The Historical Origin of the Dai Chicken Stealing Festival

The Dai Chicken Stealing Festival (also known as the Water Splashing Festival) is one of the traditional festivals of the Dai people, which originated from the Dai society in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province. Regarding the historical origin of the Dai Chicken Stealing Festival, there are the following statements: exorcising evil spirits and praying for disaster relief.

1, exorcising evil spirits and receiving blessings: The Dai people's chicken stealing festival originated from the folklore of exorcising evil spirits and receiving blessings. According to legend, there was a mysterious black chicken in ancient times who often flew to Dai villages to rob other people's poultry. In order to protect their property, the villagers have come up with various ways to deal with black chickens, so there is an annual "Chicken Stealing Festival", on which people can chase, catch and release these black chickens to drive away evil and get good luck.

2. Pray for disaster relief: The Dai Chicken Stealing Festival originated from a festival set up to commemorate a legendary hero. According to legend, this hero once saved the Dai people, so people set up a chicken stealing festival to thank and commemorate him and pray for disaster relief.