Festivals

Date:Panwang Festival is a traditional festival of the Yao ethnic group, usually held on the tenth day of the tenth lunar month every year. This festival is one of the most important festivals of the Yao people, and is intended to commemorate Panwang (the ancestor god of the Yao people) and wish the people good health and a good harvest.

Overview:Panwang Festival originated from the Yao people’s worship of their ancestors and natural gods, and this important festival is mainly celebrated through sacrifices, singing and dancing, and competitions. The Yao people convey their respect and gratitude to their ancestors through the Panwang Festival, and also pray for peace, health and a good harvest in the new year through this festival.

Origin of Panwang Festival

The origin of Panwang Festival is closely related to the history and beliefs of the Yao people. Panwang is the ancestor god of the Yao people and is considered to be the protector and protector of the Yao people. The establishment of Panwang Festival is to commemorate Panwang, thank Panwang for the protection and good harvest bestowed on the Yao people, and also pray for the blessings of ancestors and gods.

In the legend of the Yao people, Pan Wang is the ancestor of the Yao people. He led the Yao people to overcome various difficulties and finally led them to a stable life. The Pan Wang Festival is a festival for the Yao people to express respect and gratitude, symbolizing the inheritance of Yao culture and religious beliefs.

Main Activities of the Pan Wang Festival

• Sacrifice to Pan Wang:The core activity of the Pan Wang Festival is to sacrifice to Pan Wang. The Yao people will hold a sacrificial ceremony during the festival. The offerings usually include rice, meat, wine, fruits, etc. The sacrificial location is usually at the Pan Wang Temple or sacrificial site. Through the sacrifice, the Yao people express gratitude and respect to Pan Wang and pray for a good harvest and good health in the coming year.
• Singing and dancing performances:During the Pan Wang Festival, the Yao people will wear traditional ethnic costumes and hold grand singing and dancing performances. Singing and dancing activities are an important part of the festival celebration, expressing the Yao people’s reverence for life, land, ancestors and gods. Dances are usually full of rhythm and lively movements, showing the Yao people’s love for life.
• Folk Games:During the Panwang Festival, the Yao people will also hold traditional folk sports activities, such as wrestling, archery, tug-of-war, etc. These activities are not only part of the festival celebration, but also reflect the physical strength and wisdom of the Yao people, with a strong collective spirit and competitive interest.
• Traditional Food:During the Panwang Festival, the Yao people will prepare rich traditional food, such as “glutinous rice”, “barbecue”, “zongzi”, etc. Food is not only a symbol of festival celebrations, but also symbolizes a good harvest and family reunion. Everyone will share food, which means harmony and unity.
• Parades and Temple Fairs:During the Panwang Festival, the Yao people will also hold parades and temple fairs. Participants wear traditional Yao costumes and hold incense and offerings to parade in the temple fair. This is not only a way of celebration, but also a form of respect for ancestors and expression of wishes.

Cultural Significance of Panwang Festival

As a traditional festival of the Yao ethnic group, Panwang Festival carries profound cultural and spiritual connotations. It is not only a festival for worshipping ancestors and gods, but also symbolizes the Yao people’s respect for nature, land and life. Through this festival, the Yao people can express their gratitude to their ancestors and pray for health and good harvest in the coming year.

Panwang Festival not only maintains the traditional culture of the Yao people, but also promotes cohesion among ethnic groups. It provides an opportunity for the Yao people to unite, encourages people to celebrate life together, and pass on the spirit and values ​​of the Yao people. With the progress of society, the celebration of Panwang Festival has gradually combined with modern life and become an important platform for displaying the traditions and culture of the Yao people.