Characteristics and customs of Tujia nationality

Tujia nationality is characterized by diligence and creativity, respect for nature, unique national culture, torch festival, wedding customs and costumes.

I. Characteristics

1, diligence and creativity

Tujia people are famous for their hard work and creativity. They take mountains as their home and farming as their main way of life, but they also engage in hunting, fishing, forestry and other activities. They adapt to the environment, actively use and transform nature, and show a high degree of survival wisdom and labor spirit.

Step 2 respect nature

Tujia nationality has a profound tradition of nature worship and ecological protection. They believe in animism, respect the laws of nature and remain in awe of the natural environment. This attitude of respecting nature is also reflected in their living customs and beliefs. For example, they will pray to the gods for good weather and good harvests during the sacrificial activities.

3. Unique national culture.

Tujia people have rich and colorful cultural traditions, including music, dance, drama, handicrafts and so on. Their culture includes not only farming culture, but also cultural elements such as hunting and fishing. These cultural elements are fully reflected in Tujia life, forming a unique national cultural style.

Second, the customs.

1, Torch Festival

Traditional Tujia festivals are usually held on the 15th or 16th day of the first lunar month. On this day, people will light torches, set off fireworks and dragon lanterns to drive away bad luck and pray for peace and harvest.

2. Marriage customs

Tujia marriage customs have strong national characteristics. At weddings, there are rich rituals and customs, such as engagement, wedding reception and welcoming the bride. Celebrate the happiness of newlyweds with songs and traditional dances.

3. clothes

Tujia traditional costumes are also very distinctive. Men usually wear black tops and loose trousers, while women like to wear colorful long skirts and tops, as well as distinctive headdresses and ornaments.

Introduction of Tujia culture;

In the past, Tujia people believed in many gods, such as nature worship, totem worship, ancestor worship and local king worship. And witchcraft and witchcraft are particularly powerful. The introduction of Taoism, Buddhism and Christianity also had a certain influence on Tujia belief.

Every time Tujia people go hunting, they have to offer sacrifices to hunting gods. Longshan, Laifeng, Yongshun and other places call hunting gods "Meishan Empress", "Xiao Yun Empress" or "Meichang", while Changyang, Wufeng and Hefeng worship Zhang Wulang. The hall is dedicated to the gods of hunting gods. When hunting in the mountains, hunters must first worship God, pray for protection and safety, and make a wish.

White tiger plays an important role in Tujia people's minds. Tujia people call themselves the "White Tiger Queen", regard the White Tiger as the ancestor god, and never forget to worship at all times. A white tiger carved from wood is enshrined in the shrine of every family all the year round. When getting married, the man should spread a tiger blanket on the spacious table in the main hall, symbolizing the sacrifice to the tiger ancestors. In the "jumping drum" of sacrifice, there are many actions that imitate tigers washing their faces, wagging their tails, walking and preying.