Festivals

Date:March 3 Song Festival is an important traditional festival of ethnic minorities such as the Miao and Dong peoples, usually held on the third day of the third lunar month. The celebration methods and duration may vary in different regions, but they are generally held on this day or this week.

Overview:March 3 Song Festival is an important festival for ethnic groups such as the Miao and Dong peoples to celebrate the arrival of spring and pray for a good harvest and family happiness. During the festival, ethnic songs and dances, singing competitions, traditional competitions and sacrificial activities are the main features of the festival. March 3 Song Festival is not only a traditional festival celebration, but also a concentrated display of ethnic culture and traditional art.

Origin of March 3 Song Festival

March 3 Song Festival originated from ancient sacrifices and harvest celebrations. Legend has it that a long time ago, the Miao and Dong peoples held singing, dancing and other celebrations to thank the gods for their blessings and pray for a good harvest and happiness in the coming year. As time went by, the March 3rd Song Festival gradually evolved into a festival dominated by singing and dancing, and became a festive moment for all ethnic groups to gather.

The word “song” in the song festival represents singing and music. Singing activities occupy a central position in this festival. Men, women, young and old will hold singing competitions on this day to express their love for nature, their loved ones and life.

Main Activities of the March 3rd Song Festival

• Singing Competition:One of the highlights of the March 3rd Song Festival is the grand singing competition, in which participants sing in the fields and squares, usually mainly traditional folk songs. Men, women, young and old will participate in it, and the singing voices are melodious. The content of the competition includes love songs, labor songs, sacrificial songs, etc.
• Traditional Dance:During the song festival, dance activities are also an indispensable part. People dressed in ethnic costumes, formed a circle and danced traditional dances, such as the Miao people’s “Hand-waving Dance” and the Dong people’s “Dong Song”, showing the vitality of ethnic culture.
• Ancestor worship and blessing:During the March 3rd Song Festival, various places will hold ancestor worship ceremonies to worship ancestors and natural gods, praying for peace, harvest and happiness. In addition, some areas will also hold activities such as mountain worship and water worship to thank nature for its gifts.
• Folk competition:The March 3rd Song Festival is also a time for traditional folk competitions. Horse racing, cockfighting, wrestling, tug-of-war and other events are common events during the festival, showing the sports and competitive spirit of the local people.
• Special food:During the festival, the Miao and Dong people will prepare rich traditional food, such as rice dumplings, glutinous rice, bacon, sour soup, etc., for relatives and friends to share.
• Visiting relatives and friends:The March 3rd Song Festival is also a time for family and friends to reunite. People will visit relatives and friends, send blessings to each other, and convey the joy and love of the festival.

The cultural significance of the March 3rd Song Festival

The March 3rd Song Festival is a concentrated display of the cultures of ethnic minorities such as the Miao and Dong ethnic groups. It not only expresses people’s awe of nature, but also reflects the unity and affection between ethnic groups. The singing, dancing, competition and sacrificial rituals in the festival activities are not only the inheritance of traditional culture, but also the expectation of a better life.

In modern society, the March 3rd Song Festival has become an important resource for local ethnic culture and tourism. Through colorful celebrations, the March 3rd Song Festival provides people with an opportunity to deeply understand the Miao and Dong cultures, and also promotes the protection and development of ethnic cultures.