Firewood Collection and Preparation: Leading up to the festival, families gather firewood from the forest, which is an essential part of the celebrations. This practice not only prepares them for the festival but also strengthens community bonds as people work together.
2. Ritual Offerings: On the first day of the festival, families prepare offerings that include food, fruits, and flowers, which are presented to ancestors and local deities. This is a time for reflection and gratitude for the bounties of nature, and the offerings symbolize respect and acknowledgment of familial and spiritual connections.
3. Bonfire Lighting: A central feature of the Shaobaichai Festival is lighting a large bonfire. This bonfire serves as a communal focal point for the festivities and symbolizes warmth, joy, and the dispelling of evil spirits. Community members gather around the fire, celebrating together.
4. Traditional Music and Dance: Music and dance are integral parts of the festival. Traditional instruments such as the “huzheng” (a type of string instrument) are played, and people perform folk dances that tell stories of their culture, history, and daily life. These performances often involve colorful costumes and expressive movements, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
5. Food Preparation and Sharing: Families prepare a variety of traditional dishes to share during the festival. This often includes locally sourced ingredients and can feature rice, meats, vegetables, and traditional snacks. Meals are communal, emphasizing the festival’s focus on community and sharing.
6. Games and Competitions: Various traditional games and competitions take place, including sports, races, and skill-based challenges. These activities foster camaraderie and festivity among the participants and are enjoyed by both children and adults.
7. Cultural Exhibitions: Festivals often include exhibitions showcasing Deang handicrafts, textiles, and artistic expressions. This provides an opportunity for the community to celebrate its artisans and preserve its cultural heritage.
8. Community Feasting: The festival culminates in a large communal feast where families and visitors come together to share the dishes prepared. This emphasizes the spirit of unity and appreciation within the community.
9. Storytelling and Folklore: Elders often gather to share stories, folklore, and traditional wisdom with younger generations, fostering an appreciation of their cultural heritage and history.

Basin Introduction

• Chinese Name: 德昂族做摆/赶摆
• English Name: Zuobai Festival of Deang Ethnic Minority

Zuobai Festival（做摆） is Deang ethnic minority’s religious festival in Dehong and Xishuangbanna（西双版纳）. The date of the festival is not fixed, generally once a year. Zuobai Festival consumes a lot, so it is held once every three or four years when the economic declines. Deang people believe that Zuobai Festival can bring a bumper grain harvest, thriving domestic animals and a peaceful village. Before the festival, sponsors needs to prepare large quantities of rice, meat, oil, papers, candles, joss-sticks and several Buddha statues. From days before the festival to the end, numerous people who are from near and far villages will join it. Sponsors provide warm reception, accommodation and food. On the first day of the festival, people go to the Buddhist temple to greet the Buddha with gongs and drums. People hold a carnival gala as the statue arrives. The next morning a rite of worshipping Buddha is held to listen to the sermon. After the breakfast to the afternoon, people parade around the Buddhist temple with gongs and drums, scattering popcorn and setting off firecrackers. After the dinner, people still rejoice with wild excitement, but it’s not as lively as last night. On the third day, guests are leaving one after another. Villagers dedicate all tributes and the statue of Buddha to the temple. At last, people set up a high perch with a banner to end the festival with a feast.

Origin

The origin of the Zuobai Festival is intertwined with the De’ang people’s cultural history and their reverence for ancestors and deities. It is believed to have evolved from ancient rituals related to agricultural practices, the changing of seasons, and the instilling of spiritual beliefs. Over time, the festival has become a time to honor the Buddha, seeking blessings for protection and warmth during the winter months.

Customs

1. Construction of the White Pagoda:
   • A central aspect of the festival is the creation of a tall structure made from white firewood, known as a “white pagoda” or “white tower.” This symbolizes warmth and respect for spiritual entities, particularly the Buddha.
2. Lighting the Fire:
   • In the evening of the festival, the white pagoda is set ablaze. This ritual signifies the offering of warmth to the Buddha, conveying the community’s wishes for protection from the cold and blessings for the coming year.
3. Offerings and Prayers:
   • Participants may make offerings of food, fruits, and incense at the foot of the pagoda before lighting the fire. This is a way to show gratitude and seek blessings from their ancestors and spiritual beings.

Significance

• Cultural Identity: The Zuobai Festival serves as a vital expression of De’ang cultural identity, preserving traditions, customs, and beliefs for future generations.
• Spiritual Reflection: It emphasizes the De’ang people’s connection to spirituality, showcasing their practices in honoring ancestors and the Buddha.
• Social Cohesion: The festival promotes unity within the community, reinforcing social bonds and shared values among the De’ang people.

