Panwang Festival of Yao Ethnic Group

Panhu, also known as Panwang or Pangu, holds significant cultural and historical importance among the Yao people, a minority group in China. Here’s a summary of the legend and the Panwang Festival associated with Panhu:

Legend of Panhu

Panhu is revered as the legendary dragon-like dog who is believed to be the first ancestor of the Yao people. According to the legend:

• During the reign of Emperor Ku (or King Gaoxin), his wife suffered from a prolonged ear disease. She was cured when a golden worm was extracted from her ear. This worm was kept under a gourd and eventually transformed into a dragon-like dog with brocade patterns on its body, hence named Panhu (“Hu” refers to gourd).

  

• Panhu, known for his courage and intelligence, gained favor with Emperor Ku. When faced with a rebellion by a powerful chief, Panhu single-handedly defeated the chief, earning him the title “Panwang” (King Pan).
• Panhu later transformed into a human after staying in a golden bell for six days. Emperor Ku bestowed him with the title of “king of Shibao Palace” in Nanjing. However, Panwang chose a simple life with his wife in Zhongnanshan, hunting and cultivating land, and starting a family.
• The twelve children of Panwang were each given surnames, which became the earliest surnames of the Yao people. This legend attributes the origins of the Yao nationality to Panwang and his descendants.

  

Panwang Festival

Panwang Festival, also known as “Tiao Panwang,” “Qing Panwang,” “Zuo Panwang,” and “Huan Panwang Yuan,” is a significant festival among the Yao people. Key points of the festival include:

• Date: Celebrated on August the 16th in the lunar calendar, which is considered Panwang’s birthday.
• Activities: The festival involves various cultural and ceremonial activities:
  • Animal sacrifices and feasting with family and friends.
  • Recitation of scriptures and traditional stories.
  • Ritual dances such as the “Panwang dance” and singing of “Panwang songs.”
  • Spiritual practices and magic arts to invoke blessings and protection from Panwang.
• Historical Significance: Traditionally, the festival was celebrated with varying scales and frequencies across Yao villages. In 1984, during the National Yao Delegates Conference in Nanning, Guangxi, it was standardized to be celebrated every August 16th as a common festival for all Yao people.
• Modern Celebrations: Today, the Panwang Festival has evolved into a vibrant celebration with cultural performances, recreational activities, and a joyful atmosphere. It continues to be an important occasion for Yao communities to reaffirm their cultural identity, honor their ancestry, and celebrate their unity.

  

The legend of Panhu and the Panwang Festival exemplify the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Yao people, highlighting their deep reverence for their ancestral roots and their customs passed down through generations.