Suining Miao Girls’ Day

Picturesque Huangsang Nature Reserve (file photo)

A large banquet served to celebrate the Girls’ Day (file photo)

The 2018 Miao Girls’ Day will take place between May 21 and 24 in Suining County, Shaoyang City, Hunan Province.

Legends has it that Miao Girls’ Day is a festival passed down to commemorate Yang Li'niang, an ancient Miao heroine of the Song Dynasty (960-1279). This festival, which is specific to Miao women only, is celebrated in the Miao regions of Hunan Province, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and Guizhou Province that are near to Suining County. It was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008.

Today, this festival has become a traditional ethnic festival that has a wide range of influences on the border among the three regions. It is praised by the Miao people as their Women’s Day.

This year the festival will display authentic Miao folk customs, including a ceremony to worship female ancestor and dogs; and performance of Miao songs and exorcism stunts, in Huangsang Quyou Valley, Huayuange Miao Village, Dayuan Miao Village, and Zhaishi Ancient Town. It allows visitors to have an access to the unique and rich folk culture in Suining.

Suining enjoys the reputation of “Hometown of Chinese Bamboo”. This year bamboo element will be integrated into the festival. A bamboo-themed feast will be served to promote bamboo-related food. Song performances in the sea of bamboo will be made to promote the bamboo culture. A southwest Hunan bamboo products exhibition will also be held.

Chinese source: hn.chinanews.com