Local Activities

1. Community Gatherings:
   • Villagers come together to participate in the festival, fostering a sense of belonging and community spirit. Gatherings often involve sharing food and engaging in cultural exchanges.
2. Traditional Performances:
   • Local artists may perform traditional songs and dances that reflect De’ang folklore, history, and values. These performances provide entertainment and serve to educate younger generations about their heritage.
3. Feasting:
   • Food plays a critical role in the festival. Families prepare traditional dishes, allowing people to experience the flavors of De’ang cuisine while enjoying communal meals.
4. Games and Competitions:
   • Various games and competitions may also be organized, adding an element of fun and interaction among participants, particularly for the younger generations.

Overview of The Festival

• Chinese Name: 德昂族开门节
• English Name: Kaimen Festival of Deang Ethnic Minority

The religious festival of the Deang ethnic minority is called “Jinwa” (the Closure Festival), which is the most significant fasting and purification festival for devout Buddhists. It begins on the fifteenth day of the ninth month of the Dai calendar. During this time, the Buddha statue in the temple is closed to visitors, and the monks engage in meditation and recitation of scriptures. The community offers food, fresh flowers, and money to the Buddha, with offerings made every seven days. Devout elderly believers reside in the temple to listen to the teachings of the great monk until the fifteenth day of the twelfth month of the Dai calendar (the Opening Festival). After this date, monks are allowed to go out.

activities that foster community bonding and cultural expression.

Local Activities during the Kaimen Festival

1. Ritual Preparations: Leading up to the Kaimen Festival, families prepare by cleaning their homes and organizing offerings for ancestors and local deities. This preparation symbolizes a welcoming of blessings and good fortune.
2. Ceremonial Offerings: Families prepare various offerings, including fruits, rice, meat, and other traditional foods, to present at temples or family altars. These offerings are made to honor ancestors and seek blessings for the coming year.
3. Community Gathering and Prayers: On the day of the festival, community members gather at local temples or designated gathering spots. They participate in group prayers, chanting, and other spiritual activities to invoke blessings and express gratitude.
4. Traditional Music and Dance: Music and dance play a vital role in the Kaimen Festival. Traditional performances featuring unique instruments and folk dances are organized, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Deang people. These performances often involve storytelling through dance, reflecting their history and customs.
5. Feasting and Sharing: The festival is marked by communal feasting, where families and friends come together to share meals. This symbolizes unity and the importance of community ties. Traditional dishes made from local ingredients are served, and everyone is encouraged to partake.
6. Cultural Competitions and Games: Various traditional games and competitions are held during the festival, encouraging participation from all age groups. These games may include athletic contests, tug-of-war, or skill-based activities that foster friendly rivalry and strengthen community bonds.
7. Crafts and Art Exhibitions: Local artisans may display their crafts and artworks, allowing community members to appreciate traditional skills. This is an opportunity for the transmission of knowledge and the promotion of local culture.
8. Storytelling and Folklore: Elders often take center stage during the festival, sharing stories, legends, and folklore of the Deang people. This oral tradition is crucial for passing down cultural values and history to younger generations.
9. Candle Lighting and Lantern Processions: As night falls, many communities participate in candle lighting and lantern processions. This creates a beautiful ambiance and symbolizes the dispelling of darkness, ushering in hope and positivity.
10. Closing Ceremony: The festival typically concludes with a closing ceremony that involves gratitude prayers and blessings for health, prosperity, and peace for the community. This is an important moment to reflect on the lessons learned during the festival.

Chinese Name: 德昂族关门节
English Name: Guanmen Festival of Deang Ethnic Minority

The religious festival of the Deang ethnic group is called “Jinwa” (the Closure Festival). It is the most significant fasting and purification festival for devout Buddhists. It begins on the fifteenth day of the ninth month of the Dai calendar. During this time, the Buddha statue in the temple is closed to visitors, and the monks engage in meditation and scripture recitation. The community offers food, fresh flowers, and money to the Buddha, with offerings made every seven days. Devout elderly believers reside in the temple to listen to the teachings of the great monk until the fifteenth day of the twelfth month of the Dai calendar (the Opening Festival). After this date, monks are allowed to go out.

