Brief Overview of Bai Ethnic Group

The Bai people, an ethnic minority of China, live at the foot of the Blue Mountain and along the shores of Erhai Lake, areas famous for their scenic beauty and cultural heritage, also depicted in the movie Five Golden Flowers.

The Bai people have a population of over 1,590,000 and primarily inhabit regions like Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Lijiang Bijiang, Baoshan, Nanhua, Yuanjiang, Kunming, and An’ning, among others. Small communities are also found in Dayong and Sangzhi (Hunan), Bijie (Guizhou), Liangshan (Sichuan), and several other areas.

Language and Naming

The Bai people are known by various names: they call themselves “Bai,” “Baizi,” “Baini,” or “Bairen.” Other ethnic groups historically called them “Minjia,” “Lebu,” “Lema,” and “Lemo.” In historical records from the Yuan (元) and Ming (明) dynasties, the Bai are referred to as “Bairen” or “Boren.”

In November 1956, after the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Bai people were collectively recognized as the Bai nationality.

The Bai people have their own spoken and written language, which belongs to the Tibeto-Burman branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family. Their language is a mixture of Chinese, Tibetan, and Burmese influences. Historically, they used Chinese, Bo language (an ancient written language with Bai pronunciation), and Sanskrit. Of these, Chinese was the most widely used. In the 1950s, a Bai alphabetic writing system was developed, and by 1980, Bai-Chinese bilingual education was successfully implemented.

Lifestyle and Economy

The Bai people traditionally rely on farming, but also engage in fishing, livestock raising, and handicrafts. The primary food crops of the Bai are paddy rice, wheat, and corn, while economic crops include sugar cane, tobacco, and tea.

Religion and Beliefs

Most Bai people worship a communal god, although some also follow Buddhism, Taoism, and Christianity. Historically, cremation was a common practice, but since the Ming Dynasty (明朝), inhumation has become the main burial method.

Traditional Festivals and Celebrations

The Bai people celebrate several important festivals, many of which are related to their religious beliefs and communal practices. Some of the most significant festivals include:

Torch Festival (火把节)

A vibrant festival celebrated by many ethnic groups in the region, including the Bai. It marks the arrival of summer and is celebrated with torchlight parades, dancing, and singing.

Communal God Festival (社神节)

A festival dedicated to the worship of communal gods, celebrated with large gatherings, prayers, and offerings.

March Fair (三月集市)

A traditional fair where Bai people and other ethnic groups gather to trade goods, celebrate, and participate in cultural activities.

Yutanhui (玉潭会)

A religious and cultural gathering, marking significant occasions related to the Bai people’s spiritual beliefs.

Raosanling (绕三灵)

A traditional festival where Bai people perform rituals and dances in honor of their ancestors and spirits, often involving elaborate ceremonies and processions.

These festivals are an essential part of Bai culture, bringing together family, friends, and community members for celebration and worship.

Cultural Achievements

The Bai people have made significant contributions in various fields, showcasing their highly developed culture:

Architecture

The Bai are known for their distinctive architectural styles, particularly in the Dali (大理) region, with beautiful traditional houses, temples, and pagodas.

Medicine

Bai traditional medicine incorporates herbal remedies and acupuncture practices that have been passed down through generations.

Historiography

The Bai people have an extensive history of recording events, creating detailed historical documents that chronicle their rich culture.

Pedagogy

Education has always been a key part of Bai culture, with schools for both children and adults that focus on language, religion, and traditions.

Literature

The Bai have a rich literary tradition, with works written in their native language as well as translations from other cultures.

Music and Dance

Bai folk music and dance are central to their festivals and celebrations, with traditional instruments such as drums, gongs, and stringed instruments accompanying their performances.

Drama and Painting

Bai people are known for their colorful opera performances and painting traditions, which depict the daily life and religious beliefs of the people.

These cultural achievements highlight the Bai people’s long and storied history as well as their contributions to China’s cultural mosaic.