The Origin and Customs of Torch Festival

The origin and customs of Torch Festival are as follows:

First, the origin of Torch Festival:

Although there are different opinions about the origin of Torch Festival, its origin is most directly related to the worship of fire. Its purpose is to use fire to repel insects and protect crops. Torch Festival is called "Du Ze" in Liangshan Yi language, which means "offering fire". In the ritual songs "Sacrifice to Vulcan" and "Sacrifice Pot and Shi Zhuang", there is a passage describing the miracle of Vulcan Aidigu. The original form of Torch Festival, in short, is the ancient fire worship.

Second, the custom of Torch Festival:

The first day of Torch Festival: Sacrificing fire.

On this day, all villages will slaughter cattle and sheep, share them collectively, and prepare wine and meat to worship their ancestors. When night falls, the traditional way is to strike a stone to light a flame, and Bimo (a Yi folk priest) recites scriptures to sacrifice the fire. Then, every household, adults and children will wander in the corner of the field with torches made of wormwood from Bimo, imitating Asher's legend of fire repellent.

The second day of Torch Festival: spread the fire.

On this day, every family gathers under the sacred fire of the altar and holds various traditional festivals. As night falls, a pair of sentient men and women, in the mountains, by the stream, under the butter umbrella, pluck Qin Yue, bounce the strings and tell each other about their lovesickness. Therefore, some people call Liangshan Yi International Torch Festival "Valentine's Day in the East".

Torch Festival Day 3: Send fire.

This is the climax of the entire Liangshan Yi International Torch Festival. On this day, when night falls, everyone will run around with torches. Finally, people gathered their torches together to form a huge bonfire, and happy people gathered around the bonfire to sing and dance heartily. The scene is extremely spectacular. Therefore, it is also called "Oriental Carnival Night".

When will ethnic minorities hold the Torch Festival?

Yi, Naxi and Jinuo nationalities are on June 24th, Bai on June 25th and Lahu on June 20th. This festival lasts for two or three days. Torch Festival is also a grand festival for Bai people. Every year on June 25th in the summer calendar, the Bai people hold activities to wish people and animals a bumper harvest and prosperity.