Festivals of the Ethnic Groups in Southwest China

Southwest China refers to Yunnan, Guizhou and Sichuan provinces.
In
this region live a variety of ethnic groups, amongst whom are the Yi,
Wa, Bai, Tibetan, Naxi, Dai, Shui, Bouyi, Miao and Yao. Of all these
ethnic groups, the Yi and Wa are indigenous, while the other groups are
migrants.

Due to cultural isolation caused by complicated landforms in
Southwest China, these age-old ethnic cultures form numerous living
museums characterized by their cultural diversity.

Most festivals of
Chinese ethnic groups originate from prayer and entertainment ceremonies
for the blessings of gods. As in ancient times, Chinese ethnic peoples
believed that everything in the natural world was possessed by gods and
was closely related to man's fortune or misfortune. The gods could offer
blessings when pleased, or disasters when displeased.

As such, these
people stand in awe of the gods and try every possible way to amuse them
in colourful and unique ways. It is believed that the gods have various
human emotions and desires; enjoying delicious food, fine-sounding music
and beautiful dancing. At festivals slap-up banquets as sacrifices and
beautiful dancing are offered to entertain the gods. Beautiful costumes
and valuable adornments are always worn so as not to offend them. Here
the festival goers can forget the hardships and worries of daily life.


Festivals are celebrated all year round in Southwest China, with
ceremonies and sacrifices to the gods of the heaven, earth, sun, moon,
water and fire. Buddha and the ancestors are an integral part of daily
life.

Despite great social and economic changes, the ethnic peoples in
Southwest China largely still believe in ancestor-related religions and
Buddhism. Praying to and amusing their gods at festivals remains central
to them.

The largest and most influential festivals are the Jingpo
people's Munaozongge Festival, the Bai people's Raosanlin Festival, the
Wa people's New Year Festival, the Dai people's Water-splashing
Festival, the Tibetan people's Masked Dance Festival and the Miao
people's Sisters' Rice Festival.

Each of the many festivals celebrated
by the ethnic groups in Southwest China has its own distinctive
characters and cultural significance to nourish the soul of its people,
making the region culturally and traditionally extraordinary in China.
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