"Yuediwa" Festival of Dong Ethnic Group

On the third day of the first month of the Chinese lunar calendar, the traditional festival of "Yuediwa" is celebrated at Shangyan Dong Village of Dupo Town in Tongdao Dong Autonomous County. The village is located at the border areas of Hunan, Guangxi, and Guizhou. Numerous villagers and tourists gather here to experience the ancient marriage customs of the Dong ethnic group.

"Yuediwa" is hailed as the Dong ethnic group's "Valentine's Day." On the third day of the first lunar month every year, young men from Shangyan Dong Village invite young women from other villages to attend collective activities as a way to get acquainted with each other, such as singing Dong songs (Duoye), participating in a long-table banquet, and singing songs together at night.

Additionally, "Yuediwa" Festival features a rich array of celebrations to showcase the culture of the Dong ethnic group, including singing love songs in antiphonal style accompanied by pipa, engaging in antiphonal singing accompanied by Dong flute, staging folk dance performances, and holding a family feast. These activities enable participants to immerse themselves in vibrant folk culture while enjoying a joyful and memorable holiday.

Chinese source: hunan.gov.cn

Photo source: tongdao.gov.cn