What are the traditional cultures of Manchu during the Spring Festival?

Although Manchu culture has a tendency of "China" in the history of modern development, its unique national culture has not disappeared in the long river of history, and its own cultural characteristics have been preserved in the process of national integration. Even in festivals like the Spring Festival, we have our own unique customs.

It was called "New Year's Day" in ancient times and "Aniye Nengye" in Manchu, which is a traditional grand festival of Manchu. It is held on the first day of the lunar calendar every year. This festival usually lasts for three to five days. In some areas in the past, it was extended to the fifteenth day of the first month. Popular in Manchu areas all over the country.

Manchu Spring Festival originated from Han customs. After Nurhachi established the Jin regime, under the influence of Han economy and culture, great changes have taken place in Manchu society, especially after Huang Taiji succeeded to the throne. During the Shunzhi period, the Qing army entered Beijing, the capital of Shanhaiguan, and a large number of Manchu residents moved to Shanhaiguan, where they lived with the Han nationality, and they exchanged and influenced each other economically and culturally. With the passage of time, many customs and cultures of Han nationality have been absorbed by Manchu people, and the Spring Festival has also become a common festival for Manchu and Han people.

The distinctive culture preserved by Manchu during the Spring Festival: 1. Ancestors worship Manchu ancestors, believe in Shamanism, especially worship ancestors, and always hold ancestor worship ceremonies during the Spring Festival. Although most Manchu families no longer offer memorial tablets and portraits to their ancestors, they still cherish the memory of their ancestors. The whole family should bow down to the portrait of their ancestor Emperor Kangxi, the wife (Fujin) bow down to her husband, and the daughter bow down to her parents.

The second is to post full texts and hang money. In the old days, Manchu people were all children of the Eight Banners, which were divided into four colors. During the Chinese New Year, Manchu families post money according to their flag books (also known as hanging money or flags), and people who hang yellow flags or inlaid yellow flags post yellow money; White flags are inlaid with white flags, people put white money on them, and so on. The hanging money is engraved with Manchu Fu Lu Xi Shou, and some families hang Manchu calligraphy during the Spring Festival to show the difference with the Han nationality.

The third is to eat Manchu snacks. Manchu people pay attention to eating, and Beijing Bakuai, Saqima and fried rice cakes are outstanding representatives of Manchu Chinese cakes. During the Spring Festival, there are many gifts, eight big ones, Sachima. In addition, the food with Manchu characteristics-Guorenzhang is also an essential boutique snack for friends and relatives.

Dinner should also have Manchu characteristics. Some Manchu families in Tianjin still have the habit of eating sauerkraut, white meat and blood sausage, while others eat hot pot before jiaozi during the Spring Festival. Up to now, a branch of the Yehenala family in Tianjin has the custom of eating sesame cakes (jiaozi) and noodles with soy sauce, which is slightly different from that of the Han nationality.

Fourth, Happy New Year, Happy New Year. Paying homage is an ancient etiquette of Manchu, which originated from the Eight Banners military camp and later evolved into daily etiquette. Nowadays, it is rare to see how to pay homage, and only a few families still retain the Manchu-style ritual of paying homage. It is also one of Manchu customs to pay New Year greetings to Manchu predecessors. Respecting the old and loving the young is the traditional virtue of the Chinese nation, including Manchu.

Every Spring Festival, Manchu people should take the initiative to pay New Year greetings to the surrounding Manchu elderly, learn national knowledge and inherit Manchu culture. In addition, visiting temple fairs and gathering at Tim Cang Festival are also essential activities for some Manchu people during the Spring Festival. Every nation has its own unique way to celebrate the Spring Festival, but the same is joy and peace. What remains unchanged is the yearning for a happy life and the singing of a harmonious society. Although Manchu has been completely sinicized, there are always some ancient folk customs worth remembering.