Lahu marks gourd festival in Lancang

The Gourd Festival, a traditional merry-making occasion of the Lahu people, is held in Lancang county, southwest Yunnan’s Pu’er city from April 7 to 10 every year.

During the festival, men play the reeds, and women danced to express their joy in plowing and sowing. The unique Lahu cuisine made up of wild vegetables highlighted the festival.

The Lahu ethnic folks use gourds to preserve seeds and hold water, drawing the gourd symbol on clothing, houses and farming tools for happiness and auspiciousness.

Source: Pu’er Wenlü Information; Trans-editing by Mo Yingyi