Local Activities during the Guanmen Festival

1. Temple Reopening Ceremonies: The festival begins with ceremonial rituals to open the temples again after the period of closure. Monks and local leaders conduct prayers and blessings to signify the return to communal worship.
2. Community Gatherings: Families and community members come together to celebrate the festival. It is a time for reunion, bonding, and sharing joy among community members, emphasizing the importance of social ties.
3. Offerings and Prayers: People prepare various offerings—such as fruits, rice, and sweets—to present at the temples. They engage in prayers and rituals, expressing gratitude for past blessings and seeking future well-being.
4. Cultural Performances: Traditional performances, including music and dance, are organized during the festival. These may feature folk songs, traditional dances, and theatrical presentations that reflect Deang culture and history.
5. Feasting and Sharing of Food: The Guanmen Festival is marked by communal feasting, where families prepare and share traditional dishes. This act of sharing food fosters a sense of community and togetherness.
6. Procession and Celebratory Activities: There may be processions involving participants dressed in traditional attire. These may include symbolic actions, music, and dance, as well as various competitive games that promote participation and enjoyment.
7. Storytelling and Oral Traditions: Elders often share stories, legends, and folk tales during the festival. This serves to educate younger generations about their cultural heritage and impart moral lessons.
8. Artisan Exhibitions: Local artisans may display their crafts, such as textiles, pottery, and other traditional handicrafts. This showcases the skills and creativity of the community and encourages the economic support of local artisans.
9. Charitable Acts: Some community members may engage in acts of charity during the Guanmen Festival, helping those in need and reinforcing the values of generosity and compassion.
10. Lighting Lanterns and Fireworks: As the festival progresses, communities may light lanterns and set off fireworks, creating a festive atmosphere. This symbolizes the dispelling of darkness and the welcoming of light and prosperity.

Chinese Name:德昂族浇花节/泼水节
English Name:  Watering Flowers Festival (Jiaohuajie) of Deang Ethnic Minority

Watering Flowers Festival (Jiaohuajie) of the Deang Ethnic Minority

The Deang people celebrate the Watering Flowers Festival, also known as Jiaohuajie, typically in mid-April. This festival, lasting 3 to 5 days, is rich with cultural and religious significance, combining elements of nature worship, Buddhist rituals, and community activities.

The Legend Behind the Festival

The Misunderstanding of Filial Piety: One legend tells of a rebellious son who, on the seventh day after Qingming Festival, was working in the mountains and witnessed a scene of young birds feeding their mother. This moved him to resolve to serve his mother better. As his mother climbed the mountain to bring him food, she slipped, and fearing her son would strike her, she tragically killed herself by hitting a tree. The remorseful son carved a statue of his mother from the tree and, every year on the seventh day after Qingming, he would bathe the statue in warm water sprinkled with flower petals, which evolved into a local custom.

The Longing for the Seven Fairies: In ancient times, seven fairies descended from heaven to bathe in a lake but were spotted by the Deang people and flew back to heaven. The fairies told the Deang that if they missed them, they could create Buddha statues and bathe them annually to remember them.

Remembering Buddha Shakyamuni: Buddha Shakyamuni, concerned about the long drought, advised the Deang people to pour water on his statue during the “Sand Pagoda Festival” every year. This act would bring rain to relieve the drought. Before he ascended to heaven, Shakyamuni left scriptures and instructed the Deang to perform this ritual, promising it would ensure their peace and prosperity.

Festival Activities

Day 1: Listening to Scriptures: On the first day of the festival, villagers gather at the temple to listen to the monks recite scriptures.

Day 2: Bathing the Buddha: The second day involves bathing the Buddha statues. Each household’s younger generation prepares a basin of hot water and, in the main hall, they ask for forgiveness from their elders for any disrespect shown over the past year. The elders also reflect on their own shortcomings in setting examples. The younger ones then wash the hands and feet of their elders, mutually wishing for harmony and good fortune in the coming year. Only in the afternoon do the water-splashing activities begin.

Day 3: Festive Water Splashes: On the third day, the water-splashing festivities continue. The temporary “temple hall” constructed in the village becomes the focal point, adorned with wild pear blossoms collected by the youth. Villagers carry water from a sacred pond back to the hall to bathe the Buddha statues.

Collecting and Splashing Water: Participants, including young men and women, gather around a small pond to fetch water. Women often hand decorated bamboo water tubes to the young men, expressing love and affection under the ancient banyan tree. This act symbolizes gratitude for the life-giving water and the sharing of heartfelt emotions.

Rituals and Ceremonies

Constructing the “Zang House”: On the day before the festival, villagers build a temporary structure called the “Zang House” in the village center. Two dragon-shaped wooden water troughs, one approximately 10 meters long and the other about 6 meters long, are set up. Water from these troughs, decorated with wildflowers, flows over the Buddha statues, bathing them.

Receiving and Bathing the Buddha: During the festival, villagers, led by elders, fetch several small gilded Buddha statues from the main temple. These statues are placed in the Zang House where water flows over them. The village’s sole monk pours the first jug of water into the dragon trough, followed by the elders and then the villagers, marking the climax of the festival.

Mutual Blessings: On the final day, villagers from neighboring Deang communities visit each other, exchanging blessings and participating in the water-splashing activities. This ritual, accompanied by drum music and dancing, symbolizes the purification of the body and soul, and the mutual exchange of good wishes for health and prosperity.

The Watering Flowers Festival blends Buddhist devotion with vibrant cultural traditions, celebrating the Deang people’s reverence for nature, their community bonds, and their aspirations for a harmonious and prosperous life.

Source from:
http://www.dehong.gov.cn/culture/mz/content-86-458-1.html
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-11111-1172.html

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