Zhabai Song Festival of Bouyei Ethnic Group

The Zhabai Song Festival is one of the most significant cultural celebrations among the Bouyei people in China. Held in the Xingyi area of Guizhou Province, this festival is a symbol of love, sacrifice, and cultural heritage. It is celebrated alongside the June 6th Festival, both of which play an important role in the community’s traditions and social life.

Zhabai Song Festival: A Celebration of Love and Legacy

Origin and Legend

The Zhabai Song Festival is traditionally celebrated from June 21st to 23rd in the lunar calendar. It is rooted in a touching love story about a couple named Zha and Bai. According to legend, Bai was once saved from a tiger attack by Zha, which sparked a deep love between the two. However, their love story was marred by jealousy from a local official, which led to Zha’s tragic death and Bai’s self-sacrifice. To honor their love and sacrifices, the village was renamed Zha Bai, and the festival commemorates this legendary love.

Festival Activities

The Zhabai Song Festival is marked by various festive activities that bring the community together:

• Singing competitions: People dress in their finest attire and participate in traditional singing contests, symbolizing the enduring love of Zha and Bai.

• Special foods: A soup, reminiscent of the tiger that Zha killed, is prepared and shared during the festival.

• Shopping and visiting relatives: It is common for people to purchase goods and visit family members, strengthening the community bonds.

• Anticipation for the next festival: The end of the festival is marked with a sense of excitement and longing for the next year’s celebration.

The Zhabai Song Festival serves as a reminder of the enduring power of love and the sacrifices made for love, creating a sense of unity and pride within the Buyi community.

June 6th Festival: A Sacred Day of Remembrance

Commemorating Pan Gu King

The June 6th Festival is another significant occasion in the Bouyei cultural calendar, dedicated to Pan Gu King, the forefather of the Buyi people. According to tradition, Pan Gu King introduced innovative rice-growing techniques, and his death is remembered and mourned on this day. The festival is centered around sacrifice and remembrance.

Rituals and Offerings

During the June 6th Festival, the Buyi people make offerings to Pan Gu King, praying for favorable weather and a good harvest:

• Sacrifices of chicken, pork, and Zongzi (bamboo-leaf wrapped sticky rice) are presented to honor Pan Gu and seek his blessings.

• Community gatherings: The festival also includes various recreational activities such as visiting friends, climbing, and feasting.

Modern Celebrations

Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the June 6th Festival has evolved into a more lively and festive occasion. In addition to traditional sacrifices, it now includes:

• Drum performances

• Singing and dancing

• Socializing and feasting

The festival, while rooted in solemn remembrance, has become a joyous occasion that brings people together to celebrate their heritage and cultural traditions.

Cultural Significance and Community Bonding

Both the Zhabai Song Festival and the June 6th Festival are vital cultural celebrations for the Bouyei people, reflecting their deep respect for ancestors, their love for storytelling, and their connection to nature. These festivals foster community cohesion and preserve traditions passed down through generations, strengthening the cultural fabric of the Bouyei community.