Sand Burying for Lovers(河边埋恋人)
Sand of the river buries the lover is a traditional recreational and courtship activity popular among young people in Fugong area, Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture. The event takes place on the fourth or fifth day of the Lunar New Year.
On the festival day, young men and women gather along the banks of the Nujiang River to sing, dance and have fun. With the help of friends, each pair digs a pit on the sandy beach, then gently places their beloved into the pit and covers them with sand. Everyone acts sorrowfully, singing funeral ballads and performing ritual mourning dances in a playful way. After teasing and frolicking to their hearts' content, they pull the buried lovers out of the sand.
This custom carries two beautiful implications. It is a vivid expression of deep and sincere affection between lovers. Meanwhile, locals believe this ritual can bury misfortune and death away from their beloved ones, blessing them with good health and a long life.
Shooting Eggs on the Head(头顶射蛋)
Young Lisu people in Fugong also hold a thrilling crossbow competition known as shooting egg on the head, which combines skill, courage and romance.
During the contest, male participants carry arrow quivers and hold crossbows. Their female partners stand several meters away, placing an upside-down bowl on their heads. An egg is set on the bowl base; alternatively, a wooden bowl holding rice and an egg will be worn on the head.
The young men draw the bow, load arrows calmly and take precise shots. With a crisp pop, the egg is split open and egg liquid splatters, while the girls remain completely unharmed. The wonderful performance always wins thunderous applause from onlookers.
This exciting game is a test of shooting skills, personal courage and loyal love. For the sake of their partners' safety, less skilled shooters would rather miss the target than risk hurting their lovers.