Ruptly
"Thousands of people filled the streets of China's Taijiang County on Saturday, parading in vibrant traditional dress to celebrate the Miao Sisters Festival, an ancient event showcasing the rich culture of the Miao ethnic group. Footage shows participants singing and dancing to the sounds of the lusheng - a bamboo mouth organ - and wooden drums. Performers of all ages paraded down city streets as onlookers snapped photos of the vibrant celebrations. Often described as a 'festival hidden in the flower bud', the celebration blends romance, tradition and community as crowds exchange symbolic gifts and take part in courtship rituals, with some couples even getting engaged during the festivities. "I think the festival was very well organised. Everything was well-arranged, the festive atmosphere was strong, and even foreigners came to visit,” said Lu from Guizhou Province. "What impressed me most was that it felt incredibly moving and solemn. I also felt that the local government placed great importance on this festival, which made for a wonderful overall experience," added Li. Rooted in local tradition, the festival dates back to a time when men from a Miao village left for extended hunting trips. The women, having built a prosperous settlement, organised a spring feast using rice, wine and fish to invite young men from other areas. The gathering led to successful matchmaking and eventually became an annual tradition. Recognised as a part of the nation's intangible cultural heritage, the festival is one of the most important celebrations of the Miao ethnic group in Guizhou Province. It is typically held around the 15th day of the third lunar month and is often described as the 'oldest Valentine’s Day' in Asia, highlighting themes of romance, courtship, and community."
Go to News Site