Tiaohuahui Festival of Buyi Ethnic Minority

Overview

• Chinese Name: 布依族跳花会
• English Name: Tiaohuahui Festival of Buyi Ethnic Minority
• Time: From the first to the twenty-first day of the first month of the lunar calendar

Activity Process

Every festival, the young girls wear brightly colored embroidered dresses, adorned with beautiful button closures, while the young men dress in front-opening shirts, fastening their waistbands with ties, and play wooden flutes, all with smiles on their faces. Enthusiastic young women lead the young men’s horses from five villages and eight hamlets, from the unseen slopes, to the venue of the flower dance festival, which is a flat expanse of meadow beside a crystal-clear little river, with a forest of toong trees full of flower buds to the north. The area is bustling with the sounds of people shouting and horses neighing, filled with laughter and chatter, with at least a thousand people present. The big leather drum thunders through the valley like a bolt of lightning, sometimes fast, sometimes slow, rising and falling, complemented by the clashing sound of cymbals, creating an intoxicating atmosphere!

In the field, young men and women gather in groups, swaying and dancing, singing ancient ballads. The melodies are beautiful, and the dance steps are light as feathers. By the riverbank, young couples play the “leyou,” strum the moon lute, and blow wooden flutes, their eyes sparkling like the river water, expressing passionate love for one another, their reflections undulating in the water, creating another captivating scene. Close to the toong forest, a stage has been set up where a splendid Bouyei opera is being performed, rich in variety, filling the entire meadow with a joyful and pleasant atmosphere. As they sing and dance, before they realize it, the sun begins to set behind the slopes, the evening glow spreads over the flower buds in the toong forest, and people reluctantly mount their horses and gradually leave the meadow.

Meaning

The Flower Dance Festival is also a matchmaking event for the young men and women, where they sow the seeds of love on the grassy meadow. On the last day of the festival, the twenty-first (known as “Union”), they announce the conclusion of the annual Flower Dance Festival.

The twenty-second is known as “Sheep-Tethering Day,” which signifies the engagement. On this day, young people bring a “sheep” back home (symbolizing bringing the girl back to meet the family) to assess the family background of the prospective spouse and to determine their lifelong commitment. Many young men go to the meadow on this day to bring their future brides back to the village. However, the shy young women hesitate to step over the threshold of their suitor’s home. Instead, they merely sneak a peek from the hillside or in the woods to see where their suitor’s family is located. After the twenty-second, work begins in earnest as spring plowing starts, and people immerse themselves in the busy spring agricultural production to secure a bountiful harvest of grain, cotton, and sugar for the following year and to contribute to the development of the mountainous area, engaging in a new struggle!

Local Activities

1. Dancing and Singing

• Flower Dance Performance: The festival features vibrant traditional dance performances, where young men and women showcase their skills while dancing to lively music. The dances often reflect the themes of love and community.
• Singing Competitions: Participants sing traditional folk songs and ballads, which often express themes of love, nature, and daily life. The songs and dances create a festive atmosphere, and everyone typically joins in the fun.

2. Matchmaking

• Cultural Bridge: The festival serves as an opportunity for young men and women to meet and flirt. It creates a festive environment where romantic relationships can blossom.
• “Union Day” on the 21st: On the last day of the festival, known as “Union Day,” couples can decide to formalize their relationships, marking an important milestone in their romantic journey.

3. Sheep-Tethering Day

• Engagement Ceremony: The day following the festival, known as “Sheep-Tethering Day,” symbolizes engagements. Young men bring a sheep back to their homes, representing their intention to marry. This day is crucial for assessing family compatibility and establishing future commitments.

4. Food and Feasting

• Traditional Foods: The festival features an array of local delicacies, where families come together to prepare and share traditional dishes. Food plays a central role in celebrating and bringing the community together.
• Banquets and Gatherings: Following the various performances, communal meals and banquets are common, fostering a sense of togetherness and celebration among participants.

5. Rituals and Customs

• Cultural Rituals: The festival includes rituals that honor ancestors and express gratitude for harvests. This may involve prayers and offerings to ensure good fortune and blessings for the upcoming agricultural season.
• Dress and Adornment: Participants often wear traditional clothing, which is colorful and intricately designed. The attire reflects the cultural identity of the Buyi people and adds to the visual beauty of the festival.

6. Games and Competitions

• Traditional Games: Various games and competitions are organized, including athletic contests, quizzes, and other fun activities that encourage participation and add to the festive spirit.
• Craft Exhibitions: Showcasing traditional crafts (like weaving and embroidery) creates an environment for cultural exchange and appreciation for local artisanship.

Conclusion

The Tiaohuahui Festival is not only a time for celebration and enjoyment but also a vital expression of the Buyi people’s cultural heritage, traditions, and values. It reinforces community bonds, promotes cultural continuity, and allows the younger generation to connect with their roots. The festival emphasizes love, relationships, and the passing down of cultural practices, making it a cherished event for the Buyi ethnic minority.