Tuoxiangpi Festival of Lisu Ethnic Minority in Deqin and Weixi, Diqing

Overview of the Festival

  • Chinese Name: 傈僳族拖乡批节
  • English Name: Tuoxiangpi Festival of Lisu Ethnic Minority in Deqin and Weixi, Diqing
  • Location: Deqin and Weixi, Diqing

The Deqen Xiaruo Lisu Ethnic Township, the Tuoding Lisu Ethnic Township, and some Lisu people in Weixi hold the Tuo Xiang Pi Festival, a collective worship of mountain gods, every year on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month. The Tuo Xiang Pi Festival is one of the most ethnically distinctive traditional festivals. The entertainment activities during the festival mainly include bullfighting, sheep fighting, and horse racing competitions to select the ‘Bull King,’ ‘Sheep King,’ and ‘Fast Horse’ contestants. This festival is deeply rooted in the traditions and customs of the Lisu people and showcases their connection to their natural environment and spiritual beliefs.

  1. Cultural Significance: The Tuoxiangpi Festival is primarily a collective worship event dedicated to mountain gods. It embodies the Lisu people’s reverence for nature and their traditional agricultural lifestyle, reflecting their hopes for a good harvest and protection from natural disasters.
  2. Timing: The festival takes place annually on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, a time when the agricultural season is at a critical juncture. This timing allows the community to come together and seek blessings for the crops and livestock.
  3. Rituals and Ceremonies: Central to the Tuoxiangpi Festival are the rituals performed to honor mountain deities. Local shamans or spiritual leaders conduct these ceremonies, which may include offerings of food, incense, and prayers. These rituals not only seek divine favor but also reinforce communal bonds.
  4. Traditional Competitions: The festival is famous for its lively and exciting competitions. Among the most popular events are bullfighting, sheep fighting, and horse racing. These competitions serve as both entertainment and a means to display the skills and bravery of the participants.
    • Bullfighting: A highlight where specially selected bulls compete against each other.
    • Sheep Fighting: A culturally significant contest showcasing the strength and agility of specially trained sheep.
    • Horse Racing: Riders compete on fast horses, with the title of ‘Fast Horse’ awarded to the winner.
  5. Community Participation: The festival fosters a spirit of unity and cooperation among community members. Families and neighbors gather to celebrate, exchange food, and participate in various activities. It is also an opportunity for the younger generation to learn about their cultural heritage and engage with elders.
  6. Culinary Traditions: Food plays an essential role in the festival. Families prepare traditional dishes that are shared among community members, enhancing the festive atmosphere and reinforcing social ties. Dishes often feature local ingredients and showcase the Lisu culinary heritage.
  7. Cultural Performances: Alongside competitions, the festival features traditional music and dance performances that highlight Lisu culture. Participants may wear traditional attire, adding color and vibrancy to the celebrations.

Local Activities of the Festival

1. Rituals and Ceremonial Offerings

  • Worship of Mountain Gods: The festival begins with rituals conducted by local shamans. These rituals often involve offerings to mountain deities, including food, incense, and symbolic items to seek blessings for prosperity, health, and good harvests.
  • Prayers and Songs: Traditional prayers and songs are performed to honor the deities and ancestors, creating a spiritual atmosphere that reinforces the community’s cultural identity.

2. Traditional Competitions

  • Bullfighting: One of the main attractions, this contest features bulls that compete head-to-head. Enthusiastic spectators cheer for their favorite bulls, and the event is a display of strength and animal prowess.
  • Sheep Fighting: This unique event showcases specially trained sheep as they compete against each other. It is both entertaining and a demonstration of breeding skills.
  • Horse Racing: Riders race on horseback, vying for the title of “Fast Horse.” This competition emphasizes the importance of horses in Lisu culture, both as a mode of transport and as valuable livestock.

3. Cultural Performances

  • Traditional Music and Dance: Throughout the festival, various performances of folk music and traditional dances take place. Local musicians often play traditional instruments, creating an atmosphere filled with lively rhythms.
  • Costumed Performances: Participants may don colorful traditional attire, showcasing Lisu heritage and adding visual spectacle to the celebrations.

4. Culinary Activities

  • Shared Feasting: Families prepare traditional Lisu dishes using local ingredients. Food plays a central role in the festivities, and community members often share meals, promoting fellowship and unity.
  • Culinary Competitions: There may also be competitions to showcase the best dishes, where local chefs or home cooks present their culinary skills to the community.

5. Community Games and Entertainment

  • Sports Activities: In addition to traditional competitions, the festival often features various games and sports, including tug-of-war, races, and other fun contests that engage all ages.
  • Craft Exhibitions: Local artisans may showcase their crafts, including traditional weaving, embroidery, and other hand-made goods, allowing visitors to appreciate and purchase Lisu handicrafts.

6. Social Gatherings

  • Storytelling and Sharing: Elders often share stories, myths, and legends of the Lisu people, imparting cultural knowledge to younger generations. This oral tradition is vital for preserving the community’s history and values.
  • Community Bonding: The festival is a time for families and neighbors to come together, strengthening social ties and reinforcing a sense of belonging.