Tea Primogenitor Festival of Kunlu Tea Mountain in Ninger County, Puer

Chinese Name:宁洱县困鹿山哈尼茶祖节
English Name: Tea Primogenitor Festival of Kunlu Tea Mountain in Ninger County, Puer

The Hani people in Kunluo Mountain make a living by growing and guarding tea. Both local Hani communities involved in tea cultivation and protection have rituals related to tea ceremonies. Even people from distant places like the Yao and Dai ethnic groups in Xishuangbanna Prefecture consider ancient tea trees as sacred trees, venerating their ancestor – Kongming, as the Tea Ancestor. Therefore, every year on the second day of the second lunar month and June 24th during the “Bitter Wrath Festival,” Hani villagers use pigs, cows, chickens, and sheep as offerings in prayers to the Tea King tree. They set up offerings of alcohol, light incense, and invite “Ah Bu Mu Pei” for prayers. “Ah Bu Mu Pei” holds a large red rooster, burns incense, and prays under the tree, placing stones for the ritual.