A grand 100-lion dance show was staged at Dehang Miao Village in Aizhai Town, Jishou City, on May 19. The 2021 “Siyueba” Festival of Miao ethnic group was celebrated on that day, also the eighth day of the fourth Chinese lunar month. A series of folk culture performances were staged, including Miao ancestor worship, lion dance, folk songs, and Wunuo exorcism show. The 100-lion dance show of Miao people in Jishou was on the list of the 9th batch of intangible cultural heritages of Jishou City in 2020. It represents Miao people’s expectations for a good harvest, and a peaceful and prosperous year. (Photo/Fu Cong, Hunan Daily)

Siyueba is a traditional festival observed by Miao ethnic group nationwide on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month. The Festival has been included into the third batch of national intangible heritages by the State Council of China. It is observed in worship of ancestors and in memory of a Miao hero.

On this day, Miao people will dress up in traditional attire and wear silver ornaments to attend an ancestor-worship ritual. Various folk art programs will be staged, including climbing a ladder of knives, beating Miao drum, holding Miao singing competition, and playing on a swing for eight people.

This article is from Hunan Provincial Government www.enghunan.gov.cn.

Translator: Pang Yuehui

Chinese source: hunantoday.cn