How people in Yunnan celebrate Yuanxiao festival
Thought air of the Spring Festival is still there, Yuanxiao Festival, or the lantern festival, has already come to us today.
In the Chinese language, “yuan/元” means the first and "xiao/宵" is night. So the full-moon night of the first lunar month (usually on the fifteenth day) is called the Yuanxiao festival.
According to Chinese tradition, Yuanxiao festival signals the end the Spring Festival. Let’s take a look at how people in Yunnan celebrate the Yuanxiao festival.
Rice dumplings
On the Yuanxiao festival, people in Yunnan eat glutinous rice dumplings, a symbol of happiness and yearly family reunion. They are a little different from those in north China.
In south China, rice dumplings are mostly made one by one.
In north China, they’re formed by rolling wetted flour in a flat basket.
Lantern shows
Yuanxiao festival is day for lovers. Traditionally, Chinese folks would try to identify a right spouse while admiring the lantern shows.
These days, lantern/light shows are on display in certain Kunming spots, such as the World Horti-Expo Garden and the Golden Temple Park.
Funny riddles
Riddle-guessing has been a special activity on the Yuanxiao festival since ancient times. The riddles are written on paper sheets which will be put up on the colorful lantern or lights for people to guess. And the quiz-play brings much fun.
Lion dance
When lantern festival comes, lively lion dances are held in such Yunnan localities as Shilin and Anning. Three roles are needed in lion dances, which can be gentle or fierce.
In a gentle dance, the disguised lions shake their hair or roll about on the ground. In a fierce show, the lions leap up or amount to great heights.
The following Yuanxiao activities in other Yunnan localities are also worth mentioning.
Dali
On Yuanxiao festival, the dragon-lion dances and rattle-stick dance are held across Dali. In Midu County, lively folk singing features the festival.
Chuxiong
In Chuxiong’s Yongren County, local Yi people hold an annual costume competition to mark Yuanxiao festival. The event is also an occasion for girls to showcase their performing talents.
Dehong
In Dehong, the Jingpo have the Munao Zongge festival that lasts for four to five days. Meaning “dance in mass,” the Munao Zongge festival is close to Yuanxiao festival.
Wherever you are, we wish you a happy Yuanxiao festival, tonight.
By Li Hengqiang and Wang Shixue; Online pictures