Anchored in centuries of tradition, the Canoe Dragon Boat Festival is a cherished cultural celebration among the Miao ethnic group. Nestled in the Qingshui and Taijiang River Basins of Shibi County, this festival has transcended generations, with its roots tracing back to the compelling Miao legend of the “dragon-slaying story.” Garnering national recognition, the festival was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008, solidifying its cultural significance.
Traditionally celebrated annually from the 24th to the 27th day of the fifth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, the festival returns each year to its birthplace in Pingzhai Village, Shuangjing Town, Kaili, located in the picturesque Guizhou Province of southwest China. The palpable excitement mounts as villagers diligently train in preparation for this grand cultural spectacle, mastering their prowess on their own dragon boats.
The Canoe Dragon Boat Festival embodies the distinct customs of the Miao ethnic group. Unlike the traditional seated dragon boating style of the Han ethnic group, the Miao canoeing style sees paddlers adopt a standing posture. Further, the dragon head is designed in the distinctive Miao style, and the crew members don Miao hats and clothing, adding to the festival’s unique charm.
The dragon boats used in the festival are colossal in their dimensions, measuring between 24 and 27 meters long and weighing around three to four tons. These boats are crafted from three carefully-trimmed tree trunks, typically selected from large fir trees.
The role of the drum is revered in Miao culture, symbolizing a clan or tribe. Hence, a clan leader or “drum master,” often an elder with organizational and leadership qualities, is elected in each edition of the dragon boat race. Positioned opposite the drum master, “drum girls” dressed in boy’s attire strikingly perform with the gong, adding to the festival’s vibrancy.
The festival also shines a light on the Miao community’s spirit of hospitality, as families prepare elaborate feasts to welcome visiting guests. This jubilant celebration, marked by dragon boat races and various ceremonies, showcases the strong regional and ethnic character of the Miao people, providing a rich tapestry of cultural insights and carrying significant research value. Indeed, the Canoe Dragon Boat Festival is more than a cultural event – it’s an embodiment of the Miao ethnic group’s enduring heritage and communal bond.
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